Page 34 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Which made what Cecil did while in the Home Office as clear as mud.
“I see no reason the men would be kidnapped. They have neither fortune nor connections.” Ashford shook his head.
He observed, “I’m sure Bones would have ferreted out any links to moneylenders or gambling.”
“He would have.” Cecil still had his head in his hands.
“Although Lord Norwich dislikes me, I must speak with him.”
“Dislikes you?” Cecil raised his head.
He sighed, surprised Cecil didn’t know the story. “His son was a friend of mine and served with me on the HMSSt. George.”
“Oh yes, the lieutenant that committed suicide.” Cecil frowned darkly.
He nodded. “His father blames me for his death.”
“You were transferred to that ship to root out a spy. Despite the efforts of the navy to downplay the matter, it is well known that Norwich’s son was that spy.”
“I’ll speak with the earl,” Ashford said quietly.
Nathaniel shook his head. “I should speak with him if he will admit me to his home.”
“The man is a bitter old fool,” Cecil replied with a scowl. “What happened to the lieutenant isn’t your fault, as anyone with sense would know.”
Ashford sighed loudly. “If the earl thinks you caused his son’s death, we can’t reason with him. We all know that grief can lead to madness if we let it.”
Ashford had lost his father, Nathaniel, both his parents, and Cecil his beloved older brother. Who in London hadn’t been touched by grief?
“Perhaps Lord Norwich is behind the disappearance of our veterans.” He asked Cecil, “Are there any rumors the man is involved in the RA?”
The viscount shook his head. “He is getting up in years and not involved in the RA’s machinations as far as I know.”
“We spoke to Henry Davidson’s wife. She mentioned that her husband was hired to work with horses, as was Seaman Fleet,” Ashford said thoughtfully. “Maybe that is a clue.”
“Nearly half of our veterans have been hired to work with horses.” Nathaniel added, “I have a contact with the runners. Perhaps we can keep these disappearances quiet until we know what happened to the men. I would hate to see the good work we’ve started end. The men have families. We need to find out what happened to them.”
“Have you told anyone at the registry about the missing men?” Cecil asked.
“Only Lady Edith,” he replied.
Cecil threw up his hands. “Why Lady Edith?”
“She assisted us with finding the contact information for both veterans. We can trust her to keep the information to herself.”
Cecil didn’t look convinced. “I hope you’re right.”
“You don’t trust anyone, my friend.” He shook his head.
“Only you two.”
They all looked rather embarrassed by that statement. Cecilmustbe tired.
Ashford stood up. “I am off for home. Charlotte felt much better today, but I should be with her.”
“Give my regards to your wife,” Cecil said with a yawn.
Nathaniel walked across the room. “Stand up. We’re putting you to bed.”
