Robert became agitated and asked, “Does this have anything to do with that confounded project of the Viscount ofBerwick?”
“If you mean the canal, then yes it does,” added the Mayor ofPeterborough.
“I feared as much.” Robert scowled at the men. “Then I am sorry you have wasted your morning by coming here. I have clearly stated to the Viscount that I have no interest, whatsoever, in dividing my property in half to accommodate a canal—however beneficial to thecounty.”
“But My Lord, do you have any idea of the scope of the benefits we would all enjoy from access countywide to the North Sea shipping potential?” one of the business menasked.
“Yes, the Viscount has conveyed all of that information to me already—many times. I have heard every conceivable argument for this blasted canal, but I am sorry, you must find some other route for yourcanal.”
“But there is no other possible route, My Lord,” the Cambridge Mayorinsisted.
“That seems hard to believe,” Robertresponded.
One of the businessmen unrolled a map and set it open on atable.
“Please, take a look at this map.” Robert went over to the table. “As you can see, there are ranges of hills on either side of this valley which connects this river to the Ouse. This is our only possible way to reach the North Sea. The hills are configured such that we cannot connect the two rivers except across your lands—there is no otherway.”
“Please, My Lord, you must allow us to transverse your property,” another businessman spokeup.
Robert was riled. “Oh, I must, must I? Remember to whom you are speaking. I must honor my Queen. I must honor my God, but I will be damned if I must honor your insultingrequest.”
The men stepped back inshock.
The bishop stepped forward and said softly, “My Lord, if I might make asuggestion.”
“What?”
“If your concern is the bisection of your property, I feel certain we could build a bridge across the canal that would accommodate your need to connect yourlands.”
“Oh yes, most certainly. Or several bridges if need be,” several of the businessmen spokeup.
Robert turned away from the men and paced the room as he contemplated their suggestion. Then he turned back tothem.
“Gentlemen, I am sorry if I lost my temper with you just now, but I am absolutely resolute in my opposition to this plan. I shall never consent for this canal to be built across mylands.”
“But please, think of the welfare of the county. It would bring so much prosperity to all of our residents, both rich and poor. Every single citizen would benefit,” one of the businessmenpleaded.
The bishop came over to Robert and entreated, “We can pay very handsomely for the land. To what use are you putting that land at the presenttime?”
“It is used for grazing and planting,” Robertanswered.
The bishop turned to the delegation. “Perhaps we might work out some kind of royalty arrangement to compensate you further. It is my understanding that the canal is to charge a toll and I feel certain the Viscount would be open to assigning you a reasonable portion of that toll for youruse.”
The others thought that a splendid idea and offered up a, “Hear,hear!”
Robert stood resolutely and answered, “Gentlemen, this meeting has ended.” And he strode out of theroom.
As he charged through the statue gallery he was greeted by Amelia who had obviously been waiting for him. She held up her hand to signal him tostop.
“How did the meeting go?” sheasked.
“You know about the content of the meeting?” heasked.
“I suspected,” sheevaded.
“You suspected or you helped the Viscount to arrange this meeting?” hedemanded.
“I might have had aninkling.”
