Chapter 35: Chapter 35

He crossed the spacious hallway, the butler politely showing him to Charles' study.

"Allow me to say- I'm glad you're visiting us again, Mister Liam, " the man said and gave him a warm smile.

"I'm glad to be here as well. And I'm always delighted to meet Charles."

The numerous Chinese vases were decorating the long corridor and Liam took a mental note Charles had brought with him even more things from Canton this time.

The place had started resembling a mansion that didn't belong in England and was more like one that was in the East.

Liam really liked that.

The butler retreated and Liam knocked on the door.

"Yes?"

Charles answered from inside and quickly got up once he saw the visitor was Liam.

"My dear boy, "

"Charles, I'm so glad to see you're fine and well."

They shook hands and Liam remembered how welcoming Charles had always been with him. He always got that strange feeling he was very close to the man, and that feeling wasn't due to the fact he'd known Charles since he was still a small boy, or because Charles had always brought gifts for him and his brothers when they were little.

"How have you been?"

"Good, thank you. I received your note and came as quickly as possible. How about you?"

"I'm getting old, Liam. Well is not one of the things I feel like all the time, " he smiled "But I'm glad to be back. "

Liam took the seat Charles offered and the older man sat close to him.

He didn't sit at the other side of the room, the way his father always did when he was meeting someone.

Unlike Tennyson, who always seemed to put distance between himself and everyone else he was talking to, Charles was much more approachable.

Liam wouldn't call the man's manner friendly, but for some peculiar reason, at moments like those, he felt closer to Charles than he should be.

"Would you like me to call for tea?"

"No, thank you. I rarely drink tea. "

Charles laughed "Now that you mention it, me too. Even in Canton, it just doesn't sit well with me."

"Speaking of China, how was the trip back?"

"You don't want to hear the tale of an older man crossing the sea in the company of constantly drunk gentlemen, discussing trade. "

"Or perhaps it would turn out to be an interesting tale?"

Liam offered.

They talked about everything- the continent, the weather, and the food.

Liam had been to China with Edward when they had been kids, and now that he was listening to all the tales Charles was telling him, he had the sudden feeling of missing the place; of wanting to go there, again.

He didn't know how long they spent like that, Liam felt ...strangely understood. The way he was supposed to feel like talking to- a parent, perhaps.

Edward and Callum had always been closer to each other, or more open to each other.

While Liam had grown tired of hearing how awkward he was and eventually had dropped the idea of talking casually with anyone. Except when speaking with Callum but it was still not the same.

And Tennyson being understanding was out of the question. The man considered feelings a weakness, Callum knew that better than anyone.

"Are you expected to travel back East soon?" he asked.

"No, I...this is what I wanted to talk to you about. "

Liam sat straighter. "Right, of course. Apologies, I got distracted and asked you all those questions.."

"No, Liam. I thoroughly enjoy talking to you. Who knows, perhaps we could travel East one day together. "

"We might. "

Liam smiled and Charles continued "I am not going back there for now. The reason why I'm here is that I'm planning to resume my position in Parliament. I still have the seat, given to me by my title, but I believe it's time for me to use it for the better of this country. "

Liam tried to remain calm. Or at least not to give any physical expression to what was going on in his mind.

He had been right. Charles really was going to stay and join the parliament. Most likely against his father.

It was as if Charles had read Liam's mind, so he said

"This can't go on. These reforms are unthinkable. And I know you are planning to do something too."

"Correct. I...you were the first person I thought of when I reached out to you."

"And I'm glad you did. I only hope you don't see this as doing something behind your father's back."

Liam shook his head, "No, there's no other way. He's unwavering. "

"Then let's shake him up a little bit."

Charles smiled and Liam explained what he and Callum had achieved so far.

Charles was nodding, pleased "You're both clever and I must say- stupidly brave. "

"The dangerous part was Callum 's idea."

"And yours was the silk-diplomacy one. You make a great duo, I must say."

"I was hoping we three would make a good one."

"I should hope so too."

Liam told him more about the plan and the conversation naturally turned back to more informal talks.

Liam realized it was getting late when the light in the room had begun getting dimmer and he looked up at the time.

"I should leave, I totally lost track of time," he got up "Apologies, "

"Don't apologize, Liam. You're always welcome here."

"Thank you, Charles. "

"I'd say...how about we have dinner next week? Bring Callum too. "

"That sounds like a lovely idea. Yes. "

"Good. And please send your brother my regards."

"He's coming back from Kent soon. "

"Kent?"

"Yes, it was where he was supposed to meet the people I told you about. "

"Oh, right. Which reminds me- is he happy with his valet?"

They both exchanged a look and Liam said carefully "Oliver has...he's been a very big help to us."

"Oliver is a very capable man. "

"Thank you for ...lending him over to us. "

"It was with my greatest pleasure, Liam. I see he's doing his job properly. "

"He is. Very much. "

The way the unspoken things passed between him and Charles only confirmed what Liam already knew, even though he needed one last confirmation.

But it was definitely not going to come from Charles or someone from his family.

No, Liam was conducting his own investigation and he was soon going to put all the pieces together. He had only a few missing ones, but he was almost there.

Almost.

Just like with everything else. That was what troubled him the most, despite Callum's attempts to breathe them some confidence they had already achieved the goal.

"Right. Thank you, Charles. " He headed out, fixing his sleeves. He felt like his coats had shrunk and were never long enough, even though they were made especially for him.

"I will see you next week."

"With pleasure, Liam. Let me see you off. "

They were already downstairs, the butler helping Liam in his coat when Charles said

"And please send my regards to your mother. "

"I will, thank you. Shall I take a message to her? "

Charles paused "Now that you mention it..."

"Liam?"

He heard his name and turned to the person who'd just called him. It was Oleanna, Charles's wife.

"Why didn't you tell me we have guests, Charles, " she said coldly.

"How do you do, Lady Oleanna, " Liam nodded and explained quickly "It was more of a formal meeting, perhaps Charles didn't want to trouble you. "

"My husband's very concerned about my peace of mind, " she almost hissed. "How thoughtful. "

It was no secret to anyone from the upper classes, and the papers, respectfully, that the marriage between Charles and Olenna had been one of convenience.

Seeing them both together now in one place for the first time in years, Liam realized it had turned into a union of likely a big inconvenience and nuisance for either of them.

He glanced at Charles, but the older man only said.

"No, I will write to Charlotte. For now, just tell her I hope she's well. Thank you, Liam."

He nodded and they said their goodbyes, Liam could swear he could feel her eyes on his back the entire time he was crossing the long yard to where his carriage was.