“The Hare,” the watchman answered. “I had heard you stopped in here yesterday, so when your name was cited, I took special interest. I also have the name of the man who discovered the cheater.”
“Excellent.” Collin’s heart was pounding. Finally, a lead—something, anything that might give him a direction for some answers!
“His name was Luke Morrison, works at the livery down the way.”
“Very useful, thank you,” Collin answered, committing the name to memory. “I’m working with Michael Finch. If he stops by to ask further questions, would you mind talking with him?” Collin asked.
“Of course not,” the clerk answered. “We’re familiar with Michael. Good to know you have someone local to assist you.”
“Indeed. In fact, I’m to meet him soon. I’ll take my leave, and hopefully this information will be of assistance in figuring out what is going on.” Collin drew in a deep breath and extended his hand in thanks to each man once more.
“We’ll keep our ears open and let you know if we hear more. Would you prefer us to contact you directly or go through Michael?”
“Either. I’m staying at the Duke of Westmore’s residence, but if you see Michael, you can pass along the information through him.”
“Of course, my lord.”
Collin didn’t miss the way the men’s eyes widened at the mention of the duke’s name. Though Rowles had been a professor at Cambridge for a few years and was known in town, things had changed when he inherited the title. One could not carry the title of duke and not have it bear considerable weight.
Collin took his leave and, once he reached the street, directed his coachman to take him to Michael’s residence. When he arrived, he rapped on the door a few times and stood back, rocking on his heels as his mind spun in several directions regarding how the new information might be of assistance.
Michael answered the door, then rubbed his chin. “Ach, if you’re arriving this early, I hope it’s because you’ve learned some news.” He stood back and allowed Collin entrance into the hall.
“Indeed, and though London society would certainly consider eleven o’clock early, I didn’t expect that you would,” Collin answered with a teasing lilt to his tone.
Michael paused as he led the way to the same small table where they’d conversed yesterday and gave him a sarcastic grin. “I’d agree with you, but I spent most of the night searching out information for a certain gentleman.”
Collin nodded. “I appreciate your efforts.”
“About time someone appreciates my efforts,” Michael said a little too loudly for it to be meant for Collin. As if on cue, Patricia came into the room with a pot of tea. “Your bellyaching doesn’t give me pity for you or an appreciative heart,” she retorted. “Lord Penderdale.” She curtsied.
“Miss Finch.” Collin bowed and took the seat Michael gestured toward.
“I’ll return with the teacups,” Patricia murmured.
“Ach, sure she uses manners around you. I may have to keep you around more often, might improve things a bit around here,” Michael grumbled, but Collin noted the tone was anything but resentful. Michael and Patricia’s dynamic was a welcome familiarity; it reminded him of his interactions with his own sister and immediately put him more at ease in their presence, though they were still of new acquaintance.
“I say the very same things about my sister. Let me know if you have any better luck than I have had over the years,” Collin added with a light tone.
“Here we go.” Patricia laid out the teacups and took her leave. Collin appreciated her understanding of the need for privacy.
“So, why don’t you start and let me know what you found out, and I’ll add in. It may relate,” Michael said as he poured the tea.
“Very well,” Collin replied, then went into the story given by the night’s watchman, carefully laying out every important detail he had learned.
“The Hare… I was there last night too, but didn’t stay late. I moved along to the tavern on the outside of town. Should’ve stayed at The Hare.” Michael took a long sip of tea. “And I know Luke, rough fellow but honest. We can head over there next.”
“Agreed. Your turn.” Collin lifted his teacup andtook a sip of the hot liquid, waiting for Michael to begin.
“As I said, I was at The Hare, where there were several card games going on. I recognized every man in the place, so I decided it wasn’t likely your imposter would be present. He must have come by later.”
“Why are you assuming it’s not one of the local men?” Collin asked.
“It’s less likely, and it would cause talk since everyone would already know his name.” Michael shrugged. “It’s not impossible but less likely. Therefore I’m starting with what would give us the greatest success rate.”
“I understand. Carry on.”
Michael nodded. “So, using that same theory, I thought that the taverns outside of town would be more likely to be visited by those not local. I was correct in that assumption—knew less than half—and kept my eye on several for most of the night. Nothing came of it, but I did notice thatmynotice was taken into account.”
