Weis, Margaret - The Dragon Corsairs 02 - Privateer by Margaret Weis
Author:Margaret Weis [Weis, Margaret]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
THIRTY-TWO
A servant guided Thomas and Phillip to the solar, a room in one of the upper stories of the palace, used by the family, particularly the women, as a private sitting room. Small and intimate, the solar was the ideal place to retire in solitude and peace, escape the bustle of servants and guests.
The solar was charming, with old-fashioned, ornately carved woodwork covering the walls, a large stone fireplace, and comfortable high-backed chairs. A deeply recessed window faced west to take advantage of the bright afternoon sunlight. Thomas and Phillip found the countess standing at this window, gazing out of it, her arms folded across her chest.
When the servant announced them, Cecile turned to greet them with a cool and gracious smile.
She was elegantly though simply dressed in a gown of gray silk with a lacy shawl around her shoulders. Her only ornament was a gold ring on her left hand. She did not invite them to be seated. She was clearly deeply troubled.
Cecile did not waste time in niceties. Confronting Phillip, she said abruptly, âYour Grace was in the service of Sir Henry Wallace.â
âI was in his service, my lady,â said Phillip, laying emphasis on the past tense. âI have assured Your Ladyship before that I no longer work for Sir Henry. My loyalties are to His Highness.â
Cecile impatiently brushed his words aside. âBe that as it may, are you acquainted with a man named Franklin Sloan?â
Phillip was startled and wary. âSir Henry has a private secretary who goes by that name.â
âWould you say this Mr. Sloan is a man to be trusted? That isâ¦â Cecile rephrased her question. âWould Sir Henry be likely to trust him?â
âMr. Sloan is more than a secretary to Sir Henry,â said Phillip. âHe is a valued friend and confidant. Sir Henry would trust him implicitly.â
Cecile gave a grave nod. âThat was my assessment, as well.â
She fell silent, lost in thought, twisting the ring on her finger.
âLet us sit down,â she said abruptly. âWe could be here some time.â
She indicated a sofa by the fire. Thomas sat down near the fire, Cecile took her place at his side, and Phillip drew up a chair to sit near Thomas.
Cecile turned to face him. âYou visited an army encampment while in Bheldem, Your Highness.â
âI did, my lady,â Thomas said.
âYou accompanied Prince Thomas, Your Grace. The two of you spent a day and a night there.â
âYes, my lady,â Phillip answered, exchanging puzzled glances with Thomas.
âWere you aware that Mr. Sloan was present in the fort at the same time?â Cecile asked.
Phillip was taken aback. âThat is not possible, my lady! I would have recognized him immediately.â
âMr. Sloan feared you would recognize him and took pains to keep out of your sight,â said Cecile. âHe was there, I assure you, to gather intelligence about Your Highnessâs plans to invade Freya and overthrow the queen.â
Thomas gaped at her. âBut ⦠that is ludicrous! I have no such plans!â
Cecile studied him searchingly. Thomas realized she was trying to find out
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