Within moments, a harried Mrs. Dobbins scurried in. She gave a startled glance at Anthony’s face and knuckles, uttered a ‘tsk,’ and rushed forward.
“Let me have a look at you.” She pinched his chin between her thumb and index finger and lifted his face. “Not a spark of sense among you lads. Bickering and brawling like a common bruiser.”
Anthony gave an astonished snort, but before he could respond, Mrs. Dobbins dabbed his scraped cheek with an alcohol-moistened towel.
Anthony bodily lifted from the chair. “Bloody hell, woman,” he swore, completely forgetting himself.
Unaffected by the outburst, the nurse pushed him back down and laid the cloth against his damaged knuckles. “Quit your bouncing around so I can tend to your wounds. We don’t want them to fester, now do we?”
Anthony sucked in another breath. “Heaven forbid. I can only imagine what torture you would inflict upon me were that to occur.” He glanced suspiciously at Hodges who now faced the sink, his shoulders moving in a most uncommon way. Jocularity at my expense, no doubt.
“There now.” Mrs. Dobbins dabbed some salve on his abused appendages. “How about your knee? Just slip your—”
Anthony’s hands rose protectively. “My knee is fine.” He lowered his hands as Mrs. Dobbins laid the ointment on the table. “Would you tell me what happened with Caesar this evening?”
“I was reading the paper while the dear lady dozed. Suddenly, your canine started pacing and growling like to raise the dead. I feared he might be goin’ mad, so I called for the footman who was supposed to be outside the door.”
“Supposed to be?” Anthony asked carefully.
Hodges turned to face them, all signs of mirth leaching from his face.
“Yes. A maid and some other footman came running.”
Anthony straightened. “Can you describe the first footman?”
“Oh, aye. Big, he was, but most are. Brown hair and a scar just here.” she drew a line down her left cheek.
Anthony’s chair tipped backward as he bounded to his feet. “Hodges, I want all the men called in. Have the grounds and the house searched.”
“Yes, my lord,” Hodges called as he ran from the room.
Anthony turned to Mrs. Dobbins. “If I’m correct, you may well owe your life, and Mrs. Griffin’s, to Caesar.”
Anthony stepped around the startled woman and took the servant’s stairs to Clairece’s chamber, bursting through the door with a resounding thud. From the bed, Caesar’s head popped up.
“Good lad, Caesar, good lad,” he whispered.
Anthony crept across the room and peered at Clairece, her face flushed in slumber. He reached for an errant curl and brushed it behind her ear before glancing at the empty cup on the nightstand.
Mrs. Dobbins eased forward while keeping a watchful eye on Caesar. “Good beastie.” The hound’s tail thumped against the mattress and his tongue lolled out as he panted. She carefully held her hand out toward his large head, and Caesar reciprocated with an affectionate swipe.
“Stay with Clairece while I go back downstairs. I’ll send a maid up to attend you.”
“He wasn’t one of your footmen, was he?” Mrs. Dobbins asked quietly.
“No, he wasn’t. I’ll be moving the entire household to my estate in Somerset. It will be safer there.”
“I see.” Mrs. Dobbins looked down at her hands and sighed.
He studied her for a moment. “Do you have family here, Mrs. Dobbins?”
“No, my lord. My husband passed a good many years ago, and my sister and I don’t get on. I haven’t heard from her in well over twenty years.”
Hmm. “Would you consider staying on and traveling with us as Mrs. Griffin’s companion and nurse?”
Mrs. Dobbins raised her chin and beamed at him. “Of course, Lord Harding. I can see I’m needed.”
“You are. Now, if you will excuse me, I must check on the others.”
Hodges met him in the foyer. One look at the butler’s face confirmed Anthony’s worst fear. “We found Jacobson’s body behind the evergreen hedges. His neck was broken and his livery missing.”
Anthony swore softly. “Did he have a family?”
“He had the care of a sister and her two young sons.”
“Make certain she’s notified, and Jacobson’s body taken to her. I would go myself, but we leave for Somerset mid-afternoon tomorrow.”
In true butler-ish form, Hodges’ expression changed little. “Tomorrow, my lord?”
“If possible, I’d leave now.”
“May I inquire as to who will be traveling with you?”
“The entire household is to go. I’ll not leave anyone behind and unprotected.” At a gasp, Anthony spun toward the startled housekeeper. The surprised woman clapped her hand over her mouth.
“If I may be so bold, my lord, Inniswood will need protecting as well,” Hodges stated.
Anthony frowned. “You’re right, of course. We’ll leave four footmen, a maid of all duty, a cook, a scullery maid, and a boy to fetch. The house is to be kept locked and closed to all callers.”
Hodges glanced at the housekeeper who bobbed a curtsy and disappeared down the hall.
“Send two footmen on ahead to notify Mrs. Stedman of our arrival. And Hodges”—Anthony lowered his voice for Hodges to step closer—“please make certain all expenses for Jacobson’s burial are sent to me. Inform his sister I will personally be responsible for her care from this day forward, and her two sons will receive a good education.”
Hodges bowed. “Yes, my lord.” The butler pivoted on his heel and began issuing the myriad orders necessary to move a household of sixty.
Anthony retired to the relative privacy of his study. He needed to send a message to James. He briefly toyed with using the candlestick telephone but changed his mind, choosing instead to employ a footman. After penning a short missive, he sealed it with a dab of wax and his signet ring.
“Please see this delivered into Lord Longhaven’s hands. Take someone with you.”
“Yes, my lord.” The footman bowed and hurried from the room.
An hour later, James entered Anthony’s study. “I came as soon as I got your message.”
Anthony motioned him to a seat. “While I was out, one of my footmen was killed. The murderer entered this house wearing livery he stripped from the dead man’s body.”
“Damnation,” James uttered. “Ree?”
“She was upstairs with Mrs. Dobbins and Caesar. Apparently, my wolfhound created such a row, the intruder fled.” Anthony met James’ concerned expression. “He fit the description of the guard at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.” Anthony leaned forward, bracing his arms on the desk. “James, he was brazen enough to walk into this house while everyone was still awake.”
“Why would he take such a risk?”
“He’s desperate. The likelihood of her seeing this man and identifying him is slim. The population in London is over six million people and I doubt seriously they travel in the same circles.” Anthony shook his head. “There has to be something else, or someone else.”
“Your residence is in chaos. Does this mean you’re leaving?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. It’s the soonest we could move a household of this size. The Park is about one-hundred-fifteen miles from here. With the number of conveyances we will need, even changing horses every few hours, it will still take two days to get there. Clairece cannot endure a trip of that kind. Although I’ll have outriders circling the coach, they’ll still have to stop somewhere for the night.”
“Surely the bastard wouldn’t . . .”
Anthony stood and began to pace. “I don’t know, so while we make a great show of leaving, Clairece and I will catch the train to Bristol. She’ll be far more comfortable
traveling by rail. Sanctuary is located ten miles from Bristol. With any luck, the blackguards will be far too occupied with following the coaches to notice us leave later in the day.”
“Do you truly believe Ree will be safer in Somerset? You had footmen inside and out of this house and it didn’t stop him.”
Anthony ceased pacing. “Yes. Harding Hall was constructed with protection for its inhabitants in mind. The mansion sits on a rise, surrounded with open lawns and gardens. Even the pastures and tenant farms are on rolling terrain.”
He scrubbed at his eyes, picturing the lay of the place. “Behind The Hall the land slopes down to the Severn Estuary and the cliffs. There’s an orchard and a stand of trees but nothing we cannot patrol. It would be extremely difficult for someone to approach without being seen. A small estate hamlet sits near the estuary. They’re good people, and loyal.”
Anthony resumed his seat. “There’s one thing.”
“What is it?” James questioned.
“I need to secure passage on the train for a man and his wife. If possible, departing after dark. A private compartment would be best.”
“I’ll go first thing in the morning. Did Stallings indicate how long it might take to check the ship manifests?”
“No, but he knows the urgency of the situation.” Anthony met James’ gaze. “You know I will do all within by power to protect her.”
James nodded. “Yes. I just pray it’s enough.” He rose. “Protect yourself as well, Tony.”
Chapter 21
Clairece woke to the sounds of footsteps rushing up and down the stairs and through the halls. She tossed back the quilt, lowered her feet to the chilled floor, and carefully slipped from the bed. She’d managed to pull her heavy robe over her shoulders before Daisy bustled in.
“What’s happening? It sounds as if the whole household is in an uproar,” Clairece queried.
“It is, rightly enough.” The maid scurried around the room pulling various items of clothing from drawers. “We’re to leave in a few hours for Somerset. His lordship asked me to see if you were up as he would like to have a word.”
“I’ll meet him in the small sitting room in a few minutes.” Clairece crossed to the bathing chamber where she performed her morning ablutions. After a quick glance at her reflection in the mirror, she grabbed a hairbrush and tugged it through her thick locks. Once completed, she felt more presentable, if one considered a dressing gown and hair down around one’s shoulders, presentable. She found Anthony waiting for her.
He came forward and took her hands. “Did you sleep well?”
“Too well.” She studied his expression. “Was there something other than brandy and warmed milk in the drink?”
His lips twitched. “You needed your rest.”
“Anything could have happened and I wouldn’t know.”
Anthony slipped her arm through his and walked her toward the settee. “Something did happen. Your scar-faced guard appeared and entered this house dressed as one of my footmen. He got away, but not before a man was killed.”
“My God.” Clairece sank onto the padded cushions, Anthony at her side.
“We’re leaving for Somerset today. I sent a maid and two footmen to gather your belongings and bring them here. The staff will leave this afternoon, but you and I will travel by rail after dark.”
“Why aren’t we making the journey with the others?”
“Even as well-sprung as my equipage is, it would be too hard a trip for you. This will be safer.”
“What of your servants if you suspect trouble?” She clasped her hands in her lap.
“I’m sending six outriders with the carriages and wagons. The sheer size of the entourage will require it to travel at a slower pace, but it should also deter anyone from trying something along the way. Any attempt would most likely occur at the posting inn, and they’ll be prepared.”
“And Caesar?” She glanced at the dog who had curled around her feet.
Anthony smiled. “Caesar will travel with them to Bath. He’s done it many times with me. In any case, it would cause too much of a stir and draw unwanted attention if we took him with us on the train.”
“Does James know?”
Anthony nodded. “We talked last night.”
“Is that what happened to your face and . . .” she considered his hands, “and knuckles? You and James didn’t—”
“No, nothing of the sort,” he smiled reassuringly. “Now, should anyone ask, I’m a wealthy merchant taking my wife on holiday. We’ll travel with only one portmanteau, so choose carefully. Some off-the-line items of clothing will arrive shortly for both of us. With any luck, a sleeping compartment will be available.
“Daisy will wear your cloak with the hood up since your hair is remarkable and will be hard to disguise. If no one looks closely, she will pass for you. Once you and I arrive in Bristol, we’ll take a room until my coachman arrives to take us to The Park.”
“It sounds like a good plan.” She eyed him consideringly.
“What?”
“So we’re to be alone for a few hours in a closed compartment, and again at a hotel?”
“Yes.” He nodded slowly.
She lowered her voice and, in an exaggerated drawl, said, “Are you deliberately trying to compromise me, sir?”
At first, Anthony thought she was flirting, until he caught the glitter in her eyes. “If, or when, I take you to wife, you will have done so willingly, or not at all. I’ve witnessed the devastation an unhappy union can bring upon two people. I will not inflict such a travesty on either of us.”
The smile left her face. “I apologize. I know you are not such a man.”
“I have something for you.” From an inside pocket, he withdrew a wide gold band. “If we’re to appear as husband and wife, you will need this.” Anthony lifted her left hand and slid the ring onto her finger.
She touched the intricately carved ring. “It’s lovely.” She turned toward him. “Do you think we’ll be watched?”
“Most likely, but also by Stallings’ men until we’re away.” He touched her cheek. “No amount of powder will completely cover this bruising.” He brushed a wisp of silver-blond hair behind her ear. “And you’ll need a hat to cover this glorious hair.”
“Pardon the interruption, my lord, but Lord Longhaven is here to see you,” Hodges intoned.
“Please, show him up.”
“If I might ask for your indulgence, my lord, I would like to ride in the second carriage with Caesar and Mr. Beetleworth. And, I would prefer to have the silver with me.”
Anthony gave a sharp nod. “I have no problem with whatever arrangements you make, Hodges.”
The butler retreated. Within moments, Anthony heard James’ footsteps on the landing.
As James entered the room, he reached inside his coat pocket for two printed strips of thick paper. “I was able to secure a private compartment without difficulty.” He bent and brushed a kiss on Clairece’s head. “How are you this morning?”
“Better, thank you.” Clairece frowned. “What happened to your face?”
James shot a glance in Anthony’s direction. “Just having a bit of fun.”
Clairece looked suspiciously from one to the other before saying, “Anthony informed me of the plans for today, and of the poor footman.”
“If you consider the penalty for murder is death by hanging,” James began, “and how the crown takes a dim view of those who would steal or otherwise misuse royal property as in the collar, it’s not difficult to understand why someone would go to such extremes to try and silence a witness to the crimes.”
“But I’m not a witness. I was upstairs at the time. Whoever killed Roger should be aware of that.”
“Nevertheless, you did see the guard and gave a good
description of him. It stands to reason our assumption you witnessed something else might also be true,” James suggested.
Anthony glanced up as Hodges once again appeared at the door. “Yes?”
“Chief Stallings, my lord.”
Anthony rose and addressed Clairece. “He’s the Inspector from Scotland Yard. If you will excuse me, I need to speak with him.”
Clairece raised her hand to stay him. “I know it’s most improper for me to receive gentlemen dressed as I am, but I want to hear what he has to say.” She leaned forward. “Please, it is my right.”
He sighed. “Show the inspector up.” The thought of other men seeing her in garments intended solely for the bedchamber, sorely tried his patience.
Jeremy Stallings strode in. He scanned the occupants of the room, his gaze coming to rest briefly on Clairece before he came forward.
“James, this is Chief Inspector Jeremy Stallings from the CID at Scotland Yard. Chief, may I present James Ashley, Viscount Longhaven?” Anthony said.
Stallings gave a short bow. “My lord.”
“We greatly appreciate your help in this matter, Chief Stallings,” James responded.
Anthony extended his arm to include Clairece. “May I present Mrs. Griffin? She has asked to be included.”
Stallings took her hand and bent over it. If he was surprised to be introduced to a woman in her boudoir wearing a dressing gown, he gave no indication. His sharp gaze settled on her face, obviously taking in the abrasions and discoloration.
“Please.” Anthony indicated an armchair near the settee. Stallings settled his large frame onto the padded surface.
James rubbed his chin in concentration. “Have you ever met Lord Adrian Spencer, the Earl of Windsford?”
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