“As to that.” Sterling cleared his throat. “When we questioned von Essen, he didn’t tell us much about the gang. Claimed that he never met the leader or any Sherwood member. He said that they corresponded through letters which, of course, he burned.”
Trent frowned. “Sure, are you, that von Essen is telling you the truth?”
“I cannot be certain, but he provided some leads,” Sterling said. “The count confessed to taking part in four transactions. Each time, he was directed to a specific location where a street urchin delivered a bag of stolen goods to him. After the sale of the goods, he returned to the same location with the gang’s cut, which was picked up by another waif. His descriptions of the messengers—small, dirty, and young—were not helpful.”
“But he revealed where the exchanges took place?” Hawk asked.
“He gave the names of four public houses scattered across town,” Sterling replied.
Swinburne drew his gaze around the table. “Since there are four of you, I propose that you each take a pub and search for clues to the Sherwood Band. What do you say, gentlemen?”
At Devlin’s glower, Hawk felt a rush of satisfaction.
“Ready and willing, sir,” Hawk said.
Six
“Fiona, Mama and I wish to speak to you before the Hadleighs arrive,” Papa said from the bottom of the stairwell.
Botheration. That tone never bodes well.
Fi continued descending the steps in a swish of flounced, salmon-pink skirts.
Putting on a quizzical smile, she asked, “What about, Papa?”
“We’ll discuss it in private.”
With growing fear of an ambush, Fi followed her father into the drawing room. Her suspicions were confirmed at the sight of Mama, who was perched on a chaise like a bird ready to take flight. Confrontations always made Mama nervous.
Drat. Fi stifled a sigh.I hope this lecture does not make me late for tonight’s assignment.
The Angels had visited Lillian’s boarding house the day before. Mrs. Bridges, the landlady, did not have new information to add. However, the Angels found a cheery milliner’s assistant named Eloise, who’d had a passing acquaintance with Lillian. According to Eloise, Lillian was ambitious, hard-working, and always on the search for something “better.” While Eloise couldn’t say where Lillian had worked or whether she’d had a suitor, she did know that Lillian had frequented a tavern called the Royal Arms.
As it happened, the Royal Arms was located a stone’s throw away from the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. Which had presented Fiona with an ideal cover for her mission this eve.
If I can get out of the dashed house.
Papa stood by Mama’s chaise; Fi decided to remain standing as well.
Facing her parents, she said brightly, “I hope this discussion doesn’t take too long. The Hadleighs will arrive any moment, and I don’t want to make us late forHamlet.”
As luck would have it, the bard’s longest play was being performed tonight. Fi and Livy planned to sneak out after the lights were dimmed, check out the Royal Arms, and return by intermission. Livy’s husband would make any necessary excuses for them.
Her parents exchanged a look. Mama took a breath before speaking.
“We are ever so glad you are going to the theatre tonight, Fiona dear. A young lady ought to enjoy appropriate entertainments. Rather than, um, less appropriate ones.” After a pause, Mama said in a rush, “What I mean to say is that while your charitable efforts with Lady Fayne are to be commended, Papa and I are concerned that you might be overdoing things. You’ve seemed, well, a bit tired lately.”
“I feel perfectly fine. I am doing something worthwhile,” Fi parried, “and my Season has been a smashing success. I assure you there is naught to be concerned about.”
Mama’s brow pleated. “I suppose all that is true.”
Fi pushed her advantage. “If success can be measured by proposals, I’ve received more than any other debutante for two years running. Moreover, it is every lady’s responsibility to assist those less fortunate than herself. Not only is volunteerism the Christian thing to do, but it is also therightthing.”
“There are many ways to help others, Fiona,” Papa cut in.
While her mama was bendable like a birch, her father was an unyielding oak.
“Ways that do not include coming home with bruises or wandering about God knows where in the middle of the night.” Papa’s gaze was sharper than a blade. “What, precisely, was that ‘charity emergency’ you and Lady Olivia were attending to a few weeks ago?”
