Free Lord Rakehell by Virginia Henley

it, Your Highness, I’m sure he would not hesitate to go up a few days early and take care of this delicate matter. As lord of the bedchamber to your son, he considers it his sacred duty to serve and protect the heir to the throne.”
    â€œThank you, Abercorn. We must nip this in the bud before the whispers begin.” Prince Albert’s haggard face was set in deep lines of worry. “I shall rely on his, and your, discretion.”
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    When the session in the House ended, James Hamilton joined his uncle Lord John Russell. The grave topic of discussion was the American Civil War. Eleven states wanted an independent Confederacy, led by its president, Jefferson Davis.
    â€œThough Britain depends on American cotton for our textile industry, we cannot extend diplomatic relations to the Confederates,” John Russell declared.
    â€œPrime Minister Palmerston is urging a policy of neutrality. War is an internal matter and should be settled by peaceful negotiation,” James Hamilton agreed.
    Abercorn arrived and placed a hand on each man’s shoulder. “The Union wants to prevent us from recognizing the Confederacy. I agree that we must not take sides.”
    â€œHello, Father, were you in the Lords today?”
    â€œNo, I’ve just come from an audience with Prince Albert about a personal matter.”
    John Russell excused himself and joined Prime Minister Palmerston.
    James raised his eyebrows.
    â€œIt’s the Prince of Wales. Seems he no sooner arrived in Cambridge than he sent for his Irish companion. Governor Bruce is agog over his playing house with the actress and has reported the matter to Prince Albert and Her Majesty. You know how abhorrent scandal is to the queen. She is adamant that this must not get out.”
    â€œIf the prince has practiced discretion, gossip should have been avoided.”
    â€œPrince Albert is worried about blackmail, and both he and the queen are in a panic in case the young woman becomes pregnant.”
    â€œI’m going to Cambridge. He turns twenty this week; I will be expected at the celebration on Saturday.”
    â€œIf I were you, I’d go tomorrow. Prince Albert is relying on you to put a stop to it before the whispers start.”
    â€œI’ll see what I can do. I’ll leave at first light.”
    â€œThe prince may not listen to reason now that he’s turning twenty.”
    â€œI’ll handle it . . . one way or another. You may depend upon it, Father.”
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    â€œJames, you came early.” Prince Teddy saluted Hamilton with his half-full glass of brandy. “We’ll make a week of it!”
    â€œYour Highness, let me be the first to wish you happy returns of the day.” James threw Charles Carrington a look of censure and received a helpless shrug of the shoulders from the prince’s attendant.
    â€œYou’ll never guess who’s here.” The prince was beaming.
    â€œDon’t tell me your family arrived before me? I had no idea they would travel to Cambridge to celebrate your twentieth birthday with you, Teddy.”
    In spite of the spirits he’d imbibed, the prince sobered immediately. “My parents aren’t coming, are they?” Teddy put the glass down and stood up. “Nellie’s here!”
    â€œI think it best if we move Miss Clifden from your residence to a hotel. Just in case members of your family arrive for your birthday.”
    â€œExcellent suggestion, James. Will you take care of the arrangements?”
    â€œMy pleasure.” He saw Carrington motion with his head and grasped the significance. “I take it the lady is occupying the east wing?”
    Teddy nodded. “Morning sun . . .”
    I wager she doesn’t see the light of day until afternoon.
    James made his way to the east wing, tapped lightly on the first door, and entered.
    Nellie,