Page 41 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“Were you the only person in the household involved with procuring an employee via the Veterans Registry Office?”
The man nodded. “Yes, my lord.”
“And Mr. Davidson never appeared for his position.”
“No, my lord.”
“You have heard nothing from him or about him since?”
The butler shook his head. “The runners asked me about him, but I had no information other than his name and where he lived.”
Nathaniel got to his feet. “Thank you.” He handed the man a registry card. “If you think of anything that might help us locate Watch Captain Davidson, please let me know.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Lady Devon also assured me the earl was not involved in the hiring process.” He studied the butler’s expression.
The man cleared his throat. “If I’d not be speaking out of turn, my lord, Lord Norwich hasn’t had control of his faculties in nigh on a year.”
His interview with the man was over. If Lord Norwich had ever been a part of the RA, he was no use to the organization now. He doubted the butler was a part of the Rogue’s Alliance, but Cecil could do some digging into the man’s background.
He sighed inwardly. Another possible avenue of investigation that had led nowhere.
Chapter Sixteen
That night during supper, Louisa spoke about her day at the registry office. “It was busy in the morning, so Charlotte and I had a lot of information to update. I’m not sure she is up to sitting for so long in one situation, and I believe she was at the registry to try and...” Louisa trailed off.
Edith decided her friend had been going to mention the missing veterans but remembered that Edith’s father knew nothing of the disappearances.
Edith replied, “Perhaps we should speak with Charlotte about resting as her physician suggested.”
Edith’s father had been preoccupied during the meal and excused himself from the table to leave for an unknown evening entertainment. She determined it had been an unsatisfactory day overall and decided to have an early night.
The next day after luncheon, she arrived at the registry office to volunteer and found Lord Harbury standing in the lobby with the two male employees. From their dour expressions, she sensed something was amiss and bade her maid to remain in the lobby rather than proceed to the carriage and return home.
“Alicia is in the office with Mrs. Stafford,” the baron said gravely by way of greeting.
