The Lingering Read Online Free PDF Page B

a room. Not once did any of them attempt to attack him.”
    Bartholomew placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Sir William is quite right. Any man’s beloved dog is harmless and docile. But what if it tasted human blood, would you still trust it? The same goes for victims of The Lingering. Many of these poor souls will never inflict harm. So why should they be destroyed like the ones who have become blood crazed?”
    “Dr Bartholomew, might I ask a question?”
    He turned to Victoria. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
    “You say The Lingering will fade if unfed, so what would happen if they had nourishment? Would they continue to live?”
    Bartholomew looked at her, and puzzlement filled his face. “If they fed, then one could assume they would linger indefinitely. But, ma’am, they only seem interested in human flesh. Feeding them is not an option.”
    Victoria flicked open a small black fan, and hid her reddening face. “Quite right, I am sorry for my foolish interruption. Doctor, please continue.”
    Bartholomew bowed his head and smiled. “Your Majesty could never appear foolish. In fact, your genius may have found the way of addressing our issues.” He turned back to Peel. “The Queen has a very — personal — interest in how The Lingering are treated. Her Majesty has come up with the ingenious idea of sending The Lingering to one of the colonies … namely Australia.”
    Peel nodded slowly and crossed his hands behind his back. “I am aware of Her Majesty’s idea. While commendable and completely sound, it will be hard to put into practice.”
    Victoria snapped shut her fan, and said, “Pray tell, why is that? Surely you govern this country, do you not? If you pass the laws to make this happen, then happen it must.”
    Peel turned, and tipped his head in a reverent bow to his queen. “My apologies, Your Majesty, I meant no disrespect.”
    “None taken; However, I would still like an explanation as to why it cannot be done.”
    “Ma’am, I am the Prime Minister of England, but all laws have to pass both Houses, namely the Commons and the House of Lords. This is a lengthy and slow process.”
    “I am aware of how my country is run, but I think England’s situation might call for some swift lawmaking. Would you not agree?”
    Peel bowed again. “Of course, Your Majesty, but laws are not the only issue. Australia is a populated land. I admit the population is sparse, but it still exists. We simply cannot expect them to live among The Lingering.”
    Victoria smiled politely. “Prime Minister, I never suggested they should. We will repatriate them to other lands. India, The Americas, South Africa, Canada, the list of possibilities is endless. In return for these countries’ help, we will allow them to send their victims of The Lingering to Australia too. We will also extend this kindness to our European neighbours. But for them, it will come at a price.”
    Peel’s eyes widened slightly. “Ma’am, are you suggesting we profit from The Lingering?”
    Victoria dabbed at the corner of her mouth with her handkerchief. “Profit is such an ugly word. All I am suggesting is the cost of this exercise should be carried by all. The countries which accept our citizens from Australia have paid their bill in kind. Those who do not receive our people must pay in cash. Prime Minister, you must remember England will be giving up one of her finest colonies. Why should we carry the entire burden?”
    Peel nodded slowly. “You make an excellent point, Your Majesty. However, this will be an ongoing endeavour. Should not the countries which receive our people pay too? Might I suggest a twenty year reprieve from payment, after which they must also pay?”
    Victoria nodded. “That seems like a perfectly sensible proposition.”
    Peel turned back to Bexley and Bartholomew. “We will need to procure ships. Have either of you considered this?”
    Bexley nodded. “It is all in Bartholomew’s papers, but in essence here