Page 100 of The Moonstone Pirate
“Oh.” Thaddius eased back and let out a breath of disappointment. “No, I have not noticed them having anything to do with those two lords. Or rather, those two lords did not appear interested in those gentlemen or their wives. It may just be coincidence they were here at the same time.”
“Yes, that’s probably all it is.”
“But I will keep eyes open and ears perked, my lord. You’ll be the first to know if I find out anything more.”
“Please do.” Draco rose to leave. “But can you be discreet? Neither you nor your staff should confront them. Just quietly note where they go during the day, who they meet, and with whom they dine. That’s all.”
“You may rely on me, my lord.”
“And one other request,” Draco said, wishing he did not have to enlist the chatty innkeeper in his investigation. But he simply did not have the time to deal with all the pieces on his own. “Can you go through your guest registers for last July, this April, and this July, and let me know if you find any other guests registered here during all three of those months? Note the exact dates of their visit, their arrival and departure dates.”
“I shall get on the task at once, Lord Woodley. You can rely on me.”
Draco left the Kestrel Inn and returned to Westgate Hall to deliver the letters to Imogen.
“Lady Imogen was hoping you would return soon,” Melrose said. “Lord Burness is also eager to speak to you.”
“Ah, I cannot imagine he is thrilled with what happened today.”
Melrose cast him a fatherly smile. “Well, my lord. It is safe to say he was livid. However, I expect he will have calmed down substantially by now.”
Imogen happened to be walking downstairs just as he entered. “You’re back! Thank goodness. Will you stay for supper?”
Draco nodded. “If you have not tired of my company yet.”
“You know I never will. Melrose, his lordship and I would like refreshments served on the terrace as usual.”
“Very good,” the butler said with a nod, and sent a footman off to tend to the chore.
Imogen hurriedly drew Draco through the parlor and out the open doors onto the terrace. “You were gone a while. My aunt and uncle are taking a walk on the beach with their boys to tire them out a little before putting them to bed. They’ll be back shortly, but I hope for a few moments alone with you before they join us. Have you learned anything helpful? I’ve heard gossip, but it sounded nonsensical. What happened?”
He sank onto one of the long chairs beside Imogen’s chair with a groan. Every muscle in his body ached and his arm was a fiery throb.
Imogen settled at the foot of his chair and studied him eagerly. “What? Tell me.”
“I’m sure the gossip you heard was accurate. We now know who shot out the tea shop window. It was Walter Ramsay.”
“Yes, that’s the name they repeated.” She frowned. “Who is that?”
He arched an eyebrow. “I’m surprised you don’t know, considering you are quite the proficient spy.”
She laughed. “Don’t tease me, Draco.”
“All right, Butterfly. He happens to be Mrs. Halsey’s wastrel brother who was recently released from prison and came looking to beg money from her. When she refused, he got angry. Probably went off drunk, stole a valuable horse, and then rode back here and shot out her window.”
“And might have killed one of us.” Imogen looked furious. “Did he not ever think of that? Or worry about hurting the other tea shop patrons as glass shattered and shards flew all over the place?”
“That would have required him to look beyond his nose. The man is obviously witless and thoughtless. Deucedly sly, since he managed to steal a horse out of Thurlestone and ride him all the way here. Then, after shooting out his sister’s shop window, he raced out of town and abandoned the horse on her property.”
Imogen’s eyes grew wide. “Leaving her to be charged with the theft?”
Draco shrugged. “I doubt he gave it a moment’s consideration before running off on foot. The horse is safe now. I rode it back to the village, and he is in Mr. Matchett’s expert care. Major Brennan has put soldiers on guard at the stable to protect the valuable beast. Brennan will send one of his men to Thurlestone tomorrow to advise the owner, Lord Eldridge, that his prize stud has been found.”
She rolled her eyes. “So all of today’s drama had nothing to do with your rebel plotters?”
“Not a whit to do with them. Next, I stopped by the Kestrel Inn and picked up these for you.” Ignoring his aches and pains, he reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and handed Imogen the letters that had arrived in today’s mail pouch.
“For me? Oh, I hope there’s something included for you, Draco.” She hurriedly opened the first one. It was merely a letter from Ella, who reported news about the family and the tiniest addition to their ranks. “The littlest Mersey appears to have astrong set of lungs and likes to use them at all hours of the day and night. Ella says she and Caden are constantly exhausted because they insist on taking care of him. Caden is still over the moon about having a son. He is a doting father, and his grandfather, the Duke of Seaton, is even worse when it comes to spoiling the child.” She set the letter on her lap. “Oh, but this must be of no interest to you. Let me open the other one.”
