A Treacherous Engagement Page 2
“I will be in my study until I depart.”
“Your mother was looking for you.”
Nathaniel resisted the urge to sigh. He had a fairly good idea of why his mother was seeking him out. “Understood.”
He walked towards his study with the file in hand. He wanted to learn all he could about the Red Ravens and their leader. If they had anything to do with Rutledge’s disappearance, they would pay dearly.
Nathaniel stepped into his study and walked around his desk. As he sat down, he dropped the file onto the desk and opened it.
There wasn’t much to go on, but it appeared that the leader of the Red Ravens was a man known as John Abrams. He owned a shop near the rookeries, and there was a basic description of his appearance.
It wasn’t much to go on, but it was a start. He would go meet this John Abrams, and with any luck, the man would be in Newgate by the end of the day. It was where he deserved to be. Any threat to the Crown had to be dealt with swiftly.
His mother walked into the room purposefully. “There you are,” she declared.
Nathaniel closed the file in front of him and put it in one of the desk drawers. “How can I help you, Mother?”
“Hugh didn’t come home again last night.”
“You sound surprised.”
His mother stopped in front of the desk. “He is spending all of his time at that gambling hall, and I am worried about him.”
“As am I.”
“Your father is of little help,” his mother said.
“Why do you say that?”
“He believes that Hugh will come around on his own.”
Nathaniel leaned back in his chair. “He might not be wrong. Eventually, Hugh will run out of money, and he will come home.”
“But what respectable girl will want to marry him, given his reputation?”
“He is the son of a marquess,” Nathaniel replied. “I have no doubt that many young women will be willing to overlook his flaws.”
His mother sat on a chair that faced the desk. “I suppose you are right, but I do wish that Hugh was more like you.”
“In what regard?”
“You have embraced your role within this family, whereas Hugh just seems adrift.”
“If it helps, I will speak to Hugh tonight, assuming he shows up at White’s.”
A relieved expression crossed his mother’s face. “I would greatly appreciate that.”
Nathaniel smiled and asked, “How are you faring?”
“I would be much better if I had grandchildren to dote on,” she responded with a tilt of her chin.
“In due time, Mother.”
“When?” his mother pressed. “You don’t even seem interested in matrimony.”
“That is not true,” he replied. “I have been busy as of late.”
“You rarely attend social events, and I can’t recall the last time you joined your father and I at the opera.”
“I’m afraid social events hold little appeal for me.”
“That is most unfortunate. How else will you find a bride?”
“The right woman will come along eventually.”
His mother looked displeased. “You don’t want to wait too long. If you do, I might be too old to play with my grandchildren.”
“You are still young.”
“Only in your eyes, dear.”
His father’s voice came from the doorway. “Do stop pressuring our son to wed,” Lord Montfort chided lightly.
“You are finally home,” his mother said, rising.
His father approached her, kissing her on the cheek. “I told you that I would be home for dinner.”
“You did, but I know the House of Lords often exceeds their scheduled time.”
“Not today,” his father replied. “I just want to spend the evening with my lovely wife.”
Nathaniel watched as a look of love passed between his parents. He had been blessed to live in a home with parents who loved each other dearly.
His father turned his attention towards him. “Where have you been all day?”
“I’ve been out.”
“Did you have a chance to review the ledger that I left for you?”
Nathaniel reached for the ledger and placed it in front of him. “I will review it before I leave for White’s this evening.”
“See that you do,” his father replied. “You need to be acquainted with all of our properties and investments.”
“I understand.”
“One day, this will all be yours, and I won’t be around to coddle you anymore.”
“You are hardly coddling me, Father,” Nathaniel remarked dryly.
His father frowned. “I just wish you wouldn’t spend your time on…” he hesitated, “how exactly do you spend your time?”
“I enjoy the usual pastimes for gentlemen.”
His father eyed him warily. “It is time for you to accept your responsibility and manage your inheritance.”
“I shall think on that.”
His father opened his mouth to respond but closed it when his wife laid a hand on his sleeve. “Why don’t we leave Nathaniel to his work, and we can go take a turn in the gardens before we dress for dinner?” she suggested.
His father’s face softened as he turned his attention towards her. “That sounds far preferable to yelling at our son.”
“I would agree,” his mother replied.
Nathaniel caught his mother’s eye and mouthed, “Thank you.”
She placed her hand in the crook of her husband’s arm, and they started towards the door. Nathaniel’s father spun back around. “This conversation isn’t over, son.”
“I assumed as much.”
Nathaniel watched as his parents departed before opening the ledger in front of him. His father did make a valid point; he needed to be more involved in managing their investments. Doing so would take away from his job as an agent, though—which his parents knew nothing about.
Nathaniel just wished that there were more hours to the day.
Chapter Two
Miss Dinah Ashmore had a problem. Her older sister, Evie, had gone missing nearly three days ago, and little was being done about it. Now she was forced to endure the endless chatter of a large, rounded constable. She highly doubted that Mr. Burns had ever successfully found a missing person because he spent far too much time boasting about his abilities.
She watched as Mr. Burns brought his cup up to his lips and slurped his tea. Dear heavens, did the man have no manners at all?
Her Aunt Nancy must have sensed her rising irritation because she met her gaze and offered her a weak smile.
Mr. Burns lowered his teacup to his protruding belly. “You two must not worry. I shall ensure Miss Ashmore returns home.”
“How can we not worry, Mr. Burns?” Dinah asked. “My sister left our home three days ago and she has yet to return.”
“Most likely, Miss Ashmore eloped to Gretna Green and will be returning shortly with a husband in tow,” Mr. Burns remarked.
“My sister has shown no favor to any man.”
“It is not uncommon for someone to keep secrets from their family,” Mr. Burns attempted.
“I can assure you that is not the case.”
Mr. Burns reached for a biscuit on the tray. “I mean no offense, but you are young and obviously naïve as to the ways of the world.”
“I don’t dispute that, but—”
“I have seen countless cases where a young woman goes missing and returns a week later after a visit with the anvil priest,” Mr. Burns said, cutting her off.
“This is not one of those cases,” she asserted.
Mr. Burns gave her a look that could only be construed as pity. “I know that you may doubt me, but you shall see that I am right soon enough.” He looked around the drawing room. “You may want to inform your cook to plan a celebration for when she returns.”
“Mr. Burns—” Dinah attempted.
He put his hand up, stilling her words. “Nothing can be done until Miss Ashmore has been missing for at least a week.”
Dinah pursed her lips together, knowing that no good would come from fighting with the infuriating man.
Her aunt spoke up. “We do thank you for your time, but as you can imagine, we are both extremely worried about Evie. This is so unlike her.”
Mr. Burns bobbed his head, causing the fat under his chin to jiggle. “I understand, but this is an all-too-common plight for young, sheltered women.”
“What if Evie does not return after a week?” Dinah asked, fearful of the answer.
“Then I shall make some inquiries,” Mr. Burns said, leaning forward to place his empty cup onto the tray, “but I do not believe that will be necessary.”
“My sister left in the middle of the day to go shopping for flowers,” Dinah pressed. “She mentioned nothing of meeting a potential suitor.”
“Most likely, she snuck into his awaiting coach,” Mr. Burns explained. “I’m afraid I have other cases that take precedence, but if you have no objections, I shall return in a weeks’ time to confirm my suspicions.”
“You are always welcome in our home, Mr. Burns,” Aunt Nancy said.
Mr. Burns rose awkwardly. “I do appreciate that, Mrs. Carter. Good day, Miss Dinah.”
Knowing what was expected of her, Dinah responded with a tip of her head. “Good day, Mr. Burns.”
After the constable left, Dinah put her cup down and walked over to the window. She watched Mr. Burns walk down the street, appearing as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
“Insufferable man,” she muttered under her breath.
“He means well,” her aunt said.
Dinah rested her shoulder against the windowsill. “He is adamant that Evie has eloped to Gretna Green, and he refuses to listen to reason.”
“He does make a valid point.”
“Not you, too?” Dinah asked, turning back to face her aunt. “Evie disappeared while she was shopping with her maid for flowers. If she had gotten into an awaiting coach, don’t you think Sally would have seen something?”
“I suppose so.”
Dinah frowned. “Evie did not disappear on her own accord, I’m sure of it.”
“I’m of a mind to agree with you, but we cannot convince Mr. Burns to investigate her disappearance until she has been gone for at least a week.”
“Then we need to search for her.”
Her aunt’s eyes grew large at the suggestion. “You cannot be in earnest,” she said. “Where would we even begin looking?”
“At the shop she went to before she vanished.”
“You have already spoken to the shopkeeper, and he didn’t remember Evie even visiting the store that day.”
“But I didn’t interview all the workers.”
Her aunt set her teacup aside. “I know you are worried, but there is little we can do right now.”
“I refuse to give up.”
“I’m not suggesting we do so,” her aunt responded, “but London is a big city. It is not as if we can go knocking on people’s doors to see if they have seen Evie.”
“We could hire a Bow Street Runner to investigate her disappearance,” Dinah suggested.
Her aunt looked unsure, and her voice was low and soft. “How would we even go about doing such a thing?”
“We could visit their offices at number four on Bow Street.”
“How do you know where their offices are located?”
“From the newssheets,” Dinah replied. “I have read countless stories of their bravery and exploits solving crimes.”
“Those stories might be vastly exaggerated to sell morning newspapers.”
“Perhaps, but don’t you think we should at least try?” Dinah asked hopefully. “For Evie’s sake?”
Her aunt pressed her lips together. “I know you are anxious for Evie’s return, but I don’t believe hiring a Bow Street Runner would be the solution to our problems.”
“Why not?”
“They have a reputation for being uncouth.”
“That hardly matters to me,” Dinah said. “I don’t care how they act, assuming they bring Evie home.”
“I propose we wait, at least for another day, to see if Evie returns.”
Dinah’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t know what I would do if I lost Evie, too.”
Her aunt rose and walked over to her. “You won’t,” she said. “I am confident that Evie will return to us.”
“How can you be so sure of that?”
“I’m not, but I have faith in her.”
“And what if your faith is misplaced?”
Her aunt slipped her arm over her shoulder. “Your sister would do anything for you, and I believe she is fighting to return home to you, as we speak.”
“What if she is not in a position to return?”
“I do not know,” her aunt murmured.
Tears came to Dinah’s eyes, but she blinked them away. Crying did no good, and she had shed far too many tears over her sister’s disappearance. It was time that she did something about it, and that meant she needed to take matters into her own hands.
“I think I just need a distraction,” Dinah said.
Her aunt removed her hand. “I agree.”
“Would you care to go shopping with me?” Dinah asked.
“I have a meeting with my solicitor this morning,” her aunt replied, smoothing back her fading brown hair. “We could always go this afternoon.”
“I would prefer to go this morning.”
“I don’t know…”
Dinah knew she needed to convince her aunt without drawing any suspicion to her true motives. “I will take Julia along with me.”
“And two footmen,” her aunt said firmly.
“I can agree to that.”
For a moment, Aunt Nancy looked as if she might refuse her request, but she nodded slowly. “Do be careful,” she urged. “I don’t know what I would do if I lost you, as well.”
“I will be.” Dinah felt guilty for lying to her aunt, but she refused to sit back and do nothing; not when so much was at stake.
Her aunt glanced down at her white gown. “If you are going to Bond Street, you should change into something more appropriate.”
“I believe I shall,” Dinah said as she walked over to the door.
After she departed from the drawing room, she saw the butler standing in the entry hall. She approached Barnes and smiled at the tall, bald man.
Barnes returned her smile. “How may I be of service, miss?”
“Will you see to bringing the coach around front?” she asked. “Also, I will require two footmen to accompany me to do some shopping.”
“That can be arranged.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
Dinah headed towards her bedchamber on the second level. As she reached the top of the staircase, she saw her lady’s maid, Julia, walking down the hall.
“I need to speak to you,” Dinah said.
The petite blonde nodded. “Of course.”
Dinah hurried into her bedchamber and waited for Julia to do the same, closing the door behind her.
Julia eyed her curiously. “What are you about?”
“I need you to come with me.”
“Where?”
“To hire a Bow Street Runner.”
Julia blinked. “Pardon?”
“I need to hire a Bow Street Runner to investigate Evie’s disappearance,” Dinah explained.
“How does one go about hiring a Bow Street Runner?” Julia asked.
“I’m not entirely sure, but I plan to go to their offices on Bow Street. Fortunately, it isn’t far from Bond Street.”
“What does your aunt say about this?”
Dinah winced. “She doesn’t know. I told her I was going shopping.”
“Why didn’t you tell Mrs. Carter the truth?”
“Aunt Nancy believes I should wait another day before we do something drastic.”
“She isn’t wrong, you know.”
“Please,” Dinah pleaded. “I cannot in good faith sit around and do nothing to help Evie.”
Her lady’s maid grew silent. “I am not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?”
“No,” she replied swiftly.
“Fine, but you must promise not to take any unnecessary risks,” Julia said.
“I can agree to that.”
Julia rose and walked over to the armoire. “What does one wear to speak to a Bow Street Runner?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I need to give the appearance that I am going shopping.”
“Yes, miss.”
Dinah felt awful for lying to her aunt, but it was for the best. She would go to Bow Street, hire a Runner, and be back before her aunt would even suspect a thing.
Nathaniel walked down the pavement as he headed towards John Abrams’ shop. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself, so he wore an unassuming brown suit with a burgundy waistcoat, a worn brown cap pulled low over his face. He paused to read a sign in front of a brick building.
J.B. ABRAMS, PLUMASSIER
He opened the door and a bell above it chimed as he stepped inside. Fancy feathers and silk flowers were stacked neatly next to one another throughout the room.
A pleasant-looking woman approached him with a smile. “How may I help you, sir?”
“I was hoping to speak to Mr. Abrams,” Nathaniel replied, removing the cap from his head.
The woman’s eyes roamed over him. “Are you looking for work?”
“I am.”
She nodded her understanding. “If you will wait here, Mister…”
“Collier.”
“I’ll be back shortly,” she said.
She disappeared into the back room. Nathaniel’s eyes landed on large ostrich feathers, and he wondered what kind of woman would wear such an ostentatious thing. He would never understand women’s fashion.
A man’s voice came from the back door. “How may I help you, Mr. Collier?”
Nathaniel turned toward the dark-haired, burly man. “I am looking for work,” he replied.
Mr. Abrams perused the length of him. “When I put an advertisement in the newssheets, I must admit that you were not the person I was hoping would respond.”
“No?”
“I am looking for someone who can trim hats and help sell feathers and flowers,” Mr. Abrams replied. “Can you trim a hat?”