Page 9 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Chapter Four
The attending footmenhad been dismissed, as whenever the three men were together, there was the possibility the Rogue’s Alliance would be discussed.
“Will you be at the registry office tomorrow for the grand opening?” Nathaniel asked Cecil after taking a sip of brandy.
Cecil nodded. “I will be in the area to ensure the RA doesn’t attempt to disrupt the proceedings.”
“Of course.” What else was there to say? Hunting down members of the alliance was Cecil’s purpose in life. “Maybe you should visit the countryside. See that nephew of yours.”
“In good time.” Cecil drummed the fingers of one hand on the mahogany dining table. It was a habit that indicated their friend was thinking of something other than the current conversation. “I have work to do here in London.”
“I’m glad to see Diana interested in helping veterans rather than finding a way to create a scandal.” Ashford added, “She intends to stay in London until next season to keep a watchful eye on the registry.”
Nathaniel groaned. “Alicia is disappointed not to be volunteering at the registry. I hope she soon finds an activity to keep herself occupied.”
There was a lull in the conversation as it appeared neither of his friends knew how to respond.
“Charlotte and I plan to stay in London for a few more months until the registry is on a solid footing.” Ashford held up a cut glass decanter of brandy with a questioning look.
Cecil declined another glass.
“No more for me.” Nathaniel rarely drank spirits. He was worried he would use drink to medicate himself, to help him sleep. He visited Angelo’s Fencing Academy three times a week to keep occupied and read books to distract himself when he dwelled too much on the past.
He was relieved to hear Ashford would be in Town for a while longer for moral support, as no one involved with the registry office had experience with such a venture.
“It is lucky that Diana is content with being the face of the registry. Perhaps the alliance will lose interest in our endeavor if Ashford and I aren’t involved on a day to day basis.” And with that, Nathaniel was sure he’d exhausted the topic of the registry office.
Cecil got to his feet. “I will bid you both good evening.”
“You’re leaving already?” he asked, startled.
“I have an appointment with an informant.” Cecil nodded in Ashford’s direction. “I will make my goodbyes to your lady wife and her friends.”
And then the viscount was gone.
“Lady Edith will be disappointed,” he said without thinking. Nathaniel could feel Ashford’s gaze as he stared at the barely touched glass of brandy on the table before him.
“Don’t give up, my friend.”
He looked up and frowned. “I’m not looking for a wife.”
“I highly recommend the married state.” Ashford took a sip of brandy. “You can’t fool me with your sunny countenance. All is not well with you, my friend.”
“I’m fine.” And he was, most of the time. “Perhaps a little tired.”
Ashford put down his glass on the table and leaned forward. “Do you still have nightmares? You can talk to me. I can’t understand how deeply you were affected by the loss of your friends on the HMSSt. George, but I can listen.”
