blsteen: Haha, I think this one will stick though...no Dutch invasion needed!
loki: It sure is. Britain and Sweden (eventually Scandinavia) are the two strongest nations in Europe west of the Elbe, so it makes sense. Sweden dragged me into wars in Asia every so often, but I didn't mind.
Sethanon: Well, he's not really French. English exiled to France with Swedish relatives. So...acceptable enough I guess.
Momento Mori: Only Basque, and I don't know that language at all, so I'll just leave it as you have it!
Morrell8: Yeah, I had to include that!
Chapter 34 –Homecoming
1/2/1820
After staying overnight in the regimental barracks they were allowed to continue on to London with an escort on the train. There was no further attacks or danger.
Nonetheless John was constantly looking around for signs of danger, and when the train slowed as it passed through Birmingham he had reached for his weapon until Lady Mendenhall stopped him.
“They won’t attack again, John. Not yet anyway. News has to pass up to the leaders, and they need to evaluate what went wrong. I didn’t discuss matters with Major Richmond, but I believe we can safely assume that these people were part of the ALA.”
“They did have American accents, it’s true. But what is their goal? Why attack us?”
“That is indeed the question, John. I can’t decide first of all how they knew we were coming, but also what the reason was. I can only conclude that I was the target. It’s true that I helped in America, but few people know how and the exact nature. All I can conclude is that they are going to target people they feel are most dangerous to their cause.”
“I’m glad no one was hurt.”
“Apart from the enemy,” her Ladyship commented dryly. “I think my maid has taken a shine to you, John,” she added.
“Victoria? Well, she is very nice,” John replied, turning away to hide a small blush.
“She is indeed.” Her Ladyship changed the topic. “I know you want to go home to your family, but did you want to continue helping me?” she asked politely.
“What did you have in mind?” John asked.
“Well, I admit it will be dangerous, but necessary. I am going to see the Queen and see if I can cure whatever has happened to her. What I need you to do is to look into this Lord Streams. I do not believe in coincidences, and nor should you.”
John considered the matter. He was sitting beside a woman unique in history, he thought. She asked him for his help and could reward him. The danger of course was a problem. Still, he wanted something out of this.
“I could. But I still don’t have the full story from you. I was interrupted last time, and I still want to know about who you are, and where you originally come from. I want to know just what it is you are doing this all for.”
Her Ladyship nodded thoughtfully. “Very well, John. When we have some time I promise I will tell all; but you must swear not to tell anyone else. I don’t think anyone else would understand.”
“Very well, Lady. I will find out what I can.”
“Excellent. Keep in touch via electrograph. It’s important that we stay united on this.”
When the train pulled into Euston Station under the grand replica Greek arch captured during the Ottoman War, John could see his father and sister waiting with a pair of police escorts.
John stepped onto the platform in the wind and headed over. He held out his hand to shake his fathers; they had never been overly affectionate, but Benjamin surprised him and hugged his son.
“John, my boy, I’m so glad you’re safe!” he said.
“Welcome back, John,” Alexandra said, giving her brother a quick hug too.
“Thank you. You didn’t need to come, you know.”
“I wanted to. I have business with her Ladyship,” he said grimly.
“What business?” John asked. He was too slow. As soon as Lady Mendenhall appeared from the train Benjamin Adams headed towards her.
“You!” he said angrily, shaking a finger at her.
Tempest moved forward to intervene, but her Ladyship stilled her with a gesture. “Sir Benjamin, I presume?”
“You presume correctly, Lady. I have come to make the strongest complaint to you about endangering my son! He went to see you for academic advice, not to be attacked by thugs!”
Lady Mendenhall did not flinch. “And that I deeply regret. However, it speaks of a far greater danger. These enemies of the Empire are seeking to bring it down, and they must be stopped.”
“They will be stopped without my son,” Benjamin said sternly.
“No, father. I can help!” John said, stepping forward.
“No, John. I am not having you mixed up in this.”
“It is my choice,” John insisted. “Her Ladyship is very important, and if I can help her, I will.”
Benjamin, seeing his son’s resolve, backed off a bit. “Very well, it is your choice.” He turned to Lady Mendenhall. “But I want you to take care of my son.”
Her Ladyship unexpectedly laid a hand on his shoulder. “I swear to you that I will protect him…and make up for my failure with his mother.”
Benjamin frowned. “You knew my wife?”
“Yes…we met in America before the rebellion. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. Now come, my son. I have a carriage waiting.”