Young bloods

Arthur thought for a moment. It seemed an interesting enough prospect – something that might provide a welcome change from the growing e

'Good.' William raised his glass. 'To the next member of parliament for Trim.'

Chapter 54

Events moved rather faster than Arthur had expected. William a

The i

'Yes.Your best, if you please.'

'Ah, well. Now that would be a problem, sir.' The i

'Oh?'Arthur wondered if he might know the man.'And he is?'

'The other gentleman? A Mr Co

'O'Farrell?' The name was familiar, but Arthur struggled to place it. 'Never mind. Perhaps I can have the room when Mr O'Farrell leaves.'

The i

Arthur was not in any mood to argue. Besides, he could talk to this man, O'Farrell, later on and appeal to his good nature over a drink. 'Oh… very well.'

The i

'This will do, for now.'

The i

'Good. And I'll have a bath.'

'A bath, sir?'

Arthur stared at him. 'You do have a bath, don't you?'

'Oh, yes, sir. I'll look for it straight away, and have my boys boil some water up.'

'Warm water will do. I'm not a bloody lobster.'

'Yes, sir.'The i

He ducked out of the room and closed the door quietly as Arthur crossed the room and sat down on the cushions of the narrow window-seat. The panes of glass, and the rain, ru

As darkness closed in on Trim, the streets glistened in the lights that gleamed in the town's windows and Arthur drew the thick curtains before he dressed for di

Arthur left his room and descended the creaking stairs into the hall. The i

'Lieutenant Wesley. How are you, sir?'

'Well enough, sir. But you have me at a disadvantage.'

'My apologies. Co

'Indeed? I'm afraid I ca

'Never mind.' O'Farrell smiled. 'Will you join me at my table? I fear we are the only two men of any social distinction staying at the i

'Thank you.' Arthur returned his smile, pulled out the chair opposite O'Farrell and sat himself down. A small door opened at the side of the room and the i

'Would you care for some lamb as well, sir?'

'What else is there?'

'Beef brisket, or boiled pork.'

'Boiled pork?' Arthur winced. 'Then I'll have the lamb. And what of your wines?'

'Only Madeira left, sir.' The i

'No. The Madeira will do well enough.'

'Very well, sir.' The i

Once they were alone again,Arthur looked closely at O'Farrell and the latter laughed lightly.

'You're trying to place me.'

'Yes.'

'I'm a lawyer. I share some offices with a member of parliament. Henry Grattan. I take it you know of him.'

'I know of his reputation,' Arthur replied, 'although I can't say I approve of it.'

'Oh?' O'Farrell slipped a small piece of lamb into his mouth and chewed as he looked to Arthur, evidently expecting some kind of elaboration.

'Yes, well, you know. Grattan's somewhat of a radical. I expect you understand that, given that you share premises.'

O'Farrell nodded and swallowed. He sipped some water from a glass before he spoke. 'Grattan's a radical all right. That hasn't won him many friends in Dublin. At least not up at the castle.'

'Can you wonder? What with all the froth he spouts about reform and the inspiration we should draw from public affairs in France. The man appears to be quite blind to the dangerous waters our French neighbours are swimming in.'

'Ah, but you can hardly blame the man for using the French example to excite support for reform here in Ireland. It's long overdue, after all.'