Page 63 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Louisa helped Charlotte to her feet. Porter unlocked the door, the women exited, and he locked up behind them.
When they had walked several paces away from the registry, Charlotte halted. “I was startled a moment, but now I’m quite recovered.”
“What happened?” Edith asked with a frown.
Charlotte opened the reticule she carried and pulled out a small object. “I found this under some papers on the bookshelf.”
Both Edith and Louisa gasped upon seeing the item.
In Charlotte’s palm lay a black snuffbox with the letters RA emblazoned on it in white: proof that someone who belonged to the Rogue’s Alliance had been in the registry office.
* * * * *
Alicia joined Nathanielfor a late breakfast the next day. “Is there any news about the disappearance of our veterans?”
He shook his head. “I’m waiting for a response to an important letter.”
“Speaking of letters, Lady Edith wrote to me this morning. She mentioned an article in the latest issue ofThe Gentleman’s Magazineabout the transportation of criminals to New South Wales. She thought you might be interested in the subject.”
He knew immediately why the lady would think so. Despite his eagerness to leave the table and read the article, he spent a few more minutes with Alicia as she discussed the upcoming musicale Lady Kettering was to host.
Once Nathaniel excused himself, he made his way to his study, sure there would be copies ofThe Gentleman’s Magazinein the room.
He located the issue of the periodical he needed and sat at his desk. Opening the magazine, he scanned several pages until he found the article Edith had mentioned to his sister.
New Holland Landowners Want More Convicts
Mr. Basil Lambourne of the British colony of New South Wales has traveled to London to address his need for more transported labor. As the representative of five other landowners in the New Holland territory, Mr. Lambourne has an audience with The Transport Board and the Home Secretary, Lord Sidmouth, to discuss the matter. Despite British prisoners that would have once been sent to the former colonies now being transported to New Holland, the increase in transportation isn't sufficient for the wealthy property owners.
Lady Edith might be on to something. And how interesting that the landowner was to meet with Lord Sidmouth.
There was a knock at the study door.
“Come!”
A footman entered and proffered a silver salver with a single letter. Once the servant had exited, Nathaniel broke the wax seal on the missive with a letter opener.
Lord Harbury,
Thank you for your kind inquiry into my health. I am much recovered and was glad to hear that you were unscathed and that your sister is now in good health. Do give her my best.
I need to speak with you privately on a delicate matter. Please call on me today at three o’clock.
Sincerely,
Lady Sandhurst
A glance at the carriage clock on a nearby table showed him the time to be only eleven o’clock. There were several hours before his meeting with Lady Sandhurst.
As the registry office was closed, perhaps Lady Edith would be at Thorne’s Lending Library. If she wasn’t at the library, he would go in search of Cecil and discuss convict transportation with him.
To his good luck, the ladywasat the library, along with her friend Louisa.
Robbie greeted him from behind his counter when Nathaniel entered the shop. “May I help you, my lord?”
“Not at present. I’m here to speak with friends.”
As he approached the women in the seating area, Nathaniel was aware of two pairs of eyes assessing him.
