Page 20 of The Undesirable Duke
“He certainly did.”
Samuel was rather irate that his journey to Lambeth had turned out to be such a fruitless endeavor. He had hoped that he could track down the person who had provided the article to be published, or at least find out what that person’s name was. But he had underestimated the writer of the article. He had used a name that was so common that there was no way to identify him accurately. It also might not have been the writer himself who had visited the printers. Perhaps he had paid someone to take the article to the printers and given him more than enough coin to compensate for the inconvenience and the short notice.
“I am sorry that I cannot be of more help, sir.”
Mr. Hunter handed the article back to Samuel and Samuel placed the folded paper back into his pocket.
“Do you perhaps have the original article?”
“Unfortunately, we do not keep the original writings for more than a fortnight, sir.”
Samuel lowered his gaze for a moment and balled his fists. Every idea that he had was immediately terminated by Mr. Hunter, and it was utterly frustrating. His questions were not being answered the way he wanted them to be, and he was running out of options.
How was he supposed to catch this person?
“Thank you, Mr. Hunter. I appreciate the information.”
Samuel turned on his heel and hastily left the printers, grumbling to himself. He had hoped that he would find out more about the writer, but the only thing that he had learned was that the person was fairly flush in the pockets. But, of course, that did not narrow it down, as many wealthy people in London could have funded this.
Samuel walked briskly along the cobblestone streets back to his carriage, his mind in a befogged state. He was beginning to be angered by the unanswered questions that tumbled through his thoughts, and he was not certain what to do. There was no way of knowing who the writer was, and he felt rather annoyed.
“Yarmouth?”
Samuel spun around in surprise and was relieved to see Lord Timothy standing beside his carriage. He certainly did not need anyone to see him in Lambeth, especially not given the circumstances. Behind Lord Timothy, the Colborne family carriage stood, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Colborne,” Samuel nodded and approached his friend.
“What on earth are you doing this side of the Thames?” Lord Timothy asked.
“I visited the printers of the newspaper in an attempt to find the person who wrote the article, or at least to find the person who handed the article to the printers to be published.”
“And?” Lord Timothy asked apprehensively.
“Nothing. All the man was able to tell me was that the man was fairly flush in the pockets.”
Lord Timothy shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
“But that could be anyone.”
“I realize that.”
“That is a pity.”
“Indeed. But I am determined not to give up. I cannot allow this man to ruin my reputation the way that he is,” Samuel said and drew in a deep breath.
“But how will you find him?”
“I am not certain. I am, however, growing increasingly agitated by this. What gives this man the right to drag my name through the mud for his enjoyment? How dare he think that he can get away with this?”
Lord Timothy placed his hand on Samuel’s shoulder and slowly uttered, “Calm yourself, my friend. We will find out who did this, I promise you that.”
“You will assist me?”
“Indeed I will, but you must remain calm. There is no point in you upsetting yourself.”
Samuel pursed his lips and turned to Timothy.
“What would you suggest we do?”
