Page 26 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
The baron clasped his hands behind his back and rocked on the balls of his feet. “The man has disappeared without a trace.”
“Really? Oh my goodness!” She realized she was pulling at the earbob attached to her right ear and quickly dropped her hand.
He nodded. “To protect the agency’s reputation, we are making discreet inquiries.”
“Do you think there was foul play?”
“We’re not sure yet. From all accounts, the man wasn’t a drinker or gambler. He had recently been down on his luck and looked forward to his new position.”
She was surprised Lord Harbury would tell her so much about the situation. Surprised and grateful. “I don’t believe we had any family listed for James Fleet.”
“You are correct,” he replied gravely. “If we need your help, I won’t hesitate to contact you.”
“Thank you for letting me know about the missing man.”
“You work at the agency; you are in a position to know things.” He shrugged. “It makes sense to include you. Have you noticed anything of concern while volunteering at the registry?”
She shook her head. “Nothing suspicious or out of the ordinary.
It was nice to be taken seriously by a man other than her father. She was trying to think of something else to say when their hostess approached them.
“Lady Edith! Do say you will play the pianoforte for us. Perhaps my daughter could accompany you on the harp?”
“I would love to play a duet.” She nodded to Lord Harbury. “Excuse me, my lord.”
The gentleman bowed. “It will be a pleasure to hear you play again, Lady Edith.”
After she was seated at a lovely pianoforte at one end of the room examining a stack of sheet music, she thought again how very much Lord Harbury appeared to like her.
Chapter Eleven
After Lady Edith’sduet, their hostess coaxed Alicia to sing while Lady Edith again played accompaniment. Lady Kettering had been so impressed with Alicia’s singing that she’d asked her to sing yet another song. After that, the lady escorted Alicia around the room so everyone could congratulate her on her voice.
“What an evening!” After they returned home several hours later, Alicia beamed at him as they mounted the main staircase to retire to their bedchambers. “I’m not sure I will be able to sleep.”
As for himself, he’d fallen asleep quite easily and slept through the night. Waking refreshed, he realized he felt more energetic than he had in a long time. Even with frequent exercise, he often felt sluggish in the morning.
