In the past I had glimpsed some of thegamesthat men played at their private clubs. It was most...interesting and entertaining.
I had made the acquaintance of several of the men on that list socially at one time or another, and could only imagine what games took place at His Highness’s country residence far from prying eyes, and wives. I forced my attention back to the situation at hand.
“Would it be possible to speak with the guests?” I inquired.
A look passed between Sir Avery and Prince Albert.
“In the interest of discretion, I have already spoken with most of the gentlemen who were there that night,” Sir Avery replied. “None were aware of Sir Collingwood’s disappearance. Do you have any questions, Mr. Brodie?”
He indicated the list in my hands.
“Was anything mentioned that might indicate some difficulty that evening between any of the gentlemen?” he asked.
“Wot, if any, ladies that might have been present as well? Is there a possibility that Sir Collingwood had a change of plans and might have returned early to London?”
A look passed between Sir Avery and the Prince of Wales.
“Bluntly spoken, Mr. Brodie,” His Highness replied. “I assure you there was nothing to indicate any difficulty, and it is most certainly not in Sir Collingwood’s nature to simply take himself off without letting others know. He is a man of discipline, principle, and integrity.”
“Have inquiries been made at his office here in London?” I inquired.
“I sent my personal assistant to his offices to inquire, as I would usually after a sporting weekend,” His Highness replied. “His staff have not seen him since his departure to join us.”
“And the Admiralty offices as well?” I added.
“The same.”
“What of his personal residence?” I asked.
“Not as yet,” Sir Avery replied. “Under such unusual circumstances there is obvious concern for his well-being, and due to his position as a member of the Queen’s Privy Council. It is imperative that he is found safe as soon as possible.”
“Please understand that Sir Collingwood is a friend of long-standing as well, and I am deeply concerned for him,” the Prince of Wales added. “I am relying on your abilities now to find him.”
“Of course,” Brodie replied, but in a tone that was hardly pleased.
His Highness rose from his chair as he prepared to depart.
“You have been most discreet in the past, Lady Forsythe. I hope to have such circumspection now as well. Whatever you may need that I have not included in my previous conversation with Sir Avery, you have only to ask and it will be provided.”
I thanked him.
Brodie waited until he had gone.
“A single person can easily make the necessary inquiries,” he pointed out with obvious meaning. “There is no need for Miss Forsythe to be involved.”
Sir Avery cut him off. “Lady Forsythe has the ability to make inquiries with certain parties due to her station, precisely as you have your own unique abilities, and His Highness specifically asked for her participation.
“You will undertake these inquiries together and hopefully all will be resolved quickly. It is not arequest,Mr. Brodie.”
“Sir…?” When he would have spoken again, he was immediately silenced.
“That is all, Mr. Brodie. Mr. Sinclair will provide you both with additional information that His Highness has made available. It is imperative that you begin without delay.”
To say that Brodie was not pleased with the arrangement was quite obvious as we left Sir Avery’s office, and there was no opportunity to discuss the matter as he continued some distance down the hallway. He waited until I caught up, and then we both entered Alex Sinclair’s office.
Alex looked up with a frown, made all the more serious by those large glasses that gave him a very scholarly appearance. He brushed back the shock of dark hair that was forever falling over his forehead.
“Right.” He came out of his chair. “So, it would seem that Sir Avery has explained the case at hand,” he commented, coming round his desk to shake Brodie’s hand. He gave me a smile.
