When the little girl had told her, her father and uncles were from home, she waited until Nanny had returned and excused herself briefly.
The house had been quiet, and she’d encountered no servants on the way to the room Lord Raine and his brothers often gathered in. Once there, she’d closed the door and run to the desk.
Heart thudding, she’d searched the drawers. Two were locked. She’d found nothing, only a note stating more ink was required. She’d left and run back to the nursery disappointed, and at the same time relieved.
Mr. Howarth had arrived with his bruised face as she was to leave for the day and tried to engage her in conversation. She’d said she must leave, as Adam was awaiting her. Dropped a quick curtsy and hurried away.
For days she’d done this. Done everything she could to avoid him and his family, except of course, Ella.
Guilt over what she was doing sat heavy on Ruby. These people had been so good to her, and she was betraying them.
She’d wondered about the bruises Mr. Howarth and his cousins bore, especially now she knew it was likely they were working for the king, but she had not asked questions.
Five days had passed since she’d gone to the docks. Her nerves were fraught as she waited for someone to appear on every street corner or down every opening, telling her what was expected of her next.
She listened in to one conversation between Mr. Michael Deville and Mr. Howarth while she and Ella were looking at the books in the library. Their voices had been lowered, but she’d caught the word “ship,” which could mean anything.
When the man stepped out in front of her as she walked home, she nearly ran into him, but stopped herself in time.
“He wants to speak with you.”
She managed a jerky nod.
“His carriage is around the corner. Come.”
Ruby followed. He knocked on the door and then opened it. She climbed inside to darkness.
“You have done well, Ruby.”
She loathed that voice. “I did what you wanted.” What she’d done, she had no idea, but knew it was both underhand and criminal.
“And have you gathered any information from the Deville brothers’ household?”
“I searched a desk. Two drawers were locked. I overheard a conversation but only made out the word ‘ship.’”
“You need to try harder. After you left the docks that night, a group of men stepped in to thwart our plans.”
“I saw no men.”
“They were there and caused us a great deal of trouble. They were gentlemen; witnesses were sure of that. We believe it was the Deville brothers and their cousin, Mr. Howarth.”
“They have bruises,” she said quickly. Dear Lord, was Forrest Howarth there that night? Had he seen her? No. He would have said something. She dismissed the idea.
“Do they now? That is interesting. But I want more, Ruby. Do what you must to get me information.”
“No. I c-can’t. If they find me, it will cost me my job.”
“Remember, the health of your brother and the residents of 11 Nobby Lane is at stake, Miss Knight.” His fingers wrapped around her wrist. “I need you to find out what you can about their movements. If they were there that night, and what they know. They thwarted us once, but it will not happen again.”
“I don’t have access to their locked drawers or to overhear their conversations!”
“You better find a way.” The words sounded ominous in the confines of the carriage.
“I can’t do it!” She grabbed the door, but his fingers gripped her wrist. Ruby turned, and it was then she saw his face. Their eyes held and then he retreated into the shadows once more.
“You need to remember what is at stake here, Miss Knight. Your brother’s health is in your hands and always will be. Betray me, and he will die.”
“I don’t know you!”
