Page 25 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Cecil sighed. “I may have exaggerated my financial troubles to suit the circumstances.”
“We’re your friends, Cecil,” Ashford replied dryly. “We’re not strangers or members of the RA.”
“I often forget there are two separate parts of my life. I’ve never been in financial straits. I merely needed the Rogue’s Alliance to believe I was in the hope their members would make overtures to me.”
The men sat quietly for a bit, drinking. The tavern keeper approached them again, ostensibly to offer another round.
The man whispered, “Fleet was taken on the street and shoved into a black town carriage. Not a new carriage, but not a hackney. That is all that is known.”
“Thank you, my good man.” Cecil pushed another guinea across the table and got to his feet. “If you hear anything else, you know where to find me.”
The publican nodded and collected the mostly full tankards. None of the men had consumed much of the watered-down libation.
Once back in the coach, Nathaniel settled back against the comfortable squabs. “Do you think Mr. Bones will be able to trace the coach?”
“If anyone can,” Cecil replied with a nod.
“Are either of you attending Lady Kettering’s rout this evening?” he asked hopefully.
Both men shook their heads.
He sighed. “There is nothing for it. Alicia is mad to go. Enjoy your evening and let me know if you make any progress finding our veteran.”
* * * * *
Edith wondered at LadyKettering holding a rout in her expansive home rather than a ball. Perhaps with the season over, she might not be assured of a large gathering. A rout could also be a less expensive undertaking as the event need only involve card games, music, lively conversation, and a light supper.
She’d sent a missive to Charlotte that afternoon but had received no reply, so she mentioned her note to Louisa that evening.
“Charlotte has a mild stomach complaint,” her friend replied. “I encountered Ashford walking his dog Chloé this morning at our private park in Grosvenor Square. He told me Charlotte thinks she may have eaten one too many ices at Gunter’s yesterday.”
Edith had only a moment to take the information in when she noticed her father across the room speaking with the widow Lady Sandhurst. She had only attended the rout because her father had mentioned in passing that the lady would attend. Louisa had joined them in their carriage, so Edith had yet to speak privately to her father about Lady Sandhurst.
She also hadn’t yet mentioned the missing veteran to Louisa.
A moment later, she spied Alicia and her brother Lord Harbury.
“Lady Edith!” The girl descended on them, her brother in tow. “How lovely to see you this evening.”
“You look very pretty tonight, Alicia.” She nodded toward the baron.
“I see someone I must speak with,” Louisa said hurriedly, with a weak smile. “Please do excuse me.”
Alicia giggled. “Lady Edith, your father looks rather cozy in the corner of the room with Lady Sandhurst.”
“They are probably discussing the theater. I believe Lady Sandhurst recently saw a production ofGuy Manneringat Covent Garden and enjoyed it immensely,” Edith replied. She recalled Louisa mentioning that the girl had once bent her ear for over an hour about her love of theater, so she was hopeful Alicia would join her father’s tête-à-tête.
“Oh my! I must get her opinion on Sarah Egerton in the role ofMeg Merrilies.” Alicia hurried away.
Edith found herself alone with the baron.
Lord Harbury inclined his head as he asked, “How are you this evening, Lady Edith?”
“Curious,” she answered instantly.
“Yes?” His gaze was intent.
She asked in a low voice, “Has James Fleet been found?”
