Page 60 of Lady Louisa and the Carriage Clock
“I did.”
“I’m not sure I believe you would do that.” Sidmouth frowned. “I imagine you have illustrations of the clocks.”
“Perhaps.” He shrugged.
“Is there any credence to the tales the clocks could identify the founders of the Rogue’s Alliance?”
Despite his surprise that the secretary knew so much about the clocks, Cecil replied smoothly, “I thought you weren’t concerned with their activities.”
“You’re going to dredge up your brother’s murder again.”
“And you’re still holding a grudge because of your daughter.” He shook his head. “My resentment is warranted. My brother was killed in cold blood, and you wouldn't support an investigation.”
“At the time, all clues pointed to footpaths murdering your brother during a robbery. If he was in possession of one of the mythology clocks it lends credence to the idea that he was a victim of the RA.”
Cecil threw up his hands. “And what has enlightened you to the danger the RA poses?”
“Over the last few years, you have brought to the Home Office’s attention several people in the government involved in criminal enterprises. Black Jack Henley was a legend among the runners. It was a blow to their morale when he was discovered to be a criminal. When the Assistant Chief Magistrate was named as a member of the RA, that was the last straw.”
“It’s comforting to know a preponderance of evidence is needed before you take my concerns seriously,” he replied dryly.
The secretary sighed. “I’ve asked you here today, Cecil, to advise you that I have operatives working to bring down the RA just as you are attempting to do.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he replied blandly.
“Would you consider joining our investigation in an unofficial capacity?”
He shook his head. “I would not. I will share the names of any further RA members I discover, but I will not work with you.”
“You’re a stubborn man,” Sidmouth replied, lowering his brows.
“I’m investigating how I see fit without regard to manpower, politics, or budgetary concerns. All I’ll tell you is that the Duke of Montagu and Lord Daventry were founding members of the RA. I’m attempting to discover the third founder. I believe he is still alive.”
“And the clocks led you to these men? A duke no less?”
“A letter from a dying Daventry led me to him and the duke. I will not discuss the clocks further at this time.” He rose to his feet. “If there is nothing else?”
“The Home Office could lend you its protection.”
Cecil grimaced. “My brother was one of your agents if you recall. You couldn’t protect him.”
Turning to the door, he let himself out of the inn and returned to the street outside. The day was bright for April. Bright but chilly.
Cecil entered his coach.
Sidmouth wanted to recruit Cecil to go after the RA, but he was content to follow his own lead. However, having others out there disrupting the activities of the criminal operation wasn’t a bad thing.
If Sidmouth knew about Cecil burning the clocks, then the rest of London knew by now.
His mind turned to the note from Lady Louisa, and he pulled the vellum out of his pocket and reread her words. She’d found the connection between the clock and Daventry. By now, Leopold would have heard about the burglary at Cecil’s home and the burning of the clocks. He was curious what story Louisa would have told her brother about giving him her timepiece.
Cecil had no doubt the bright young woman would have spun a creative tale. She seemed always ready for any situation she found herself in.
He needed to speak with Lady Louisa soon. But how to bring about a meeting? He would be surprised if Louisa’s brother and possibly her father hadn’t warned her against keeping his company. And they were correct to safeguard her welfare.
When he returned home, he would ask Bones whether the young woman had any appointments on the morrow. He would not contact Lady Edith as he didn’t wish to alarm Nathaniel by including his wife in further investigations.
Cecil refolded Louisa’s note, shaking his head as he observed her elegant handwriting. “Yet another activity she excels at.”
