Lucasta (11 page)

Thus it was that at some few minutes to midnight, The duchess’s astonished butler opened the door to find three strange men on the doorstep, demanding entrance. He was about to say that her grace was not at home when the largest of the men stepped forward.

‘If you would be so good as to tell her grace that Mr Loughton is here to see her – from Bow Street.’

Oozing disapproval, the butler ushered them into the library and bade them wait there while he informed his mistress of their arrival. A footman was lighting candles around the room and Lucasta kept to the shadows until he reluctantly withdrew, then she turned to take her first good look at a Bow Street Runner.

He was a large man dressed unobtrusively in a brown jacket and breeches with a heavy surcoat over all and a shallow crowned beaver atop his own unpowdered hair. His craggy face was set in sober lines but she thought she detected a gleam of humour in his sharp eyes. A long-case clock in one corner chimed the hour.

‘Midnight,’ remarked Mr Loughton. ‘I do hope her ladyship ain’t one for early nights.’

‘Fortunately for you, Mr Loughton, I am not!’

They all turned as the Duchess of Filwood came into the room, followed closely by Lord Kennington.

From her shadowy corner Lucasta watched as the viscount’s eyes swept around the room. For a moment he held her gaze, his face impassive, before moving on. He saw his groom and strode across to grip his hand.

‘Well, Potts, so we have found you at last! How is the leg?’

‘Not too bad, sir, if I am allowed to rest it now and then.’

‘Then let us all sit down,’ said the duchess. ‘Perhaps someone will explain to me just what is the meaning of this invasion.’

‘Mr Loughton wanted to arrest us,’ said Lucasta, taking off her hat and shaking out her hair. ‘For acting suspiciously.’

The duchess’s lips twitched.

‘Good heavens.’

‘Aye, Your Grace.’ Mr Loughton stepped forward. ‘This – um – this
young person
says she is a friend of yours, ma’am, and this – er – gentleman claims to be his lordship’s groom.’

‘He was going to take us to Bow Street,’ explained Lucasta, ‘so I suggested we should come here instead. It is very late, and I am sorry, but I could not think what else to do. I thought you could vouch for us, Your Grace.’

‘Well
I
can vouch for Potts,’ put in the viscount, ‘if not the – er – young person.’

Lucasta threw him a fulminating glance and the duchess shook her head at him.

‘Pray do not be provoking, Kennington. Miss Symonds is indeed known to me, Mr Loughton, although why she is dressed in that strange garb I am at a loss to understand.’

‘I went with Mr Potts to Miesel’s lodgings,’ said Lucasta. ‘I had to leave the house without being seen, which meant
climbing over the back wall and I could not possibly do that in a gown.’

‘No. I quite see that,’ murmured the duchess, her eyes twinkling.

‘I knew you would understand, Your Grace. We were looking for any clue that would help Lord Kennington.’

‘And did you find anything?’

‘As a matter of fact, Your Grace—’ Potts began, but Lucasta interrupted him.

‘No. We found nothing.’ She cast what she hoped was an appealing look at the Runner. ‘So, no harm done?’

He wagged an admonishing finger at her.

‘Well, not this time, but if you wants to stay out of trouble, miss, I suggest you leave this investigation to me.’

‘Yes indeed you must, my dear,’ her grace agreed. ‘It is Loughton’s job to prove my godson’s innocence.’

The Runner coughed.

‘In actual fact, ma’am, my job is to find a certain emerald necklace and to find Sir Talbot Bradfield’s murderer or murderers, whoever they may be.’

The duchess put up her brows.

‘Indeed? Well the reward I have put up depends upon Kennington being found
not
guilty.’

Mr Loughton looked apologetic.

‘Forgive me, Your Grace, but there is still General Bradfield’s reward of one hundred guineas, whosoever is found guilty.’

The viscount laughed.

‘It seems you cannot lose, then, Mr Loughton.’

A reluctant grin creased the Runner’s face.

‘Indeed I cannot, my lord, although I don’t mind saying I am hoping the guilty party won’t turn out to be your lordship.’

‘I am very glad to hear you say that, Mr Loughton,’ remarked the duchess, ‘but perhaps I should tell you that while you have been chasing around London after my young friend here, there has been a development.’

‘Oh, Your Grace? And how came you to know about it so soon?’

‘Because I am paying a great deal of money for the services of you and your colleagues,’ she retorted.

‘But what is this … development, ma’am?’ Lucasta stepped forward eagerly. ‘Has a witness come forward? Is Lord Kennington cleared?’

‘No.’

Lucasta could not read the strange look that accompanied this monosyllable. After a moment the duchess said slowly, ‘They have found young Mr Smith.’

Lucasta stared.

‘But that is impossible!’

‘Yes, it would seem so,’ remarked Lord Kennington. Especially when we all thought he was going into the north country, but we have had word that he had been arrested at Bromsgrove and has been brought to Newgate.’

‘But it cannot – I mean—’ She stopped. ‘How can they be sure it is the same man?’

The duchess flicked open her fan and waved it gently.

‘Apparently, he answers the description given by the landlord at the Pigeons.’

‘Well, well, here’s good news indeed!’ cried Mr Loughton, rubbing his large hands together. ‘Perhaps now we shall have some answers.’

‘I would certainly like to talk to Mr Smith,’ murmured the viscount.

Mr Loughton drew himself up to his full and impressive height.

‘Now that, my lord, is quite out of the question, seeing as how you and Mr Smith could be accomplices in this crime.
I must give you a word of warning, sir, that you is not to make any attempt to see the prisoner. You have been bailed, sir, but you could be clapped up again very easily, you know.’

‘Thank you, Mr Loughton, for that timely reminder.’ Lord Kennington bowed. ‘Now, may I suggest that you return to your duties?’

‘Aye, I think I had best look in at Bow Street to find out the latest news.’ The Runner rubbed his chin. ‘I seem to recall that the Justice of the Peace wants to question Mr Potts….’

‘Yes, yes, but surely he will not wish to do so at this time of night,’ put in the duchess. ‘I would suggest, Mr Loughton, that you leave Mr Potts in my care. The magistrate may question him whenever he pleases.’

‘Thank you, Your Grace. That I will.’

‘Good. And before you go, Mr Loughton, perhaps you would like some refreshment after all your trouble,’ The duchess waved one regal hand. ‘Show him out, Kennington, and tell my people to take him to the buttery for some bread and ale.’

The Runner made a low bow.

‘Well, that is very generous of you, ma’am, very
generous
indeed. A little drop o’ something would set me up nicely.’

They watched in silence as the viscount accompanied Mr Loughton out of the room. As the door closed behind them Jacob gave a noisy sigh of relief.

‘Well that was a close one! I was sure he would take me off to the lock-up.’

‘Now that you have been found, Potts, I think we must keep you here,’ said the duchess. ‘My lawyers shall begin working on it in the morning. I see no need for you to be
locked up.’

‘Good God no,’ added the viscount, coming back into the room. ‘I have done without your services long enough, Jacob, it would be most inconvenient if they were to put you in gaol.’

Potts grinned. Lucasta, frowning, exclaimed, ‘But what of this Mr Smith they have arrested? What are we going to do about him?’

‘The report we received says he was caught trying to sell a snuff-box of Sir Talbot’s,’ said the viscount. ‘It appears General Bradfield posted notices everywhere, including Hansford Common and someone was sharp-eyed enough to spot young – er – Mr Smith.’

‘But we know he cannot be – I mean—’

‘We certainly need to know how he fits into this tangle,’ agreed the duchess. ‘We need to talk to him. Lucasta, my dear, I think you must go to Newgate again.’

‘Me?’ squeaked Lucasta.

‘No!’ said the viscount explosively. ‘It is far too dangerous. I am surprised you can even suggest it, ma’am.’

The duchess did not look at all put out.

‘
You
are obliged to remain here, Adam, and I cannot go, I am far too conspicuous, but there is no reason why Lucasta should not go to the prison, in a charitable capacity, of course. We
could
send Mr Giggs, of course, but I do not wish to take him into our confidence unless we have to.’

Lucasta looked up quickly.

‘Mr Giggs is here?’

The viscount nodded.

‘Yes. Unfortunately he arrived late this afternoon.’

The duchess shook her head at her godson.

‘You are so uncharitable, Kennington. You need not worry
about Mr Giggs, Lucasta: he is such a heavy sleeper he will know nothing of your being here.’

Lucasta swallowed.

‘I am quite ready to go back to Newgate, ma’am.’

‘Good girl.’

‘And I tell you we should not send Miss Symonds to such a place,’ declared the viscount.

‘Potts will accompany her, she will be perfectly safe.’ The duchess smiled at Lucasta. ‘I shall give you a purse, my dear, for you will have to pay the gaolers, and you had best take a hackney carriage: it would not do for you to arrive in my coach. Now, do you think you can do it?’

‘Yes, indeed, ma’am. I am so pleased to be able to help.’

‘Well, I am not!’ declared the viscount. ‘And we have not yet heard why the devil you thought it necessary to prowl around Cheapside in those clothes!’

‘I knew you wouldn’t like it,’ muttered Jacob with grim satisfaction.

‘Like it? Of course I don’t like it! Bad enough, Jacob, that you should be keeping an eye on Miesel, but that you should encourage Miss Symonds—’

‘Now that I never did!’ exclaimed Potts, putting up his hands. ‘I couldn’t rein her in, my lord: she threatened to go it alone if I refused to help her!’

‘Yes, you must not blame Jacob,’ put in Lucasta. ‘I was determined to search Miesel’s rooms and—’

‘You actually broke into his rooms?’ The viscount clapped a hand to his head. ‘Of all the foolish things to do—’

‘No I did
not
break in. I did not need to because there is no lock on his door.’

‘But did you not think what might happen if you had been caught?’

‘No, I was too busy thinking of you!’ she retorted, angry
colour springing to her cheeks.

‘Very laudable I am sure but what if Miesel had come back?’

‘Well he didn’t and I found the emeralds!’ At last she had silenced him. ‘I f-found the necklace hidden under the floorboards.’

‘May I ask why you did not tell Mr Loughton this?’

His cold tone depressed her. She suddenly felt very tired. Jacob came to her aid.

‘We thought he might suspect us of putting it there,’ he said. ‘Now we know Miesel has it, Miss Symonds thinks we should set a trap for him.’

‘An excellent idea,’ agreed the duchess, ‘but it is far too late to do any such thing now. Potts, we shall have a room prepared for you. And Lucasta, would you like to stay here? I have no doubt we can find some excuse to offer your mother in the morning.’

‘Thank you, ma’am, but I think I must go back before I am missed.’

‘Very well, I shall order my carriage for you.’

Lucasta felt too exhausted to argue. She sat back in her chair, trying to ignore the viscount’s frowns. It seemed so unfair that he should be angry with her when she had tried so hard to help him. She hoped it would not take too long to summon the carriage from the mews; she was afraid she would fall asleep in the chair.

‘If you will permit me, Your Grace,’ said Jacob, ‘I will escort Miss Symonds back to Sophia Street.’

‘Now why should you want to do that?’ demanded Adam.

‘Because if she wants to get back in the way she came out, she will need help to get over the wall, is that not so, miss?’

‘Yes, thank you, Jacob.’

‘Get yourself to bed, Jacob, I will take Miss Symonds home.’

Lucasta glared at the viscount.

‘You need not trouble yourself,’ she said icily. ‘One of the footmen can come with me.’

‘Now you are being childish as well as foolish!’

‘Not at all! And pray tell me how you intend to come with me when you are being watched? Do you want General Bradfield to know you helped me climb over a wall?’

‘Peace, children! Lucasta, you will leave as you should do by the front door. Adam will be waiting for you on the corner of the street – I will not explain any further, you must trust me when I tell you that there is more than one exit that may be used after dark. Hurry now – I think perhaps you should change if you are going out, Adam.’ A laugh trembled in the duchess’s voice. ‘And perhaps you would fetch a wrapper for Lucasta. I fear it will be growing cold.’

Lucasta clambered into the elegant carriage and slumped into the heavily padded seat. When they stopped a few moments later to pick up Lord Kennington she pulled the duchess’s warm cloak tightly around her, unwilling to have any contact with the viscount. The coach pulled away again and in the darkness she heard him chuckle.

‘Cry friends with me, Luke. This offended air does not become you.’

‘Why should I be offended?’ she forced herself to say lightly.

‘Because I chastized you for your recklessness, instead of falling at your feet in gratitude.’

She sniffed. With a sigh he reached out and pulled her to him, cradling her stiff, unyielding body against his while he
rested his cheek against her hair.

‘I
am
grateful, you know, but the thought of you putting yourself in danger like that makes my blood run cold. I cannot bear to think of anything happening to you.’

‘Is that true?’

She pulled away a little and stared up at him. The light was so poor inside the carriage that his face was little more than a pale blur and a gleam of white teeth as he laughed.

‘Of course.’ He kissed the tip of her nose and pulled her close to him again. ‘I would hate anything to happen to my little friend.’

She subsided against him, sighing. He had called her his friend. She squeezed her eyelids together tightly to hold back the tears.

Lord Kennington insisted she keep the cloak wrapped around her as they walked along the alley to the back of the house. A half moon was riding high overhead, bathing everything in a soft grey light.

‘Are you sure you will be able to get in?’

‘Yes. I locked the door when I came out and put the key under a stone.’

‘Come along then.’

‘Goodnight, my lord.’

She handed him the cloak and stood, looking up at him. He bent his head and brushed her lips with his own. Lucasta dug her nails into her palms to restrain herself from
throwing
her arms about his neck. It was only another friendly kiss, after all.

‘Goodnight, Lucasta.’

He cupped his hands to form a step for her and she scrambled over the wall, dropping lightly to the ground on the
other side. She found the key where she had left it and silently let herself into the house.

When she reached her room she went straight to the window to extinguish the light. Peering out, her eyes searched the alley, but it was deserted.