Read Online Fortune's Son by Emery Lee - Free Book Online

better occupy your time.”
    Unlike those paying particular court to the prince, who appeared quite bedeviled by drink, Philip found his head still remarkably clear. He turned back to George. “Go on without me, Bosky. I’ve another game in mind.”
    ***
    In addition to his lavish and impulsive spending, Prince Frederick was best distinguished among the royal family for his preference for low company. Yet, among his numerous so-called friends, the Prince of Wales had as many enemies, as nobody was too great or too good for him to betray.
    Lady Susannah’s brief time in his escort lent truth to what even his own family said of him: that he was singularly loutish and insincere. When he aimed to be merry, the manner of Frederick’s mirth was to genuine cheer what wet wood is to fire, damping the flame it is meant to feed. The prince desired without love, could laugh without pleasure, and weep without true grief, for which Susannah knew even his mistresses were not truly fond of him.
    For what regard was it possible to have for a man who had no truth in his words, no justice in his inclinations, no integrity in his commerce, no sincerity in his professions, no stability in his attachments, no sense in his conversation, no dignity in his behavior, and no judgment in his conduct?
    Nevertheless, this man, whom so many despised, was surrounded by parasites who anticipated the day he would wear the crown.
    Trapped in this company of drunkards and louts, Lady Messingham wore a doleful expression that transformed the moment she remarked Philip’s familiar swagger. She made little effort to disguise her gratitude at his approach.
    â€œYour Highness.” Philip swept a courtly bow to acknowledge the prince before extending his hand to the lady. “I have come to claim a partner, for there is dancing in the next chamber. Madam, would you do me the inestimable honor?”
    The inebriated prince turned to Bubb Doddington. “Who is this jackanapes who would poach on royal preserves? Is there not a penalty for such a trespass?”
    â€œHmm…” Doddington replied thoughtfully. “The Game Law may apply. It clearly states any creature to which no man can claim ownership belongs by prerogative to the crown. Would not this same law then also apply to widows?” He observed the prince and knew the moment his mind grasped the nuance.
    The prince stared and then erupted in drunken laughter. “A brilliant interpretation of the law, my good Doddington! Remind me to consider you as my lord high chancellor.”
    Lady Messingham’s cheeks now flamed in affront.
    Philip rose to her defense. “Surely Your Highness does not mean to classify the lady with the beasts of the field?”
    Philip’s rebuke caused the prince to regret at once his ill-chosen words. He reached for Susannah’s hand with a suitably contrite expression. “My dear lady, ’twas all but a poor effort at jest and meant only to repel this interloper.” He eyed Philip with haughty contempt.
    She slanted a meaningful look to encompass the prince and his sycophant before taking Philip’s proffered arm. “A very mean effort indeed, expressed at my expense,” she answered and turned to Philip. “Come, sir, let us go and walk the minuet. I am thankful to escape such boorish company.” With this retort, Lady Messingham tripped away, leaving the royal heir gaping after her.
    â€œJust who is that contemptuous, poaching whoreson?” the prince asked.
    â€œHastings’s stripling, I believe.”
    â€œHastings? The Jacobite?” The prince’s lips twisted on his words.
    â€œBy conjecture only, Your Highness. He was acquitted after the ’15.”
    â€œYou are an invaluable asset, Doddington.”
    Having provided the heir to the throne with countless thousands in loans, never repaid, Doddington knew the remark to be true as literally as it was