The King's Courtesan. Judith James

him here tonight? To take one thing away but give him another?

      “You’re a superb warrior, Sir Robert, but more importantly for my purpose, you were always a man one could count on to keep a cool head, think for himself and get the job done. How do you like the sound of Colonel Nichols?”

      “I like it, General! I—”

      “General! I see you know our captain.” Charles Stuart came up behind them and embraced them both.

      “I do indeed, sire. He’s a fine soldier. One that I—”

      “And of course you’ve met Lord Rivers. A dear friend from my exile and a war hero himself. Allow me to introduce his lovely wife, Lady Elizabeth.”

      The general bowed and kissed Elizabeth’s hand. “Congratulations, madam. All London has been abuzz about the capture. Only an extraordinary woman could manage such a feat.”

      “Thank you, General. You’re very kind. But I assure you it was William who captured me.” She turned to Robert with a bright smile. “Oh, Robert, it’s so good to see you here! I miss our old visits and I worry about you all alone.”

      Robert greeted them all with a formal bow, but Elizabeth threw her arms around him and gave him a hug. As he set her back on her feet he took a quick glance at the handsome poet who had stolen her away. Though de Veres had never met him, he’d seen the man in taverns and coffeehouses many times before. There was a brightness to his face. Perhaps Elizabeth had done for her libertine what he had hoped she would do for him.

      The man stepped forward and offered his hand and he had no choice but to accept it. “Lizzy has told me many times what a comfort you were to her in the past, Captain Nichols. I offer you my thanks for watching over her when I couldn’t do so.”

      He bit back a scathing reply and managed a polite nod. This was the man who had put her in danger in the first place.

      General Monk put a hand on his shoulder as if reclaiming ownership. “If it pleases you, Your Majesty, Sir Robert is a mighty fine soldier. I’ve a proposition to put to him regarding the Coldstream Guard.”