Page 65 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
The baron sat forward in his chair. “Did any of the registry employees see the snuff box?”
Edith shook her head. “No, Charlotte hid it in her reticule.”
“It is best we don’t mention it to anyone else except Lord Wycliffe. The snuff box doesn’t mean the RA is undeniably involved with the disappearance of our veterans, but it is a possibility.”
“Have you any news about the missing veterans, Lord Harbury?” she asked.
“After investigating the matter, I don’t believe the men were impressed.”
She glanced at Louisa before Edith asked, “I know this would be a rare occurrence, but you don’t think the veterans were kidnapped to use as cadavers for one of the hospitals?”
Lord Harbury remained silent a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t believe that has happened. Now, that may be wishful thinking. I want to believe the men are alive. That they’re safe and sound.”
She let out a breath. “As do I. Did your sister Alicia tell you about the transportation article inThe Times?”
“She did. Lady Edith, your assistance in this matter has been invaluable. Transportation is most assuredly an avenue we need to explore.”
For a moment, Edith thought about what Louisa and Diana had said about Lord Harbury's feelings toward her. If she could decipher anything about his current feelings, it would be that he appreciated her assistance in finding the missing veterans
“I will admit I don’t know much about how convicts are transported to New Holland,” the baron continued. “That will take more research.”
“But you do know about press gangs in the Navy. Charlotte also hinted that you may have been involved in espionage.” Louisa raised a brow.
“Did she now?” The gentleman leaned in to whisper. “I wasn’t one of Wellington’s Intelligencers, but I may have been privy to some state secrets.”
Espionage? Lord Harbury? Edith couldn’t believe it.
“Edith doesn’t look convinced,” Louisa pointed out wryly.
“Then my mild-mannered façade is working.” The baron got to his feet. “I have an appointment this afternoon to question a contact who may be able to shed some light on whether our missing veterans are being held for transportation.”
“That would be helpful,” she responded, glad to change the subject.
The baron nodded. “Perhaps I will have news for you tomorrow afternoon in Kensington Gardens during the promenade.”
She replied, “We will be happy to hear it.”
“Good day, ladies.”
After Lord Harbury departed, Edith couldn’t help but wonder if the baron had been a spy during the war or merely the simple naval officer she’d thought him to be.
* * * * *
Nathaniel had relishedthe surprised look on Lady Edith’s face when Louisa remarked on his wartime activities. Cecil had only been mentioned in passing.
Was he jealous of his handsome, adventurous friend? Only when it came to Edith. He respected Cecil, and the man was loyal to a fault.
Nathaniel entered his town coach and proceeded to Angelo’s Fencing Academy. He still had time to exercise and bathe before his appointment with Lady Sandhurst.
A few hours later, he arrived at the lady’s home, intrigued as to what important matter the countess wished to discuss with him.
The butler took his hat and cane. “My lady awaits you in the drawing room.”
A footman in gray livery escorted him down a corridor. The lady’s servants didn’t wear the livery John, the brother-in-law of Seaman Wilson, had seen on the day Wilson disappeared.
He entered the drawing room, and the footman announced, “Lord Harbury.”
After the servant exited the room, Lady Sandhurst waved a hand at a nearby sopha, a twin to the one upon which she sat. “Please be seated. Would you like some tea?”
