“Oh, I won’t make that mistake. I meant what I said. I can think of former presidents of the U.S.A. up-time I wouldn’t want in your shoes now, making this decision. I wouldn’t trust them—especially that worthless bastard—”
He shook his head. “Never mind. Of all the silly things I can think of, hauling in old partisan squabbles from another universe ranks right at the top.”
He gave Mike a sharp glance. “You’re inclined to go for it, aren’t you? Use a knife in a knife fight—even if it’s your own wife who’s the blade.”
Mike nodded. “Yeah, I am. So’s Becky herself, by the way. Her own opinion was, ah, firm.”
Simpson nodded. “Cowardly, the lady is not.” He thought a moment further. Then:
“Do it, Mike.” He glanced at the ironclads. “And for what it’s worth, the Navy will back you up to the best of our ability.”
“That’s worth quite a bit, John. In fact, the time may come when it’s worth a lot. And now, I’d better go. I’ll have more than one message to send tonight.”
After taking a few steps, Mike turned back around.
“Before I forget, one other thing.”
“Yes?”
“As Admiral of the U.S. Navy, I expect you’ll be getting a fair number of social invitations. You and your wife, both. Quite soon, in fact.” He raised his fist and coughed into it. “Not to put too fine a point on it, I’ll see to it. And I think it would reflect badly on the United States if you didn’t accept them. It might give the aristocracy the notion that we don’t have any manners, you know. Won’t leave our houses because we’re afraid we won’t know which fork to use in polite company.”
For a moment, Simpson’s face almost turned puce. “Mary? She could—”
His shoulder heaved a little, suppressing a laugh. Then, smiling: “Thank you, Mike. I’d appreciate that.”
Mike nodded and began to turn away.
“Mr. President.”
“Yes . . . Admiral.”
Simpson squared his shoulders. “As a rule, I’d prefer formality. It’s not a matter of personality. Well . . . not much. But I’m building a military force here, a navy. And while—”
He paused, briefly. “I will not interfere with General Jackson and Colonel Wood. They can create whatever traditions and customs in the Army and Air Force they choose. But I will insist they extend me the same courtesy. And you also.”
“Fair enough. Admiral.”
Simpson nodded stiffly. Then, for the first time since Mike had appeared on the wharf, the admiral seemed to relax completely.
“Did you have any horse traders in your family tree, Mr. President? I’m just curious.”
Mike grinned. “Two, that I know of. And at least one horse thief. Family tradition has it that they never caught and hung ‘im, neither.” Solemnly: “Even though, of course, everyone agreed that was a great shame and he was a disgrace to the family name.”
Chapter 32
Rebecca returned to the prince’s quarters early the next morning. “My husband agrees to the alliance,” she said, as she began lowering herself into the seat offered.
Frederik Hendrik smiled. “So. Overnight, no less. How nice to see that my advisers were wrong about something else. Your mysterious ‘radio,’ it seems, does not require gigantic constructions after all.”
Rebecca was so startled that she plopped onto the chair instead of sliding gracefully into it. She realized—too late—that she had not even considered what she would be revealing.
Sensing her unease, the prince waved his hand. “Have no fear. Your secret will remain safe with me.” As he took his own chair, his expression was odd. Something like a combination of a scowl and a grin of pure glee. For a moment, with his gingery facial hair and ruddy plump cheeks, he looked a bit like a prosperous pirate contemplating another rich prize.
“And let’s hope Richelieu doesn’t find out until it’s too late. Which he probably won’t, the cocksure bastard. That’s the one advantage to having a cardinal for an archenemy. He thinks God is whispering tactics into his ear.”
Once seated, Frederik Hendrik planted his hands on his knees. “What I need, immediately—although I can’t see what it would be—is whatever help you can give me in holding Amsterdam. We will be under siege here within a week, and it will be a bitter one. In fact—as I’m sure you know—the siege has begun already. Spanish warships fired on the city yesterday evening.”