I enjoyed this atmospheric 18th century adventure novel packed with a lot of vibrant characters. And, it has a twist I didn’t see coming. It brings to life a lesser known history of the black soldiers who fought on the British side in the American War of Independence. That they didn’t get the reward they were promised once arriving in London was not surprising.
The man’s patronising smile widened. Anger that had steeped within Daniel at the injustice of his situation simmered. Beneath the desk, he balled his bandaged hand to a fist and struggled to find a civil answer. He knew it would not be wise to provoke.
‘You are mistaken. I have prospects and in time I expect to establish myself.’
He heard the words ring hollow. Aware of Elias's amusement, he swallowed and continued.
‘I came to London as the heir to a good man, but I was tricked. While it is true that my current situation is not . . . as I would have hoped, this is a temporary condition. I will find a way to make things right.'
Elias arranged the lace that frothed from the embroidered sleeve of his velvet coat. The scent of cloves filled the space between them as he shook out the fabric.
'Then why are you here?' He spoke indifferently, without looking up. 'If you are so certain of your future, you do not need my assistance. Perhaps it would be best if you were to be escorted from The Maze this evening. You are clearly eager to establish yourself and I would not wish to stand in your way.' Elias rose from his chair. He was strikingly tall. Candlelight sheened the black velvet of his coat as he reached for a golden handbell on the desk.
