Page 107 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“Thomas!” Louisa jumped up from her seat and rushed forward to the nearly unconscious man. She visibly studied his face before turning to Edith. “It’s him. It’s my brother!”
“No, miss. You can’t just be taking a prisoner.” The second man frowned. “How do we know he’s who you say he is.”
“He has the birthmark,” Edith replied imperiously. “My maid would not lie about this man being her brother. To question her integrity is to question mine.”
The man looked at a loss for words. “This is all very irregular.”
“You can take it up with Mr. Campbell. I am here at his pleasure. My father is a silent investor in his shipping company and would not like to hear that his daughter received shabby treatment while helping to set an honest man free.”
“There’s been mistakes before,” the first guard said with a shrug.
The other guard nodded. “He was going to be moved to the hospital ship anyway.”
Lord Harbury stepped forward. “I will escort Seaman Wilson to her ladyship’s carriage.”
She handed both guards a guinea. “Thank heavens, we found Thomas. His wife is due to give birth any day now.”
“I’ll help you get him outside,” the first guard said as his companion allowed the baron to take Seaman Wilson’s other arm.
When they exited the ship, it was to find the sun breaking through the clouds. Seaman Wilson had started mumbling, and his eyes blinked open several times.
“I’m going to drive away,” Lord Harbury said quietly after the sailor was deposited in the carriage, where he slumped onto the squabs across from herself and Louisa. “We will meet up with Cecil and Bones to determine how to get the other veterans off of that ship.”
The baron closed the door to the coach, and the carriage rolled away. Seaman Wilson called out in his stupor but did not stir. A few minutes later, the coach came to a halt.
“Hold! Hold, I say!”
The voice was unfamiliar. The carriage door was flung open by a large black-haired man. Edith could see Mr. Bones grab the man from behind, and the black-haired man attempting to shake off Mr. Bones.
“He’s a convict!” The large man yelled just before the two grappling men disappeared from her view.
Edith leaned forward to look out of the carriage.
“Black Jack, you know who that prisoner is! He’s one of the missing veterans!” She saw Lord Harbury fire a flintlock pistol into the air. He held its twin in his other hand. “Stand down, or the next ball will be in your chest.”
The man who the baron called Black Jack released Mr. Bones and stood, breathing heavily, surrounded by Mr. Bones, Lord Harbury, and Lord Wycliffe. Edith cautiously exited the coach.
“We’re not releasing Seaman Wilson to you,” Lord Wycliffe said coldly to Black Jack, “And you’re going to confirm that our other two veterans are on board theCeres.”
“Why would I do that?” The large man asked with a twist of his lips.
Lord Harbury replied, “Because now that we know you’re a member of the RA, you’re of no use to them. The Chief Magistrate, Sir Conant, won’t keep you on the force after this.”
“You’re a dead man walking.” Lord Wycliffe shook his head. “You know that. Before you leave London to try and save yourself, do something good. Something right.”
“Nar then, how do you propose we get those men off the ship?” Black Jack looked around furtively as if already eager to leave Woolwich and the outer environs of London.
Lord Harbury lowered his flintlock. “I believe Seaman Wilson is drugged to keep him compliant. Whether the other veterans are drugged or not, tell the guards you’re taking them to the hospital hulk for treatment.”
“You came to Woolwich in a carriage.” Lord Wycliffe added grimly, “We will be obliged to seize it. You can find alternate transport away from Town.”
“I don’t have a choice, do I?” the runner asked with a grimace.
The viscount replied with a growl, “None at all.”
“Bones, stay here with the ladies.” Lord Harbury flashed her a reassuring smile. “We will return momentarily.”
Edith nodded and, ducking back into the carriage, resumed her seat next to Louisa.
