Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys Read Free Book Online Page B

‘I now regret
     not leading the Count on a little to discover more. But a contact who did said this Weishaupt’s motives are shrouded in Jesuitical
     casuistry. He was educated by Jesuits, apparently, and rejected them later as not
extreme
enough, too tied to a Catholic orthodoxy. Thus my friend did not learn much; but he got the impression that these Illuminati
     seek, in all societies, disorder, disruption—’
    ‘Revolution?’
    ‘Indeed. To build an “illuminated” new order out of the chaos of the old. With them in control, presumably.’
    Now that Jack’s heart had calmed, his mind was engaged. And there were questions here that puzzled him.
    ‘So why his interest in me? He seemed very set on my extinction.’
    As he asked the question, he recalled again part of their conversation at Drury Lane, Burgoyne’s parting words, and, remembering
     it, he had the beginnings of an answer.
    ‘Did you not let it be known, sir, that I had already accepted your offer to rouse the Iroquois for the King?’
    Burgoyne smiled. ‘I’m rather afraid I may have given out that impression.’
    ‘So if Von Schlaben understands the importance of the Iroquois to the British cause, he might perceive me as a serious threat
     to the Revolution? To the disorder he seeks?’
    ‘You know, Jack, I’m rather afraid he might.’
    Jack looked out of the window at the roadway speeding by. The fields were giving way to more houses. They were entering the
     outskirts of Windsor.
    Of course. There always had been more to it than a dispute over a pretty player.
    ‘Well, General, I think you have enmeshed me here.’
    It was said with a little heat but Burgoyne merely smiled still. ‘Alas, Jack, I fear you are right. How ever can I make amends?’
    ‘You are bound for Portsmouth?’ He received a nod. ‘Then a ride there would quit your obligation. My boat, as yours, awaits.
     If you will but take me to the docks—’
    ‘And you will be arrested the moment you set foot upon them. My boy, you were called out in the most public setting possible.
     In accepting Tarleton’s challenge, you in turn challenged the Authorities … and they seem very serious about restricting a
     gentleman’s prerogative of honour. Examples must be made and you will make a fine one. Not too wealthy to cause a fuss but
     still well known. Your estates will be forfeit, your neck may well be stretched, you will at the least be thrown into the
     Clink and nothing can save you.’ Burgoyne smiled again. ‘Well, almost nothing.’
    ‘“Almost nothing”, General?’ Louisa leaned in. ‘Oh, do say there is something that can be done for the gallant Captain!’
    They seemed to be sharing a private joke. Jack, looking from one to the other, suddenly realized what it was. And that it
     was on him.
    ‘As usual, my dear, you have hit upon the very heart of it.If you were indeed “Captain” Jack Absolute again, entrusted by a commander of one of His Majesty’s armies – odds life, I suppose
     someone very much like myself! – entrusted, as I say, with a mission vital to your country’s cause … why then, my boy, no
     civil power on earth could touch you.’
    Enmeshed indeed. There was no escaping from the snare. Instead of further anger, though, Jack could only tip back his head
     and laugh.
    ‘It really is a very good plot,’ he said, looking at each in turn, ‘I must write Sheridan with it.’
    ‘You will have plenty of time on our voyage to America.’ Louisa smiled, laying her hand on Jack’s arm, squeezing it gently.
    He looked from her fingers up into her steady green eyes and seemed suddenly to see in their pattern something of the land
     from which she came. It appeared he had no choice now but to return to that land, to North America, eleven years after he’d
     left it. Até, facing into the wind atop the carriage, would be delighted. And Jack, now he had no other option, was strangely
     pleased too. His business in Nevis could, with very careful