Page 58

I hope you will grant me your permission to impose upon your time by allowing me to send you my Fair Copy of the Declaration of Independence, which I earlier delivered to Congress for their consideration. You will see that it includes the two clauses you and I discussed in London, namely the abolition of slavery and our future relationship with King George III once we become an independent nation. Copies were made by my friend and colleague Benjamin Franklin and distributed among interested parties. Much to my dismay, when members of Congress divided, both clauses were rejected. However, I would not want you to think I had not taken to heart your wise and sound counsel and tried to convince my fellow congressmen of the merit of your judgement.

Once you have had a proper chance to peruse the Fair Copy at your leisure, perhaps you would be kind enough, in the fullness of time, to return it to me. I thought you would want to know that it is my intention to bequeath this memento to the Nation in order that future generations of Americans might fully appreciatewhat the founding fathers were trying to achieve, and not least the role you played. I look forward to hearing from you at some time in the future, and be assured of my sincere esteem and respect.

I remain, your most obedient and humble servant,

Thomas Jefferson

‘Then why didn’t he return the Declaration to his “old friend”?’ asked Miles.

‘Your guess is as good as anybody’s,’ replied Booth Watson. ‘Although I suspect the answer to that question has been lost in the mists of time. Once Congress had approved the wording of a final document that didn’t include the two added clauses in the Fair Copy, it might no longer have been considered of any importance … who knows? Certainly Lady Hartley can’t have read this letter – if she had, she would have known she didn’t have the authority to part with the Declaration. I presume her understanding is based solely on stories told to her by her late husband.’

Miles nodded but didn’t interrupt while Booth Watson was still in full flow.

‘However, one thing’s for certain,’ continued the QC, ‘any half-decent contracts lawyer, after reading Jefferson’s letter to Hartley, would rightly claim ownership on behalf of the Jefferson estate, possibly even the US government, and I for one wouldn’t be willing to defend such a weak case, knowing I’d be laughed out of court.’

‘So what do you advise?’

‘I believe you have no choice but to return Jefferson’s Fair Copy of the Declaration to the American Embassy in London, for which I feel sure you will receive the grateful thanks of their Ambassador on behalf of the American government.’

‘But don’t forget I parted with five hundred thousand for something it now turns out didn’t even belong to her.’

‘All is not lost,’ said Booth Watson, ‘as I suspect the other five letters Jefferson wrote would fetch a substantial sum were they to come under the hammer in New York, and don’t forget you still have the Constable, so you shouldn’t be out of pocket.’

‘But it will be nothing compared to the price a Fair Copy of the Declaration would fetch – handwritten by Thomas Jefferson. Can you imagine how much that would make if it came on the open market?’

‘That’s anyone’s guess,’ responded Booth Watson. ‘Although, as the US government would be certain to be among the bidders, along with a dozen or more of the world’s leading collectors who’d like to get their hands on such a unique piece of history, I would have to suggest several million. However, the question is now academic, as Jefferson’s letter to Hartley has left you with no alternative but to return the Declaration to its rightful owner.’

‘I can think of one alternative,’ said Miles.

‘Namely,’ said Booth Watson, an eyebrow raising.

Miles took a lighter out of his pocket, flicked it open, and watched as the flame flickered. He then held up Jefferson’s compromising letter and paused for a moment, before setting it alight.

Booth Watson sat on the other side of his desk, his mouth open, though no words came out. He couldn’t believe what he was witnessing. Over the years, he’d known his client to be involved in some outrageous behaviour, but nothing on this scale. Not for the first time he wondered if this was a step too far, and he would finally have to sever their relationship.

When the flame was just about to burn Miles’s thumb andforefinger, he finally let go, allowing a tiny corner of the damning letter to join the rest of the ashes in its unworthy grave.

CHAPTER 14

WILLIAM HAD LEFT THE HOUSEthat morning before anyone else was awake, aware this was one day he couldn’t afford to be late for work.

‘Good morning, Danny,’ he said as he climbed into the back of the waiting car.

‘Good morning, sir,’ Danny replied, switching on the ignition and joining the early morning traffic.

William sat back and tried to anticipate what could possibly go wrong. Best-case scenario, he would get home this evening with all the principals involved safely in bed and asleep. Worst-case scenario …

Beth was next up and was preparing breakfast when the twins walked into the kitchen, which took her by surprise as they were on holiday and she’d assumed they would want to lie in.

‘What have you got planned for today?’ she asked innocently.

‘Visiting friends,’ said Artemisia, delivering the line she and Peter had agreed on.

‘Anyone I know?’ enquired Beth.

‘Don’t think so,’ replied Artemisia, not wanting to go into any detail. ‘What about you, Mum?’

‘I’m having lunch with Christina, when we’ll be trying to work out what questions the board will ask her if she stands for chair of the Fitz,’ her mother replied.