by Abigail Agar
What he was surprised about was the false information he spread around didn’t come back to him. And to top off a week of the bad news, there was no horse-trading off the books at Tattersall’s.
Since the warehouse incident, everything was quiet. Time was ticking.
Frederick was restless. Barton’s note had said, ‘It’s not over,’ and he was sure Barton wouldn’t give up just because six men were found lurking around a warehouse.
He went through all the scenarios in his mind of what he might do to keep Louisa out of Barton’s hands. Does he send her to their country estate? Does she stay home indefinitely? Does Percy take her to Gretna Green? Is there another man out there she has interest in to take her to Gretna Green? Does she get back into the marriage mart?
Hitting the warehouse was an obvious attempt at striking a blow to Frederick’s finances. If the shipment were ruined, the insurance would cover it but wouldn’t cover all the fire damage to the equipment in the warehouse or the damage if the warehouse burned down. And it would take months to rebuild the warehouse and even longer to put another shipment together.
He felt helpless. They were trying to fight an invisible monster. He had never felt as on edge as he did at this moment.
*****
Percy took the ladies to Hyde Park again. Just as with their first visit, the ladies enjoyed good weather and beautiful flowers. Percy didn’t bring the birdseed this time. Attracting so many birds caused a mess he hadn’t anticipated.
They went further through the winding paths this time. Each turn in the path brought another garden expertly planned and groomed. The colours dazzled. And unlike St. James’s Park, the park opened into a large expanse bathed in sunlight throughout the day.
“Hyde Park must be three times the size of St. James,” Percy noted when he looked across the gardens.
“Why doesn’t anyone know about this park?” Louisa asked.
“St. James is within walking distance to most residences of the nobility. You remember how long it took us to get here. It really is out of the way. Both times we’ve come, it has been almost empty.”
“Ah, benches,” Amelia said. “You two continue. I’ll sit for a moment.”
Percy shrugged.
“We’ll sit. Louisa?”
“Yes, let’s. Mother, we’ll take the circular path then return to the carriage?”
“I’d like that,” she said.
The three of them sat in silence, taking a moment to enjoy the stillness of the park.
Percy’s eyelids opened wide at the sound of voices. He looked over at Louisa and Amelia, bringing his index finger to his lips so they would not speak. He stood and looked both ways on the path.
He turned to the ladies and pointed at the shrubs behind them. Over ten feet tall and thick with old growth, it was easy to hear what was behind them and all but impossible to see.
“He wants to bring in three horses that were sprained in one way or another. The owner has worked with them until they show no signs of injury. Two of them are good looking, and I think they’ll sell. The third might be a total loss.”
“So buy the two,” the other man said.
“Can’t. They’re a package deal.”
Percy knew the voice of the auctioneer. It was unique because it was raspy.
“Then you have to get Barton to talk up the third one. The deal doesn’t make much sense if the third one doesn’t sell. The profit on this purchase is too high to pass up.”
Victor said, “I know, I know. I’ll talk to Barton this week. He’s been staying away from the horses for the past couple of weeks, I don’t know why. I guess I’ll have to remind him who the boss is on this whole scheme. Sometimes he forgets to say ‘how high’ when I tell him to jump.”
Percy, Amelia and Louisa stayed quiet long past the time the men were out of earshot. Then Percy let off a long breath, and the ladies did the same.
“That was interesting,” Louisa said.
Amelia shook her head. “Wasn’t it?”
Louisa looked at Percy. “Why on earth would those men come all the way to Hyde Park then walk all the way to the middle of the park to have that conversation?”
“Because they thought it was the last place in London they would be overheard.”
Louisa barked out a laugh.
“They may also think they are being followed and no one would be able to follow them in here without getting caught.
“Would you ladies mind if we went home? I would like to speak to the Duke.”
Amelia stood. “Not at all, Percy.” She turned to Louisa, who was standing.
“Of course.”
*****
Frederick was with Hobart at the warehouse, so Percy got back in his carriage and went there. When he walked in through the barn door, Percy was reminded of how large their operation was. Crates stacked on crates. He thought again about the devastation if the place had burned down.
Percy found Frederick and Hobart in Hobart’s office. After greetings, he was given a drink as he sat. It was obvious neither Frederick nor Hobart was on their first drink.
“No wonder you like this location so much, Frederick. It’s easy to see there’s a sort of comfort in sitting amongst tangible proof that things do indeed get done. The stacks of crates are impressive.”
Hobart said, “It’s a nice feeling when they are all stacked in the bowels of a ship getting ready to sail. Like a mother bird kicking her chicks from the nest.”
He laughed.
“Then it starts all over again the next day,” Hobart finished.
Percy put his drink down and went to the office door. He leaned on the doorjamb and turned.
“I’ve come with news. I don’t know what to make of where I heard it, but it is news nevertheless.”
Percy told the men the story of overhearing the auctioneer and someone else talking in Hyde Park. He wondered if they saw him and planted the discussion there or if it were a coincidence. He was still having trouble thinking it was a coincidence.
“I don’t think it was a plant, but let’s explore that first. They deliberately wanted to give you information about inferior horses being sold at Tattersall’s, and they wanted you to know Barton’s part in it. Or they wanted you to go on a wild goose chase based on what you heard.
“If they wanted you to know Barton’s part in it or if they wanted you to go on a wild goose chase, wouldn’t they, or at least the auctioneer, be implicated?
“They’ve caught on that we have men on them, as Barton has obviously caught on as well. I think they went as far out of the way as possible to meet. This other man doesn’t even have to show his face in the city if they meet in Hyde Park. Everyone knows no one goes to Hyde Park.”
“Hobart’s right, Percy. This wasn’t a set-up. How would they know you would go to the park today, and you would go down that path? We’ll keep the way you got the information in mind when we decide what to do with it. I find it interesting that Victor is squeezing Barton. He’s in one heck of a predicament, isn’t he?”
“That’s why Barton shouldn’t make enemies,” Hobart said. “He already has a situation he can’t extricate himself from. And now, Frederick, he’s starting a war on another front? I have to wonder how he’s made it this far in life without painting himself into a corner.”
“Yes, but let’s not paint ourselves into a corner either. What to do. What to do. Nothing this horse trader and Victor said can be used as solid evidence. Barton talking about horses on a Saturday afternoon at Tattersall’s cannot be used as solid evidence.
“If we saw Victor and Barton behind the stables splitting up money and pocketing it, is that evidence? We know what Barton is doing. We need to be part of a horse trade,” Frederick said.
Hobart tapped his index finger on his lips. “Who do we know that no one else knows?”
Frederick shrugged, “Someone in Rutland?”
Hobart turned to Percy. “What about Gordon. How do you come about your horses, Percy
?”
“Here. Tattersall’s. But I’m going to re-think where I purchase my horses.
Frederick snorted. “When this is over, we’ll straighten out the old man and his lazy grandson. The old man should sell the business and let the new owner keep the Tattersall’s name. I think that’s the only way to get the place on track again.”
Hobart stood and poured himself another drink then held up the decanter for Frederick and Percy to see.
Frederick nodded, but Percy shook his head and put down his empty glass. “I’m meeting my friends at White’s. I’ll ask them where they buy their horses.”
Shortly after, Percy sat down next to Cecil. A waiter was by his side in seconds. “Whisky. And we’ll need a private dining room.” The waiter bowed silently and left.
“Again?” Kent said. “What is it now? Your life has become downright intriguing, Percy.”
“I’ll tell you when we’re alone.”
Cecil and Kent looked at each other with grins on their faces. “Why are you grinning?”
Kent spoke. “Because whatever you’re going to tell us will be more interesting than anything we could tell you.”
After they were seated in their private room and orders had been placed, Cecil and Kent leaned forward, putting their elbows on the table, and stared at Percy.
He didn’t leave them waiting long. He started by telling them about overhearing the discussion in Hyde Park. Cecil and Kent were sidelined by a discussion about the beauty of the park and its infrequent use.
When back on track and the story complete, Percy asked them about where they purchased their horses. He wanted their horse seller to make a deal with Victor.
Cecil knew his horse seller well and would help them. His love of animals far exceeded his love of mankind. Cecil would make a trip to his estate the following day.
Chapter 11
Percy entered the parlour and bowed. “Ladies.”
They rose and curtsied. That’s when Percy knew there was something wrong.
“What is it?” he said while sitting.
Amelia began. “We had a visitor today.”
Percy put up his hand, palm out. “Did Mendon send him away?”
“Yes. He did. He wanted to visit with us, and when Mendon refused, he asked to see Frederick. He wasn’t at home, so Mendon sent him on his way.”
Percy rose and bowed. “Excuse me, ladies. I will return shortly.” He shut the door to the parlour with a soft click then went to Mendon.
“I hear the ladies had a visitor,” Percy said.
“Yes, Your Grace. His Grace, the Duke of Hamilton came asking for them. I told him they weren’t receiving him. He asked if His Grace were home. When I told him he was not, he turned and left.”
Percy nodded. “Did he leave a message for the ladies or the Duke?”
“No, Your Grace. He did not.”
“Did he seem agitated that he was not received?”
“His demeanour didn’t change. I don’t believe he was surprised by the news.”
“And Frederick has heard the Duke visited? He is home?”
“I informed him as soon as he arrived.”
“Thank you, Mendon,” Percy said and returned to the parlour.
“Well, ladies. Nothing to that call. I don’t think you need to worry. Frederick will take care of it if need be. Tell me, what’s new? Have you or Emma heard from Rose?”
Louisa passed Percy a cup of tea. “She liked the suggestions we wrote to her about. Her mother-in-law has asked her for her help with the village children.
“She taught Rose how to knit, and now Rose knits scarves and hats, and her mother-in-law knits sweaters, mittens, and socks all day long. They spend so much time in the parlour together; they are gradually becoming close.”
“So she’s doing better?” Percy asked.
“Much better. Her mother-in-law told her it’s best to make the most of it.”
“Sounds like the mother-in-law is familiar with living in a marriage of convenience.”
“I believe so, “Louisa said.
“On a happier subject, would you ladies accompany me to the new play? I have heard it’s very good, and I could use a night out with someone besides Cecil and Kent.”
He looked from Amelia to Louisa and back. They both showed their anxiety on their faces. Louisa had to be seen in public again soon. She ran the risk of becoming a shut-in.
“Of course, we would be in my private box the entire play, including intermission if you wish. I can ask to have champagne sent up then so we could skip milling around in the grand foyer with a flute in hand. I think it might be a good idea to be seen, and this is the perfect venue to be seen without having to be heard.”
“No, but thank you, Percy. It’s very kind of you,” Louisa said.
Percy said, “But—”
“I would like to think about it, Percy. May we let you know later? We have a few days to consider your offer?” Amelia said.
“Take all the time you wish. The play just started, and I’m sure it will run for at least a fortnight,” Percy said. “And, of course, the Duke is welcome to join us.”
Louisa rose. Percy followed suit. “I’m afraid I’ve come down with a terrible headache. If you will excuse me?”
Louisa curtsied and Percy bowed. She left the room. After giving her time to climb the stairs to her bedchamber, Percy rose and closed the parlour door. He sat and turned to Amelia.
“I shouldn’t have pushed her. Especially after Barton tried to call on her today. My apologies.”
Amelia sighed. “I will try to change her mind about the play. I agree it is a safe way to get her back into society without having to answer questions.”
“Have you and Frederick discussed what to do?”
“What to do?”
Percy looked at her. “Yes. Will you tell her about Jack’s real reason for leaving London? If she ever does venture out, she may hear it through gossip.
“If she doesn’t venture out, will you stay in London or go back to Rutland? Is there any strategy? Any plan?”
“No, not yet. I believe Frederick has been working on finding something on Barton to hold over his head so he can’t get to Louisa,” Amelia said.
Percy spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully,” Frederick and you and Louisa have to talk about the season. If she won’t even go to a play, does it mean her season is over? If so, do you stay in London? What if there is nothing to be done about Barton? What then?
“It is not my business, Duchess, but you must know she will eventually find out about Jack. This town has a long memory when it comes to gossip. Do her a favour. Tell her.”
Amelia nodded. She looked resigned. “I’ll consider it. You saw her today. She’s not ready to go out.”
Percy nodded. “I did. If she doesn’t go out, and she drops out of this season, imagine how difficult it will be to show her face next season.”
Amelia looked tired and anxious. She pinched the bridge of her nose signalling an impending headache.
“It’s been a long day. I will leave you. I’ll be by tomorrow.”
Amelia put out her hand, and Percy brushed his lips over her knuckles.
“Thank you, Percy.”
“You’re welcome, Duchess.”
*****
“When will we have a horse, Percy?” Frederick said.
“Cecil left two days ago, so I expect he’s making the arrangements today or tomorrow. His man should be approaching Victor in three to four days,” Percy said.
Frederick paced his office. “Everything is moving too slow. I want us to be on the offence, not defence. Why did Barton call the other day? What does he want?”
Percy sighed. “I would think he would have other pressing engagements right now.”
Frederick went to the fire, grabbed the poker, and took out his frustration on a log.
“You need to be on the offence in more ways than with Barton.”
“What do you mean?”
Percy said, “Tell Louisa about Jack before someone else does.”
“That’s ridiculous. She never goes out except with you and Amelia,” Frederick said.
“Which begs the question, is her season over? If it’s not, she needs to hear about Jack. If it’s not, she needs to start going out. I asked her to go to a play. She said no. A play is the least social event of all social events.