Page 79 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Hudson and Jeremyreturned to the offices of the St. Clairs and informed Matthew of what had occurred. Copies of the records of what was stored at the warehouse were kept here. Hudson had required it for easy reference. He could have kicked himself for not insisting that Mia also make copies of her journals. Though she had told him she would start anew, he knew losing years of research had gutted her.

Messages were sent and all the men in the family had gathered at the offices to discuss the situation and how to proceed. They now sat around a large table in the conference room.

Jeremy told them of the night watchman’s death and how he had already visited the man’s widow.

“She and their two children will be cared for,” he said. “I have guaranteed to see to their education and the funeral expenses.”

“Does anyone have an idea who might have done this?” Luke asked.

“I do,” Hudson said.

He explained how Morrison had turned Mia out with the clothes on her back and then burned all the inventions that hadn’t left the property yet.

“I want to punish him for what he did to her. He’s deeply in debt so I purchased all his markers from the various gambling hells he frequents. Two nights ago, I confronted him at the tables and told him I possessed the markers and would call them in. He wagered heavily that night—and lost.”

He sighed. “When I told Mia what I had done, she asked that I not call in the debt. That Morrison was addicted to gambling and he would dig his own grave without my seeking revenge. I agreed but hadn’t sent word to the bastard. With the fire being set the night after our conversation, I feel certain he’s behind it.”

“We need to confront him,” Evan said as Anthony slammed his fist into his palm several times, looking ready for a fight.

“Mr. St. Clair?” a voice called out from the doorway.

He turned and saw Easley, the Bow Street Runner he’d hired to investigate Morrison.

“Come in.”

Hudson introduced Easley to the group and let the agent give a quick summary of what he’d learned about Morrison. When the Runner mentioned the Pleasure Palace and how children were used, the group’s disgust was obvious.

“I’d hoped to shut it down,” he said. Looking to Anthony, Hudson added, “I was hoping that Laurel’s orphanage could take in some of the children. At least the ones who might trust us enough to see to their welfare.”

“We can arrange that,” his brother-in-law said. “If any of them don’t wish to be sent to an orphanage, I’m sure between the five of us that we could find positions for them in our households.”

“I sent for Mr. Easley once I arrived on site and saw the warehouse had been destroyed,” Hudson continued. “I had him go to the Morrison’s London residence to keep watch. Have you learned anything?”

“I saw their coach leave. Both the viscount and viscountess were inside. Trunks were stored on top. I spoke to an assistant groom. He told me the viscount and viscountess were going to the country.”

“In the middle of the Season?” Evan asked. “That sounds very unlike either of them.”

“Perhaps Morrison thinks if I can’t find him, I can’t call in his debt.”

“The groom told me the servants haven’t been paid in weeks. He sounded as if he might look for another position with his employers gone,” Easley added.

“We should pay a visit to Viscount Morrison,” Luke said grimly. “Where is his seat located?”

“In Surrey. Not far from London,” Hudson said. “Only a two-hour ride by horse.”

“It might draw too much attention if all five of us show up on horseback,” Evan said. “People love to gossip. If we arrive in an anonymous-looking carriage, though, it would easily pass through the nearest town and continue to the estate without attracting much attention.”

“We can use mine,” he said. “George is the soul of discretion and tremendously loyal to Mia. If things get ugly, no gossip will come from him.”

“Very well,” Jeremy said, consulting his pocket watch. “It’s two hours until teatime. Let’s meet at my house with our wives. They won’t want to be left out of this and may even have an idea how we can approach the Morrisons.”

“You know Rachel. She’ll want to grab the nearest fireplace poker and bash Morrison in the knees until he confesses,” Evan said. “Her love of family is fierce and she absolutely adores Mia.”

The group left, with Hudson walking out with Easley. He asked, “What are our options if we can prove Morrison set the blaze—or paid others to have it done?”

“That’s a very difficult situation, Mr. St. Clair. As a peer of the realm, it would be hard to make a case against the viscount, much less bring him to justice. If he hired men to act on his behalf and we can find proof of their involvement, then I assure you they will hang, especially because of the night watchman’s death. If anything, Morrison would be placed in a madhouse. It’s the best you can hope for.”

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