Page 39 of Lady Controversial
‘Why not?’ Lady Bellingham blinked at Isolda like a myopic owl, unaccustomed to having her word contested. ‘Because he is a gentleman, that is why not.’
‘So is Lord Finchdean,’ Isolda pointed out helpfully. ‘And one in a more elevated position.’
‘Well, gentlemen have their disputes and I am sure it is something and nothing, and will be resolved in no time. Anyway girls, I must be on my way. It’s getting dark and I will likely be set upon out here in the wilds before I can get back to civilization.’ She stood and collected up her gloves. ‘You are welcome to come to me for Christmas,’ she said, smiling at Jane, who clapped her hands. ‘Both of you,’ she added belatedly, sending Isolda a reluctant nod.
‘Oh, thank you!’ Jane hugged their aunt. ‘I shall enjoy being in town for Christmas above all things. I am quite determined to go skating in the park. I look very pretty when the cold nips at my cheeks.’
Isolda’s heart plummeted. She had not expected the invitation and couldn’t think of a polite way to decline it. She waved her aunt off, secure in the knowledge that at least now Jane’s mood would improve.
‘You managed to avoid Hewitt,’ Lawson told Ellery upon his return. ‘He was most put out not to find you here. Took it as a personal affront.’
Ellery chuckled. ‘I dare say he did.’
‘He took tea with your lady mother and found reasons aplenty to flatter her.’
‘I am surprised that even she tolerates his flummery. Or there again, perhaps I am not. He was in search of funds, one assumes.’
‘Actually, he was complaining about illegal activities in the district and wants to know what you plan to do about them.’
Ellery threw himself into a chair in front of the fire and rubbed his hands together to warm them. ‘What damned activities?’
‘He was vague on the subject. Something about gatherings that resulted in heavy wagers, injuries, drunkenness and general debauchery that have led his flock from the path of righteousness.’
Ellery snorted. ‘Doubt if they require much leading. Could he not have been more specific?’
‘I tried to press him but all I could get out of him was that there is something due to take place tonight.’
‘Take place where?’
‘He was vague on that point too. Somewhere near the harbour, in a clearing.’
‘Sounds like a bare-knuckle fight, in that case. Harmless enough, unless you happen to be one of the unfortunate participants.’ Ellery shrugged. ‘Nothing much we can do to stop them taking place. Raid one location and they’ll spring up elsewhere. Don’t see the attraction of watching two grown men knock each other senseless myself, but each to their own.’
‘That’s what I wanted to tell Hewitt. Anyway, I took myself off to the George and Dragon and think I overheard enough to know where the fight is being held.’
Ellery looked up at his man. ‘Your dedication to duty never fails to impress.’
‘Happy to oblige, m’lord,’ Lawson replied, smirking.
Ellery sighed. ‘I suppose we’d better check it out.’
‘That’s what I thought you would say.’
‘We’ll leave in an hour,’ Ellery said, glancing out the window at the gathering gloom. ‘With great good fortune we will be able to persuade the organisers to take their activities away from Hewitt’s territory, then we will all get some peace.’
Lawson smiled. ‘I admire your optimism.’
‘Any progress on getting sight of the vowel that Crawley signed?’
Lawson sent Ellery a speculative look. ‘Not since you asked me earlier today, my lord. I did not realise there was quite such urgency.’
‘You are well aware of my unease regarding Brooke, especially now that I am acquainted with his connection to Miss Crawley.’
Ellery made a point of flipping through the papers on his desk, a gesture of dismissal. Lawson took the hint and left the room quietly. Ellery leaned back in his chair, wondering if Lawson, who knew Ellery’s every mood so well, had read more into his interest in Isolda Crawley than actually existed.
She was a lively and challenging chit, but that was as far as his regard for her went. It was in his own best interests to protect her from Brooke.
‘Keep telling yourself that,’ he muttered, for once unsure of his own mind.
