Page 35 of A Duchess to Fight For
“Girls, go to the writing desk in the library and pen your letter to Rose. I fear you won’t stop fidgeting until the letter is done.”
She could see Percy preparing to leave. “I will keep Percy company, so don’t worry about him.”
Louisa and Emma rose, curtsied, and left.
“They must have liked your suggestions. You could tell they were almost bursting at the seams?”
“Yes, I did notice that.”
“Percy, I wanted you to stay because I am interested in your opinion. Men in the marriage mart. How do they view a young lady who is being abandoned halfway through the season?”
Percy thought carefully before answering. “The men in the marriage mart are also members of White’s. As you know, the gossip mill at White’s rivals any the women of the ton may have.
“The men in the marriage mart know why Jack left town. Your daughter is not looked on as the fault of his departure.
“However,” Percy paused, looking directly into Amelia’s eyes, “there is the question of why Jack was targeted and bullied into leaving. There is an unwritten rule among men about keeping aspects of their lives best left hidden. Men don’t usually walk into situations where there is a chance someone will try to expose them.
I’m afraid that as long as the threat exists, your daughter will pay the price.
“I think you will need to be prepared to answer her if she were to ask why no men show her any interest. Or prepare to answer why you will spend the rest of the season at your estate.”
Amelia seemed angry, “What are you all doing about this? Have you found any way to stop the vile creature?”
Percy sighed, understanding Amelia’s outburst. “There is not a moment during every day where I am not thinking of how to extricate Louisa from this. And there are times when I am physically working on the problem.
“I did, this morning. I worked on a lead and spoke to Frederick about it before I came in to see you just now. I am sure you don’t doubt my commitment and the commitment of Frederick and Hobart to making this person go away. It will happen. And soon.”
*****
Percy said goodbye to Mendon and was walking down the stairs to the pavement when he heard a man shout.
“Percy,” Hobart yelled.
Percy turned and smiled. He waited for Hobart. “Perfect timing. You can turn around and go back up those stairs. We have things to do.”
Percy laughed. “Maybe luck is on my side today after all.”
Hobart clapped his back, greeted Mendon, then walked into Frederick’s office.
Greetings dispensed of, drinks in hand, seats taken, Percy was asked to update Frederick and Hobart.
He told them of verifying the raspy voice that belonged to the auctioneer, who had complete control over Tattersall’s, including the books.
The grandson in charge of the books was too lazy to go to the stables to find out what’s going on. It would be easy to pull off something that wasn’t legitimate but also easy to catch the perpetrators if followed.
“I’ll get some of my men to check the place out when it’s closed. I’ll also put a tail on Barton and Victor. If they talk, we’ll hear it,” Hobart said.
Frederick sighed. “I hate to do it, but I think I need to pay a visit to Tattersall. His good name hasn’t suffered yet, but it could.”
“Not yet,” Hobart said. “As soon as this is over. Until then, you’d just be tipping them off as soon as Tattersall sits them down.”
Percy rose. ”Let me know what you need of me. I think we’re close. That is, I hope we’re close.”
Hobart said, “We’re closer.”
Frederick stood and bowed, “Thank you, Percy.”
Percy bowed, “You’re welcome,” then left.
Hobart raised an eyebrow. “He’s good. Very helpful. Is there any reason we should not trust him?”
“None at all. He’s loyal to Louisa and would do nothing to hurt her or the family.”
Hobart nodded. “If necessary, should we ask for his help again?”
Frederick smiled. “Absolutely. Nothing physical like throwing a punch or holding a knife mind you, but absolutely.”
