Page 102 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“We have.” Lord Harbury moved to stand near the mantelpiece, looking well-rested and handsome in gray trousers and a blue jacket.
“I told my father about my plan,” Edith said, sighing. “He isn’t happy about it, but I promised him that Louisa and I would be escorted by one of you gentlemen at all times.”
Lord Wycliffe said from his place on a hard-backed chair, “Nathaniel, I think you should accompany the ladies onto the hulk. I prefer to observe anyone coming or going from the ship.”
The baron asked, “Do we know which hulk our veterans might be on before being transferred to a seagoing vessel?”
Wycliffe nodded. “My best guess is the HMSCeres. There are three hulks in Woolwich right now. One is a hospital ship, and the Neely is only half full. The crowded ship is a better place to hide our veterans.”
“And these hulks are run by private citizens?” she asked.
“The Inspector of Hulks, John Capper, would like to eliminate contractors, but as of now, the decommissioned naval vessels are owned by private citizens.” The viscount paused. “Campbell Shipping owns theCeresand has long been thought to have ties to the RA.”
She had a thought. “What happens if we do locate one or more of the veterans?”
Lord Wycliffe replied grimly, “Mr. Bones and I will be nearby. If you come off that ship and our veterans are on board, we will get them off. I promise you.”
Edith believed him.
“The journey by carriage will take at least three hours. I suggest we leave here tomorrow morning at seven o’clock. Cecil?” After Lord Wycliffe nodded his approval, the baron continued, “We will see you ladies soon after that in the viscount’s coach. When we reach Woolwich, the guards on the ship will be introduced to Lady Edith, but before then, they need not recognize our carriage.”
“And I’ll be dressed as a maid.” Louisa wrinkled her nose.
The baron nodded. “I will masquerade as a coachman, Cecil, and Bones, as footmen.”
Edith took a sip of her now cold tea.
“And I will stay here and pretend nothing is amiss,” Alicia said with a bright smile.
“Is that all?” Lord Wycliffe stood up.
“Unless anyone has anything else to discuss.” Lord Harbury looked around the room, his gaze settling on her. “I will see you all tomorrow morning.”
Edith would have liked to say something to the baron but had no idea what. They stared at each other for several seconds before the viscount exited the room, and Louisa rose to her feet.
“Until tomorrow,” Louisa said as she touched Edith’s arm briefly.
“Oh yes, tomorrow.” She shook herself and followed Louisa from the room.
When the women arrived home they were greeted by her father’s butler extending a grubby note on a silver salver. “From the boy at the lending library.”
Once she and Louisa were in the drawing room, Edith unfolded the letter.
Lady Edith,
A woman wishes to meet with you at Thorne’s at four o’clock.
Robbie
“How strange.” Louisa read the letter aloud over Edith’s shoulder.
She glanced at the carriage clock on the mantel. “I’ll have to go out again.”
“I’m going with you.”
Upon arriving at Thorne’s, Robbie nodded to the backroom. “Mr. Thorne is out for a few hours. The lady is waiting for you in the office. She wouldn’t give me her name.”
“Thank you, Robbie.”
