Page 82 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Cecil replied, “He was to be the employer of the third missing veteran, Seaman Wilson.”
They approached a bench, and he asked, “Would you ladies care to rest a moment?”
“Please.” Edith released his arm and was seated, Louisa beside her.
He wanted to stop a moment and release Edith for his own sake. Her nearness was wreaking havoc with his brain-he needed to concentrate on the missing veterans.
Cecil said quietly, “I have found no evidence that the Home Secretary is involved in the disappearance of the veterans.”
Nathaniel stood near Edith’s end of the bench, watching anyone approaching from the north. Cecil was situated to observe any walkers coming from the south.
“This whole affair is getting very complicated,” Louisa said grumpily. “There are any number of people that could be involved. The next order of business must be to rule out transportation to New Holland.”
“I agree,” Cecil replied in a low voice. “If we can locate the missing veterans, then we should be able to find the culprit or culprits behind their disappearance.”
“Have you ascertained that our veterans are not in one of the gaols under false identities?” he asked his friend.
“That took longer than I would have thought, but I have. They are not incarcerated in a land-based gaol. I have gone through proper channels to determine if the men are on a hulk. The problem with a hulk is that the ships are privately owned, not under the control of the prisons or the navy. Neither Bones nor I have any contacts that would allow us access to a hulk.”
“I spoke with a man who profits from the transportation of criminals.” Edith explained, “His name is Mr. Lambourne, and he owns a sheep station in New South Wales.”
“You did? How extraordinary.” Nathaniel couldn’t help but smile at the lady. She constantly surprised him with her initiative.
Lady Edith recounted her visit to the reception for Mr. Lambourne. “The only thing I learned is that there is a Transport Board. Have you contacted the board, Lord Harbury?”
“I have.” He encompassed the group in his gaze as he added, “The Morley is leaving London in December. The hulks used for the ship are in Woolwich. Evidently, it is rare for a transport ship to leave from Town.”
Louisa clicked her tongue. “December is a long time away.”
“And the poor men and women will be stuck on that horrible ship until then.” Edith sighed. “How awful.”
“It will give us time to figure out how to get on that hulk,” Cecil replied practically.
“Shall we continue?” Nathaniel extended his arm to Lady Edith.
Once they were again in their places and walking, he looked down at his companion, who glanced up at him. “If either of you ladies think of any way to get on those hulks, you must let us know. Shall we all meet up tomorrow evening at my home for supper? We can discuss any further developments then.”
