Desperate Acts

Chapter Five

FIVE

Marc Edwards was as busy as he had ever been in his life, and twice as happy. Another strategy meeting was slated for Friday afternoon out at Spadina, the country home of the Baldwins. Marc was charged with fleshing out some of the arguments raised at the earlier meeting in a form suitable for various letters to the newspapers, ones that could be assigned to sundry sympathizers (suitably reworked, he hoped, to reflect the submitter's own style and views on the union question). At the same time, Beth's announcement of her pregnancy compelled them to sit down and seriously discuss the expansion of Briar Cottage. They would need a lot more room, that much was certain. They had the money to do whatever they wished: Marc had an income from his adoptive father's estate in England, Beth had inherited money and property from her former father-in-law, Joshua Smallman, and her ladies shop and dressmaking operation were thriving. But they liked the cosiness of Briar Cottage enough to dismiss any thought of building a grandiose residence farther up Sherbourne on one of the park-lots there. So, while one or the other used a spare toe to rock Maggie in her wooden cradle, Beth and Marc sat at the kitchen table and drew sketches - verbal and otherwise - of an addition to the rear of the cottage.

Nothing could be done until spring, but once the decision to build had been made, it was impossible to pretend that they could postpone the pleasures and anxieties of planning and replanning. Their servant, Charlene, and her beau, Jasper Hogg, were equally excited. Jasper was a talented carpenter and all-round builder, but he worked intermittently and not often enough to feel comfortable proposing to Charlene. When Marc suggested that Jasper be engaged to do the lion's share of the construction, using whatever assistance he deemed necessary, the couple were understandably ecstatic. And more helpful than was absolutely necessary. Marc was not unhappy that he was often "called away" to attend the fall sessions of the Court of Queen's Bench in order to observe the several trials going on there and learn as much as he could about procedures in that august chamber - in the event that Baldwin and Sullivan called upon him to represent them in a criminal proceeding. Both Robert and his partner were too involved in politics to take on serious cases, and Marc figured it would be sooner than later when the call came for his services.

How soon and in what guise he could not have foreseen.

***

About three o'clock on a crisp Friday afternoon, with the taste of imminent snow on the breeze, Governor Poulett Thomson and two of his military aides cantered up the forested lane from Government House onto King Street. While such a demi-royal entourage did turn a head or two, no particular importance was attached to the movement of the mounted trio, as His Excellency was often seen riding out into the countryside to take the air and exercise the expensive horse provided him. On this occasion, the Governor and his outriders swung north on Brock Street and followed it up to the city boundary at Lot Street (soon to be renamed Queen in honour of the young sovereign). Here it branched off in three directions, offering the prospect of more than one pleasant ride through parkland and forest. His Excellency opted for Spadina Road, a winding north-westerly pathway that brought him eventually to the gates of a splendid country residence. The Governor dismounted before an excited groom could reach him and steady the horse's bridle. A tall and impeccably attired figure, accustomed to deference but not disarmed by it, Poulett Thomson strode to the front door just as it opened to reveal, not a fawning butler, but the equally imposing figure of Dr. William Warren Baldwin.

The Governor was whisked off to the library, where half a dozen Durhamites eagerly awaited him. The grand strategy to win over the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada to the cause of political union was about to be set in motion.

***

Diana Ramsay was given every Saturday afternoon off. Since last May, almost every such afternoon had been spent in the company of Brodie Langford. Today, as usual, they strolled down to the bay and took in the fine view offered by the blue water and the island-spit with the last of its foliage still aflame in these waning weeks of autumn. After which they ambled up to the Market to enjoy the hustle and bustle of its Saturday doings. Brodie was proud of himself for carrying out their customary promenade without once giving Diana the slightest hint of the anxiety he was feeling over the blackmail note.