Lady Emma's Campaign by Jennifer Moore Read Free Book Online Page A

all,” William responded. “Thank you for meeting with me, Your Excellency.”
    “There is no need to stand upon ceremony. My elder brother is the Duke of Wellington, but I am simply Henry Wellesley. I am delighted to meet you.”
    “May I present my sister, Lady Emma Drake, sir.”
    Emma dipped in a curtsey.
    Henry took her hand. If he had any opinions about William bringing his sister into a besieged city during the middle of a war, he kept them to himself. “It is a pleasure, Lady Emma.”
    William introduced Lieutenants Wellard and Fairchild, Corporals Thorne and Ashworth, and Riley.
    Henry Wellesley sent a servant for drinks and tapas, which turned out to be a variety of finger foods. Most were completely foreign to Emma, but she was pleased to find them all delicious. While they ate, Henry made arrangements for the company to remain at the embassy for the night, and servants were sent to the ship with the corporals to retrieve essentials. Emma was relieved. The idea of walking the entire distance back to the island and then taking a boat out to the ship was exhausting.
    “Thank you for your hospitality, sir,” William said, when they had finished eating.
    “It is always a delight to receive visitors from home. You can imagine I do not have the opportunity often.”
    “I do not wish to impose more upon your time, so I will come to the purpose of our visit.”
    Henry nodded and leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other and waving his hand as a signal for William to continue.
    “Captain Sidney Fletcher of the HMS Venture was imprisoned at Fort Matagorda two months ago. Upon inquiry, the prison denied the existence of any prisoner by that name. We are unsure whether he has given an alias for a purpose unknown to us or if the French are denying his presence for another reason.”
    “And are you certain he was captured?”
    “Yes, we have a witness. A trusted soldier who would not mistake the fact.”
    Emma saw Riley sit up a bit taller.
    Henry Wellesley rubbed his chin. “Technically, I am the envoy to the court of Spain. My interaction with the French is limited, for obvious reasons.” He stared at the fountain for a moment as he apparently contemplated the situation.
    Emma began to feel sick. What if the ambassador was unwilling or unable to assist them? Did William have a contingency plan? “Please, sir. Is there anything you can do?” she asked.
    Henry looked at her for a moment and finally spoke again. “I do believe, in this case, it would be entirely appropriate and within my rights to launch an investigation. I shall send an emissary tomorrow morning to the prison at Matagorda to inquire after Captain Fletcher.”
    “Thank you,” Emma breathed.
    William’s shoulders relaxed, the relief upon his face obvious.
    “However,” the ambassador continued slowly, his eyes still on Emma. “I do not know if my emissary would be able to discover information about the captain if he is using an assumed name. Perhaps, it would be prudent to send someone with him who would recognize Captain Fletcher.”
    “Of course,” William said. “I would not think to send your man alone. I shall join him.”
    “Naturally, you would be an excellent choice, my lord. However, I do not believe the French are likely to allow a man of your standing and military experience behind their siege lines. Especially with the British forces massing for an attack at any moment. You would be suspected as a spy.” Henry looked at each of the men. “As would all of you. I believe that even you, Master Riley, would be considered a potential threat by our enemies.”
    Finally, the ambassador turned to Emma. “Lady Emma, however . . .”
    “Out of the question.” William shook his head.
    “Her ladyship is the sister of a nobleman. Even the blasted French respect such a thing as rank. They can be trusted to act honorably toward a young gentlewoman, my lord. And I have had some dealings with the prison under its