Two days later
The Dog’s Bone, Cheapside
Eli leaned back as Bess set a bumper of ale in front of him.
“Would ye be wantin’ to eat?” asked the pretty barmaid, pushing a stray brown strand back under her cap while her gaze remained on Gus. “We’ve got some fine rabbit stew bubbling over the fire.”
“No thanks, my grandmother is much better and cooking again.” He took a sip of the ale and smacked his lips, addressing Benjamin Cooper, the solicitor of the family, and August Rutland, one of the O’Brien investigators. “I think I’d like to find my half siblings.”
Gus let out a whistle. “Are you sure you want to open that box? Nothing wrong with leaving well enough alone. Pierce doesn’t seem to regret not knowing.”
Clayton Pierce, another investigator, had a similar background to Elijah’s. His mother had also died from a fever, but he’d never known his father.
“Perhaps he’s more worried about becoming a father himself,” added Ben. Clayton was betrothed to Genie, the owner of a dress shop in Cheapside. He had been courting the seamstress while on a case searching for an earl’s illegitimate daughter, and Eli’s sketching talent had been helpful in finding the girl.
“It doesn’t matter. To be honest, I doubt we’ll ever find them. He used an alias and gave the vicar of my mother’s parish a forged certificate for the reading of the banns in his home church.” He gave a mirthless chuckle. “But I feel as if I should at least try find out about my half siblings. I might be able to help them as I did Grandmama.”
“Family always lends a hand,” agreed Gus, scratching the dark stubble on his jaw. “Just don’t be taken advantage of. You’re a trusting soul.”
“That’s why I have you.” Of all his brothers, Eli was closest to Gus. Always a hero in Eli’s eyes, he had a massive body and Goliath strength that often hid his gigantic heart. He remembered the kittens they’d found in a bag near the bank of the Thames. Gus had waded out and snatched the mewling, wriggling canvas from the frigid churning water. Eli had been amazed at the tenderness Gus had shown handling the tiny kittens in his great paws.
“As long as you won’t be disappointed either way. It could take a year or more to find them if they are found. Who were you going to ask?” Ben’s role as solicitor meant he collected the evidence attained by the Peelers, arrange it accordingly so it made sense, and passed it on to Angus Marshall, the barrister who presented the Peeler cases to the magistrate. While this informal investigation didn’t affect Benjamin, he understood the importance of family lost and found.
Elijah tossed an apologetic look toward Gus, who was not often sent out for discreet inquiries due to his size. Paddy worried he’d be recognized too easily or scare away an informant. He had his own contacts—always useful— and a sharp mind, but his role was vital in apprehending a criminal and protecting his brothers.
“I thought Clayton and maybe Roger. Nothing urgent, just asking around when they were in the neighborhood.” The latter, Roger Lynch, was the youngest and newest addition to the O’Brien clan, introduced by Harry Walters, who had rescued him from footpads. The young man had also grown up in the same area Elijah’s parents had lived. He was street-wise, clever, and grew up too fast so close to the docks.
“Paddy’s talking about getting Lynch placed at Bow Street when you leave,” mused Gus. “It would be a good experience for him, learning how to track down the whereabouts of an unknown. Plus, Walters has taken the lad under his wing, easing him into the business.”
“The man’s good with his fists. I think he only fears the wrath of his mother and God,” Ben said with a chuckle. “Good choice. Now, Eli, what about your artistic debut? Isn’t the sitting for Lord Tamber coming up?”
Eli nodded. “Thursday. My appointment is at half past ten. We decided what pose and attire will be used for the portrait last week. I have to admit I’m a wee nervous. It’s my first professional painting.”
Gus squeezed Eli’s shoulder. “You’ll do us proud as always. Just let your eyes do the work, and don’t let them talk you into changing their noses or skin so they appear younger.”
“Ha!” cried Ben. “Isn’t that mostly the monarchs?”
“Conceit isn’t only a royal affliction.” Eli had met arrogant men who wore threadbare coats and couldn’t write their names. Women, too, for that matter.
“How’s the little ruby-haired beauty?” asked Gus, his black brows waggling.
“That reminds me.” Eli pulled a paper from his pocket. “Remember the man I saw helping Miss Alberts’s father into the apartment that night?”
They both nodded, having been told the story earlier in the week.
“Here’s what he looks like. I drew his face from what I could remember, and Miss Alberts helped me refine it.” He grinned self-consciously. “She says it’s an exact likeness.”
Ben shook his head. “No bells for me. Gus?”
The big man took the paper, squinting as he studied the image. His head nodded slowly as he scratched his jaw again. “I’ve seen this one about. I can almost guarantee Walters will recognize him.”
“Well, Harry came back yesterday. Could you also show it to Roger and Clayton?” asked Eli, hope blooming that he may be able to further the investigation of The Vicar.
“Now, back to the original question,” said Eli.
“She misses her father, but she’s tougher than she looks. The staff at the house are a good lot, so she’s surrounded by good people.” Eli knew this wasn’t the information his brothers were asking for. “I’ve been thinking of inviting her for the Sunday dinner.”
Guffaws and knee slaps followed the admission. “You’re smitten, then,” said Gus, punching Eli in the shoulder.
