Page 81 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Nathaniel still had the scrap of vellum but wouldn’t share it. There was no reason for anyone else to know he’d been the target of the poisoned food. He might trust Black Jack, but he had no idea if any of the other runners were members of the RA.
He lifted a shoulder. “I have no proof, but it would explain why Agnes was in a room she had no business in.”
“And there is nothing else you wish to share with me? I’m sure Lord Wycliffe would like to tie this crime to the Rogue’s Alliance, but we have found no link to the organization.”
“I have nothing to add.” He rose to his feet. “Will that be all?”
“For now. If I need you, I know where to find you.”
Nathaniel exited the building as a cloud moved, and the sun shone brightly upon him. The carriage ride to Kensington Gardens took him past St. James’s Park, Green Park, and most of Hyde Park, as Kensington Gardens was adjacent to that expanse of green.
His pocket watch showed it was just on two o’clock when he took up a place at the head of the gravel walk for the promenade. The path ran north to south, and several people were already promenading. Looking about him, he spied Lady Edith approaching the walk.
She wore a lovely peach Spencer over a cream walking dress, her bonnet trimmed in peach ribbons. She looked so fresh and pretty that it took him a moment to realize Lady Louisa was at her side.
“Lady Edith, Lady Louisa.” He bowed. “We have much to speak about.”
“I believe we do,” Edith replied softly and stepped toward him.
He put out an arm, and the lady took it. “Shall we?” Louisa took up a place on the other side of her friend.
They started forward, and Edith said, “Charlotte informed us of the murder at Lady Sandhurst’s home.”
“Then you know I was there when it occurred?” He looked about, but no one was close enough to hear their conversation.
“We do. Louisa and I spoke to Charlotte before we arrived at the park. She and Ashford are leaving London.”
“I think that is an excellent idea. I don’t believe Charlotte is in danger, but it will ease her and Ashford’s mind to be gone from Town.”
There was a crunch of gravel behind them. They stopped walking and turned to see Cecil behind them.
“What are you doing here?” he asked the viscount.
“I have news.” Cecil held out his arm, and Lady Louisa took it with a too-sweet smile. “Let us continue on and not attract attention to ourselves.”
When their party resumed walking, Cecil and Louisa were a step behind himself and Edith.
“What news have you?” he asked without turning his head.
“The body of one of Lady Sandhurst’s footmen has been found in the Thames. Although the runners assume he murdered the maid, we may never know if he did the deed or if he is merely a scapegoat.”
Edith gasped. “Would the RA do such a thing? Kill an innocent man to cover their tracks?”
“If it draws suspicion away from the remainder of the household,” Cecil replied grimly.
They passed several couples strolling in the opposite direction, so their party remained silent for several moments as they nodded to the other walkers.
“You do know Ashford and Charlotte are leaving London?” Louisa asked her companion.
“I do, Lady Louisa,” Cecil replied. “It is a very sound idea.”
Nathaniel was glad his friend spoke politely with none of his usual arrogance. “Has the snuff box found at the registry afforded you any leads?”
“It could belong to anyone. I have investigated the registry employees but can’t find a connection to this business. Perhaps one of the men looking for work dropped it in the lobby, and someone placed it on the bookshelf.”
Nathaniel would like to believe that theory so he wouldn’t have to suspect any of the registry employees of being involved in the disappearance of their veterans. “And you found no ties linking Lord Sidmouth to this business?”
Louisa gasped. “The Home Secretary?”
