Page 74 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“Wanting tales of faraway New Holland, no doubt?” His words and accompanying smile were patronizing.
She raised her chin. “Not at all, Mr. Lambourne. I should like to discuss the transportation of prisoners from England to New South Wales.”
* * * * *
Captain Blake had beenthe physician on the HMS Cressy when Nathaniel was aboard and now had a private practice at 13 Queen Anne Street. His office clerk escorted Nathaniel and Ashford to the doctor’s office.
Blake rose to his feet from behind a mahogany desk. “Harbury! What a pleasure to see you. It has been a long time.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t looked you up before now. May I present my friend Lord Ashford.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Ashford. Do be seated. Would you care for tea or something stronger? I was just about to have a glass of port.” Dr. Blake winked. “For medicinal reasons, mind you.”
“That is a splendid idea,” Nathaniel replied as he and Ashford were seated on a pair of leather armchairs.
Both men accepted a tiny glass of the blood-red liquid.
“Here’s to good health.” The doctor raised his glass in a silent toast. “How are you, Harbury?”
“I’m not here for a medical problem. I came to see you because I need some information on the transportation of prisoners. I need to speak with the Transport Board, but I am not acquainted with any of the commissioners. I believe you are familiar with Commander Rupert George?”
The man nodded. “The Chairman of the Transportation Board? I am indeed. He is a dreary fellow and quite the advocate of transportation.”
“Would he consent to speak with me about the process of transporting a convict?”
Blake was silent a moment. “You would have more luck with the only physician on the board: Dr. John Harness. I served with him before my time on the Cressy. He’s a member of the old guard but with an open mind. I'm sure he would be willing to help you."
“Very good. And the board is located in Dover Square, Westminster, just off Canon Row?”
“It is.” The doctor pulled a card from the interior pocket of his jacket. “Proffer my card. It might help. Is there anything else I can do for you, Harbury?”
“That is all I needed, thank you.”
“How are you sleeping?” The physician studied his face.
He shrugged. “As well as I can.”
“We all have voices that won’t let us sleep. It’s a matter of knowing which ones are worth listening to. If I can be of further help with this matter, don’t hesitate to call on me again.”
Nathaniel rose to his feet, placing his glass on the corner of the desk. He would leave the office before his old friend asked more questions or offered to examine him.
Ashford swallowed his port in one gulp, placed the empty glass on the desk, and stood up. “Thank you for your help, Dr. Blake.”
Once outside on the street, Nathaniel advised his coachman to proceed to Dover Square.
After they were seated in the coach, Ashford observed, “Dr. Blake didn’t ask why you wanted to know about prisoner transportation.”
“I didn’t expect him to. John is known for his discretion.”
The ride along Duke Street and past Berkeley Square took over thirty minutes due to traffic congestion at that time of day. When the coach halted in front of a rose-tinged stone building, he and Ashford descended from the carriage and proceeded into the building.
When Nathaniel entered the lobby, he spied a young seaman seated behind a small, battered oak desk. “How may I help you?”
Nathaniel pulled the card Dr. Blake had given him from his pocket. “I was referred to Dr. Harness by Dr. Blake. I’m Lord Harbury, and this is my friend Lord Ashford.”
“I’ll see if the doctor is available for visitors.”
A moment later, the young man returned. “Please follow me.”
