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James. I need you for support.”
    It’s high time you replaced that wishbone with a backbone, milado.
    James nodded to the guards standing sentry outside the suite, opened the door, and allowed the prince to precede him.
    Teddy bowed to the queen. “Mother, welcome to Curragh.” He looked at his father and nodded his head respectfully. “Your visit is a pleasant surprise.”
    Victoria pressed her lips together. “We doubt that, Bertie. Your father wishes to discuss a certain disturbing matter that has come to our attention. I shall withdraw until the distasteful business is resolved.”
    Albert waited until the queen left the room. “Major General Bruce has reported your immoral behavior. I am shocked you would disgrace the royal family by consorting with a woman of ill repute. You will cease and desist immediately!”
    The prince’s face turned red. “It is a pack of lies!”
    James immediately stepped forward. “Your Highness, I feel compelled to confess that the female involved was here at my invitation. The prince nobly took the blame for my indiscretion. I assure you that my lapse in judgment will not be repeated.”
    The prince consort stared at James with moral outrage. “I see.” His glance did not soften as it fell upon his son. “I am sure your mother will be vastly relieved when I explain the matter.”
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    The young Prince of Wales and his attendants were scheduled to leave Ireland at the end of August. The night before they were to embark, James Hamilton lay in bed with his arms folded behind his head, contemplating his return to London.
    Teddy will return to his royal apartment at Buckingham Palace, but it’s past time for me to move from my family’s home and set up my own establishment.
    The reason he had been reluctant to do so long ago was John Claud. Since they were boys, James had taken on the protective role of guardian to his younger brother, but the words they’d exchanged the night before he left for Ireland clearly showed him that his brother was chafing at their relationship.
Now that John Claud is almost nineteen, he thinks himself a man, and rightly so.
    The scene of their last meeting rose up before him, and he winced at the words his brother had thrown at him in response to what James had thought a caring question:
    â€œI’ll be gone almost three months. Will you be all right?”
    â€œYou arrogant son of a bitch, James. I don’t need the all-powerful Lord Bloody Hamilton to hold my hand. Have you any idea what it’s like to be constantly compared with the gifted, accomplished heir, and come up wanting every time?”
    James listened in stunned disbelief at his brother’s animosity.
    â€œJust because I had a couple of fits when I was a boy doesn’t give you the right to act as my keeper for the rest of my life. I grew out of the bloody things by the time I was ten. I no longer need you to run interference for me!”
    James held up his hand and said quietly, “I wasn’t referring to fits. I wondered if you’d be all right for money.”
    â€œOh.” John Claud laughed, his anger melting away like snow in summer. “I’m sorry, James. It’s not easy having an older brother who excels at riding, shooting, fighting, and fucking.”
    James smiled into the darkness.
Once I remove myself from Hampden House, John Claud will come into his own.
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    When James arrived in London, he leased a Georgian town house on the corner of White Horse Street that was close to the palace and Green Park. Then he went to Hampden House to inform his parents and to pack his clothes and belongings.
    At dinner, his parents congratulated him on his wise decision. When his siblings could not hide their envy, he assured his brothers that their turn would come.
    â€œEven before you went to Ireland, you