Sir Avery frowned. “It is in their best interest to tell the truth. It seems that Sir Collingwood participated in the gaming along with the others that evening, then retired early.”
And he had then left the manor to meet with someone after leaving the other gentlemen. Sir Avery explained when it was discovered that he was gone, it was assumed that he had returned to London.
“From what the other guests shared, the woman was there to provide entertainment of some sort,” he continued. “She is an acquaintance of the Prince of Wales which means that this must be handled with all discretion.”
Sir Avery paced the narrow space between his desk and the wall with a map of the world.
“Paris,” he commented. “Whatever else was in that note, Sir Collingwood obviously didn’t want anyone to know of it.”
He was thoughtful for several long moments.
“It that all?” Brodie said.
“Not quite, Mr. Brodie. You and Lady Forsythe will need to go to Paris to try to determine what that burned note meant.”
“There is no need for the both of us,” Brodie protested. “I can make the inquiries necessary…”
It was obvious that he had no desire for us to continue further. I did admit that I had hoped that the information we’d learned would be the end of it, and hopefully the ‘agreement’ that I’d made with Sir Avery would be fulfilled.
“This case, and the potential implications for the Crown because of Sir Collingwood’s position, require the utmost discretion to see those responsible brought to justice.” He held a hand up when Brodie would have protested further.
“Your working arrangement is perfect for this. You will appear to be husband and wife with the excuse that you are traveling on holiday or perhaps intending to visit family. Lady Forsythe has spent considerable time in France, and Paris in particular. That could be of enormous help in this.
“Not only that,” he continued. “She speaks the language. This will allow you to move about and make inquiries that perhaps others cannot. You have my answer Mr. Brodie, Lady Forsythe. You will be prepared to leave in the morning for Dover for travel to Calais and then Paris. Mr. Sinclair will accompany you toDover from the rail station and will provide you with all travel information.
“You will also need travel documents. Mr. Sinclair will arrange for that, as well as the appropriate currency that you will need while in the city. Obviously, the address in the Montparnasse is a place to start.
“Hopefully you will be able to learn something there that may provide answers to this matter.” He looked from Brodie to me. “Under no circumstances are you to reveal the real reason you will be in Paris. Do you have any questions?”
After leaving his office, we went to Alex Sinclair’s office. I could tell by his expression that he knew precisely what the conversation with Sir Avery had been. He provided departure information for the morning train.
“I’m to accompanying you as far as the coast.”
“Aye,” Brodie replied.
“I will bring the necessary travel documents and currency you will need.”
He looked from Brodie to me. “I will also provide the name of the cryptographer who can be trusted, should you need to send information.”
With that, we left the Tower offices. We rode in silence to the town house rather than the office on the Strand.
“I realize that you tried to get me released from that agreement I made with Sir Avery.” I wasn’t angry, which surprised me.
The truth was that I was not looking forward to pursing the case further without him. Not, I suppose, that he wanted to hear that. “You don’t trust him. After Edinburgh, I understand.”
“Sir Avery has loyalty to only one person, the Queen. If he determines that something threatens her or the Crown, he will act as needed.”
“Even in the event of a scandal?”
“Most particularly. It’s best ye know the way of it. If it came to a choice between the interests of the Crown or ourselves…”
There was no need to explain further.
When we arrived, he had the driver wait and walked me to the entrance of the town house.
With changing seasons, it had grown quite cold on that ride from the Tower as the sun slipped down past the rooflines of the buildings we passed. Misty halos formed around street lamps.
“Mrs. Ryan will have waited supper,” I told him, a simple enough invitation. “And there is always my aunt’s very fine whisky on a cold evening.”
