Page 33 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Charlotte grinned. “I’m going to be a mother, Louisa. Isn’t it wonderful?”
For several minutes, the women discussed the upcoming grand event, and Edith poured the tea when a tray arrived. “We need to take care of you, Charlotte.”
“I may not be volunteering at the registry for much longer,” Charlotte explained. “My doctor would like me to rest as much as possible before my confinement, and soon we will away to Kent. Diana said she will take my place as a volunteer when necessary.”
“We will help where needed, dear Charlotte,” Louisa replied brightly. “Won’t we, Edith?”
“Of course!”
As Louisa hadn’t seemed terribly interested in the registry, Edith wondered at her enthusiasm. Having Louisa in her home, perhaps she would learn more about what was under the other woman’s hard exterior. While Charlotte and Louisa had been friends from a young age, Edith had only known the women for a few months. They’d met at a ball during the season when Charlotte had rescued Edith from the unkind words of Lady Julia, a diamond of the season and a bully. The three women had been inseparable ever since.
“WhereisDiana?” Louisa asked.
“At a tea drumming up more employers for the registry. She is determined to have a veteran employed in every London household.”
Edith supposed there could be no harm in informing the other women about the disappearance of the veterans. “There is a difficulty associated with the registry. Charlotte, has Ashford told you about the missing veterans?”
“He told Diana and me that a veteran didn’t report for his position with Sir Henry,” Charlotte replied.
Edith relayed what she knew about the two missing men. Louisa and Charlotte were her closest friends, and she had no doubt they would keep the confidence.
“And what did Diana say about the second disappearance?” Charlotte frowned, sitting up straighter on the chaise.
“I don’t think she knows about the second missing veteran,” Edith replied. “I was there this afternoon when Ashford told me the news, but Diana was gone for the day. I don’t believe the registry employees or Alicia know of the situation.”
“It isn’t our place to tell them.” Louisa shrugged. “And Diana isn’t often at the registry office when I volunteer.”
Charlotte replied softly, “With few entertainments this time of year, she is attending as many as she can to spread the word about the registry.”
Edith admired Diana’s poise and confidence and fleetingly pondered whether Lord Wycliffe did as well.
“Edith? You look distracted.” Charlotte raised a brow.
“I’m sorry. Just wool-gathering.”
“Let us not talk of the registry office. I’m sure the missing veterans aren’t missing at all. It may be a misunderstanding.” Louisa then asked, “Charlotte, have you decided on the colors for your nursery? I could help you to choose them.”
As her two friends discussed textiles and wallpaper designs, Edith wondered if Lord Harbury would find anything out that afternoon to aid in his search for the missing veterans.
Information he might be willing to share.
* * * * *
To Nathaniel’s astonishment, Cecil was in his lodgings at number four Curzon Street, specifically in his drawing room cum study.
The room was decorated in burgundy and navy hues with heavy mahogany furniture. He wondered why Cecil and Lady Louisa didn’t get on better as they both seemed rather particular about furnishings and fashion.
His feet propped up on a leather rosewood frame footstool, the viscount nursed a glass of port. A plate on a small table at his elbow contained uneaten beef and potatoes.
“You look horrible,” Ashford said baldly, taking a seat.
“You could do with a bath and bed,” Nathaniel commented, taking up a place standing near the cold hearth.
“I might do that when I have the energy.” It was unlike Cecil to look so tired and miserable. “I have no clue what happened to your missing veterans. Despite my contacts at every level of London society, the men appear to have disappeared. Even Bones has come up empty-handed.” The viscount put his head in his hands.
Nathaniel had never understood what Cecil did during his time in The Home Office. He’d once asked if his friend had been a spy for Wellington.
Cecil had shaken his head and laughed. “Nothing so exciting, my friend. I was merely involved in commerce at the government level.”
