“I am uncertain, Miss Saint-Bonnard.”
“When did they leave?”
He looked in pain now.
“When, Fairfax?”
“Just two hours ago.”
“That fiend!” Beth got to her feet. “I asked him to let me go with him to find Logan. I can identify him; no one else can.” Beth paced the room. “I have more invested in this than anyone.”
“You are a woman, Bethany. This is not for you to do,” her mother protested. “I have furnished Nathan with a description of Justin Logan.”
“And yet it was for me to steal and lie? It was all right for me to watch as my family suffered at the hands of that man! I have a right to be there.”
“Are you saying they all left the house, Fairfax?” Dimity asked.
The butler nodded, looking miserable.
“Wearing black cloaks?”
He nodded.
“The book!” Beth got out of her chair. “We need to find that or the papers I wrote with everything inside Mr. Valentine’s book. There may be an entry in there about the king’s movements today.”
“The king’s adviser?”
“Yes. I stole it.”
“Excellent. Gabe’s desk, I think.” Dimity got out of her chair, not even flinching over what Beth had done. “The brothers keep everything of importance in there.”
“I’m not sure that is wise, Miss Saint-Bonnard.”
“Fairfax, I am always wise.” Dimity and Beth hurried from the room.
The desk wasn’t open, but Dimity knew where the key was, so Beth didn’t have to pick the lock. She searched through each drawer.
“That’s it.” Beth pointed to the bundle of papers.
Lowering them to the desk, they searched for any entries that would indicate the King’s movements today.
“Vauxhall Gardens,” Dimity said, ushering Beth back to the dining parlor. “Come, we must eat, then attempt to repair your appearance if we are to get there in time.”
“I really can’t allow you to come, Dimity. This could be dangerous, and I know Nathan will be angry that I am going against his wishes to attend, but Lord Raine will be incensed if you do also.”
“You are not going alone,” Dimity said.
“I feel suddenly ill,” Lady Carlow said. “But if you are going, then so am I. I do have an invite, after all.”
“Only if you wish it,” Dimity said. “I will be with your daughter.” She had a fierce look in her eyes. “And ensure she falls into no trouble. We will simply mingle with other guests, and she will cast her eyes about and check for that fiend Logan’s location.”
The parlor door opened, and in walked Abbey carrying Toby. Behind her were two maids.
“Two maids?” Dimity rose and came to take the babe and hug him.
“It’s best; then I won’t worry. Now, after you have smothered him with kisses, he needs a sleep.”
“Look at that fine little fellow.” Beth watched her mother rush to see the baby. “May I hold him?”
