The bleary-eyed King nodded. The Queen replied graciously, 'As you wish, dear son. The loss of your company is the price we have to pay for the wonderful work you are doing for us.' Then she held up her head and turned it slightly, to receive his kiss on her painted cheek.
Roger gave thanks for his dinner, wished the company good night and bowed himself out backward after Bernadotte. In the ante-room they took from a rack the voluminous fur cloaks that they always put on to protect themselves from the icy chill when making their way along the passages. With a quick, firm step Bernadotte led the way to his Cabinet and sat down behind his littered desk. He did not ask Roger to be seated, but staring at him fixedly, said in a harsh voice:
'Now, explain if you can. I find it impossible to believe that you are entitled to wear that Order, and to do so is one of the grossest pieces of impertinence I have ever encountered.'
With an air of self-confidence that he was far from feeling, Roger laughed. 'Were it not to wager on a certainty, I'd deprive Your Royal Highness of a tidy sum, if you were willing to back your conviction. King Gustavus III honoured me with this decoration for services I rendered His Majesty during the war he fought against Catherine of Russia.'
'But that was twenty years ago! You can have been but a boy.'
'True. It was in '88 and I was scarce out of my teens. I pray you, though, consult the records of the Order. There Your Royal Highness will find my name, not as de Breuc, but as Mr. Roger Brook.'
Bernadotte frowned. 'What means this mystery ?' it is generally believed in France that I was born in Strasbourg of an English lady married to a Frenchman, and sent after her death to her sister, Lady Marie Brook, to be educated in England. The truth is that Lady Marie was my mother and my father was Admiral Sir Christopher Brook.'
You astound me. In fact then, you are an Englishman, although long a confidant of the Emperor. To which country did you play the traitor?'
To neither in the fullest sense. I served England when ever her interests were involved, but I have never fought against British troops. I have, as you well know, fought against France's other enemies, and rendered her many valuable services, including having once saved the Emperor's life though I now regret it.' The tale you told me of having been a prisoner in the: of Wight was, then, untrue. What was your real purpose in coming to Sweden?'
Smiling, Roger produced the lettre de marque and placed it on the desk. 'I come as an Envoy Extraordinary, confer with Your Royal Highness, and with author to enter into negotiations with you on behalf of my country.'
Having read the document, Bernadotte said, 'This is not signed by your Prime Minister.' No. The signature is that of the Marquess Wellesley. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and brother to our foremost General, milord Wellington, he has a greater say in our relations with other countries than Mr. Perceval, who is an amiable but not particularly forceful man.' 'Even so, as Sweden is at war with England, your mission cannot be regarded as official. I should be within my rights if I made you a prisoner.'
'I am aware of that. But Your Royal Highness will not so, because it is not in Sweden's interest. The Emperor has more than once threatened to invade Sweden. I am empowered to offer you an alliance with England. Do you accept it a British fleet could enter the Baltic and thwart Napoleon's intentions.'
For a moment Bernadotte considered, then said a trifle grudgingly, 'You may be seated. Tell me now, what price does England require Sweden to pay for such protection?'
Roger bowed and sat down. 'That she should put an end to her animosity toward Russia and form an alliance with her for the purpose of assisting in Napoleon's defeat. In return, England would also furnish arms for the Swedish Army, which is still so ill-equipped, and pay a large subsidy which would enable Your Royal Highness to raise further regiments.'
'The Czar might not agree. As is the case with Sweden, he is still formally allied to France.'
'Yes, formally. But the alliance now hangs only by a thread that will soon be snapped. As Your Royal Highness must be aware, for many months past the Emperor has been mustering his legions for the invasion of Russia.'
'Certainly I know it. My intelligence service would be poor indeed did I not.'
'Then it is evident to Your Royal Highness that, when the crisis comes, the Czar will need all the help he can get.'
'True. But to antagonize the Emperor and risk all on his being defeated is no light matter. What return, think you, would the Czar be willing to make if Sweden took this gamble?'
Roger shrugged. That, Your Royal Highness, I cannot say, but it should be considerable. Perhaps he might agree to return Finland.'
'I greatly doubt that; and, although my compatriots would give much to get the Grand Duchy back, I have no mind to press for it.' Turning in his chair, Bernadotte pointed to a map on the wall and went on, 'Regard the configuration of the northern countries, Count-er-Mr. Brook, I should say. Nature intended this great peninsula to be the country of one people, and the Norwegians differ no more in language and customs from the Swedes than in France do Basques from Bretons or the people of Marseilles from those of Flanders. 'Tis not Finland but Norway that I desire.'
Leaning forward eagerly, Roger said, 'That greatly simplifies our problem. I see no ground why Alexander should object to your annexing Norway. He is a Liberal-minded man, and readily accepts proposals when they make sound sense.'
'You speak as though you know him.' 'I do, Your Royal Highness. I was presented to him before his father's assassination in which I was concerned with Count Pahlen, General Bennigsen and others; although, it was our intention only to depose the Czar Paul, not murder him. Twas the Zuboff brothers who committed that crime. I have since had confidential talks with the present Czar at both Tilsit and Erfurt, so I have come to know him quite well.
'He has Danish connections, so do you not think he might side with Denmark on such a question?'
'Not as things are. How could he, if Sweden and Britain both gave him their support against Napoleon? Since the Royal Navy cut out the Danish Fleet from Copenhagen and milord Wellington, having landed there, spiked all the guns in their forts before leaving, the Danes have become the inveterate enemies of Britain. The Czar cannot have it both ways. Either he fights alone, or joins this new Coalition. If he does the latter, since the Danes are France's allies he must count them, too, among his enemies.'
For the first time during their interview, Bernadotte smiled. 'I congratulate you, Mr. Brook. I knew you had a high reputation as a soldier, but had no idea you were so able a negotiator. I do not wonder that your Government gives you such far-reaching powers.'
Roger returned the smile. 'I thank Your Royal Highness for the compliment. May I take it that you are favourably disposed to my Government's proposals?'
'You may; provided that England is willing to give me a free hand in Norway.'
'Since that could not conflict with England's interests, I consider myself empowered to promise that.
'Good.' Bernadotte handed back the lettre de marque. 'You will need this for presentation when you secure your audience with the Czar.'
Roger jerked upright in his chair. 'No, no, Your Royal Highness. It is no part of my mission to proceed to St. Petersburg. I was instructed only to approach you. It was naturally assumed that, should you agree to become England's ally, you would become our bridge with the Czar, and choose a suitable representative to lay your views before him.'