[1.5] The Duchess of Kent and Strathearn | B. Bridgerton

Chapter 27

How Everything Has Changed

Port of London, England

The moment Charlotte was informed more men were being deployed and sent to war, she couldn't not think of their families, of everything they were leaving behind. George wasn't ready to act, but she felt they couldn't leave without words of encouragement from their leaders.

"They will appreciate your words, Your Royal Highness," her Private Secretary commented when he noticed her nervousness. "There is no need to be nervous. You will deliver a great speech, as always, Ma'am."

"No, I am not nervous for this speech," she sighed. "I'm afraid for them. I'm terrified. I'm looking at their faces and it breaks my heart that... There exists a chance of some of them not coming back..."

"Yes, of course, it is unfortunate," he lightly nodded. "I have never felt any sort of fondness for war, and I have never advocated it, except as a means of peace."

"This war we are going through is not for means of peace," Charlotte lightly scoffed. "I am not stupid, Tommy. I know exactly what is going on."

"Your Royal Highness," the Prime Minister bowed his head before her. "Thank you for joining us."

"Thank you for allowing me to come," she smiled sweetly. "Although, we both know I did not need to ask for your permission. I would have come either way."

"Oh, yes. I know," he lightly chuckled. "Though, I must say, I was most surprised by your request."

"I can imagine, Prime Minister," she stated calmly. "But, you see, I believe all soldiers who serve their country and put their lives at risk need to know that if something happens to them, their families will be well taken care of. That's the bond we have with our military men and women and their families."

"But we cannot promise that," the Prime Minister frowned. "Ma'am, there are just too many—"

"Then you will have to hire more people," she stated the obvious. "But I will make happen, and I'm I will have the Prince Regent's support."

"Of course, Ma'am," he nodded and bowed his head in respect.

"'To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness'," she quoted. "It is one of my favorite quotes by Mary, Queen of Scots."

The Duchess of Kent and Strathearn continued to stare at the families waving and embracing their men goodbye. Then, she looked down at her paper, at the words she and her Private Secretary had written the day before.

"Ma'am, it is time," she looked up to see both men waiting for her.

"Yes, Tommy," she smiled and handed him the papers. "I know what I am to say. I have not need for them."

"Very well," Thomas gladly accepted the papers and both ignored the frown from the Prime Minister. "Good luck, Ma'am."

Charlotte gifted him one last smile before getting out of her carriage. It was then when she noticed all men lined up, standing straight and saluting her as she walked by. She was asked to stand on top of the ship that would take them to war, and when she did so, she noticed the families behind the men, some with tears in their eyes, others holding their children closer to them... It overwhelmed her heart positively.