Page 29 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“My lady.” The two men rose to their feet.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you. I wanted to let you know Lady Diana has gone home. Miss Tilford and I will be able to work on our own.”
“Just let me know when you’re finished.” Mrs. Stafford added, “I usually stay until everyone is done for the day.”
“I will make sure to do so.” She couldn’t think of anything else to say. She looked about her, seeing nothing odd or out of place. “I’ll just get back to my work.”
As she returned to the backroom, Edith glanced about the lobby but saw nothing in her surroundings that warranted further scrutiny. She resumed her work, leaving the door to the backroom wide open.
Sometime later, a loud knocking at the front door of the registry startled her.
Edith entered the lobby to find Lord Ashford and Lord Wycliffe waiting outside the front door.
She unlocked the door, opened it, and asked, “Gentlemen, how can I help you?”
Ashford replied grimly, “We need to be discreet. Lord Harbury told me that you know about the missing veteran. Unfortunately, another man has disappeared.”
* * * * *
It was Monday afternoon, and Nathaniel hadn’t heard any news from Cecil or Ashford. He journeyed to the registry to collect his sister, and Mr. Taylor informed him his friends were in the backroom with Edith. Alicia was in the lobby speaking to Mrs. Stafford, and his sister merely raised a hand in greeting as she continued to talk to the other woman.
“Mrs. Stafford, you are doing an excellent job. We all appreciate you.”
He knew he should only be thinking about the missing veteran, but he was happy to have the opportunity to see Lady Edith again.
Nathaniel knocked on the backroom door, opened it, and walked in. He found Ashford and Edith examining one of the ledger books as Cecil stood nearby.
Ashford looked up, his expression troubled. “Nathaniel.”
“Is anything the matter?”
“Another veteran has gone missing,” his friend responded in a low voice.
Edith was writing some information on a card. “Here is his home address. And there is no news on Mr. Fleet?”
Ashford took the card Edith handed him. “None at all. Thank you for your help, Lady Edith.”
The lady replied, “Do give Charlotte my best. I’m sorry she has been unwell.”
“Charlotte is feeling poorly again?” Nathaniel asked, concerned.
Ashford replied, “Charlotte tells me she is quite recovered. Her doctor advised rest and good food.”
“With your chef, good food shouldn’t be a problem.” He paused. “Lady Edith, perhaps you could see my sister home?”
“It would be my pleasure, Lord Harbury.”
The look she gave him conveyed her understanding of the matter. He needed his sister out of the way so he could investigate this latest disappearance with Ashford.
The lady added, “If you promise to call on me at your earliest convenience.”
Ah. There was payment to be made for her assistance. His respect for her grew.
He nodded. “Of course.”
Nathaniel followed her from the room, and Ashford and Cecil trailed behind.
“Alicia!” Lady Edith rushed forward and briefly touched his sister’s arm. “I have an appointment with my modiste. Perhaps you would accompany me. I could use your opinion on a new riding habit I’m being fitted for.”
