Page 55 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“What say you, Cecil?” Ashford sat back in his chair. “Any ideas about who tampered with Lady Sandhurst’s supper?”
Cecil was silent for a moment. “My contacts tell me the lady was indeed violently ill, as the papers stated. I imagine if Lady Sandhurst interfered with the food, she would have eaten as little of it as possible.”
“That stands to reason,” Ashford replied.
He cleared his throat. “Shall we address the situation with our missing veterans? I don’t believe Lord Norwich is involved in the disappearances. Cecil, I did ask Bones if he could investigate Lord Norwich’s butler.”
The viscount replied, “Bones spoke with the earl’s upper and lower servants, and they have nothing but wonderful things to say about the butler. They believe he is a good, honest man.”
Nathaniel remembered their trip to St. Giles. “Did Cecil tell you there are rumors that a female is behind the disappearance of our veterans?”
For the next several minutes, Cecil recounted their visit to the slum and his meeting with Quinn. As for himself, he told the men about his interview with Seaman Thomas Wilson’s wife. “Lord Sidmouth was to be the employer of our latest missing veteran.”
“Lord Sidmouth?” Cecil shook his head. “I’ve never found a link between the Home Secretary and the RA, although I’ve tried. He doesn’t believe my brother’s murder was more than a botched robbery.”
He whistled. “You think the RA has connections that high in government?”
Cecil nodded. “I do. They are left almost entirely to their own devices. If we speak with the Home Secretary directly, and heisinvolved in some fashion, he will know about our inquiries. Bones can work his wiles on the man’s housemaids while I make more discreet inquiries.”
“Lady Edith was most helpful when I interviewed Mrs. Wilson. If we need to speak to other women during our inquiries, the lady she would be a great asset.”
“I agree.” Ashford nodded.
Cecil frowned. “You enlisted the assistance of Lady Edith during an interview?”
“She already knew about the disappearance of the other two veterans. The lady is intelligent and has good instincts when dealing with others.” He stopped himself from saying more to support Edith. Her reputation should stand on its own.
The viscount pressed, “And will she be discreet?”
Ashford let out a breath. “She has told Charlotte and Lady Louisa about the disappearances. That was to be expected. Charlotte is rather put out that I didn’t share the information with her before Edith did.”
Cecil appeared speechless.
“It’s what you do, Cecil. You confide in your spouse.”
The viscount didn’t look convinced.
Ashford continued, “I also spoke with Diana, who is also not best pleased about not knowing what was going on from the start.”
“Have you discovered any evidence to support the rumors that a woman is behind the disappearances?” he asked Cecil.
The other man shook his head. “Not as of yet.”
“Lady Sandhurst is the godmother of the deceased Lt Cooper. I came across that information via my sister. I have only a passing acquaintance with the lady and was surprised to be invited to her card party.”
Cecil replied, “If Lord Norwich dislikes you as much as you believe, it is doubtful Lady Sandhurst invited you to the party last night without an ulterior motive.”
He’d thought much the same himself. “The lady appears enamored of Lady Edith’s father, but I see no connection to warrant her inviting me and Alicia into her home. Lord Norwich is in no condition to assist us with our inquiries, but perhaps Lady Sandhurst can help. I’ll send a missive to inquire whether the lady has recovered from her illness and is accepting visitors.”
Nathaniel then reminded his friends that Black Jack the Bow Street Runner was an ally if they needed him. He also informed them he planned to see a former colleague who had worked with several press gangs.
“Press gangs are as good a theory as any,” Ashford commented.
Cecil asked, “And you closed the registry for a fortnight?”
Ashford nodded. “I think we better not chance another man going missing. Diana took down the match listings from the front windows and put up a notice that the office will be closed for the time being.”
Cecil made a rude noise.
