“That I had no idea he was almost a neighbor until Lord Hampton, who I know was one of Landon’s cronies, told me in London that this is where he now lives. I am paying him a call, to enquire if he will attend the fair tomorrow,” Toby said.
“That could work,” Jamie said.
The driveway wasn’t long and soon they were outside a large house that sat back slightly from the cliffs. Dismounting, Toby handed his reins to Jamie, and he and Anthony went to knock on the door.
“Good day to you. I wish to speak with Mr. Landon,” Toby said to the butler.
“I’m afraid he’s from home, sir.”
“Is Lord Michael visiting?” Toby added.
“He is to arrive this evening, sir.”
“Thank you. Please tell both Lord Michael and Mr. Landon that Lords Hamilton, Stafford, and Corbyn called.”
The butler bowed after assuring them he would pass on the message.
They walked away knowing that soon Michael would know he was here, and Toby thought that would unsettle the man, seeing as he, Jamie, and Anthony had also been in town asking questions. Then there was the warehouse in London, where he had seen both Liberty and Toby.
Had he been behind the attack on Toby? The man was capable of that and more. Michael would not get near Liberty again; he’d make sure of it.
Chapter Thirty-One
Reaching the endof the driveway, they headed right instead of left. Looking skyward, Toby knew they still had a few hours before darkness fell. But if Landon and Michael were from home, then now may be the time to do some investigating.
“Let’s ride in and tether the horses. We can then walk,” Jamie said.
They did and were soon on foot, heading along a track wide enough for a horse and cart. It wound to the left through trees, but they saw no houses or cattle. Toby stopped when he saw a big outbuilding.
“An odd place for a building that size, considering there is no livestock nearby,” Jamie said. “If there are people inside, it may be better to come back after dark.”
“Stay here, and I’ll look around. If there is someone there, we will leave,” Toby said. He didn’t wait for his friends to acknowledge his words but started toward the building. Keeping in the trees for as long as he could, he stepped from their cover as he reached it.
Moving closer, he made his way around the outside looking for a way in, or signs that someone was inside.
“We decided to join you,” Anthony whispered.
“Christ,” Toby hissed, clutching his chest.
“Something felt off, as if you were walking into danger,” Jamie added.
“Who is keeping watch?” Toby snapped.
“The horses,” Anthony said.
“We need to get inside, but that door is locked,” Toby said. “I can’t see anything through that window either.”
“There may be another entrance, so keep walking,” Anthony urged.
He did, and they found another door at the rear. Trying the handle, this one opened.
“Jamie, you stay out here,” Anthony said.
Toby went first. Crouching low when he heard voices, he moved to a row of barrels with Anthony on his heels.
“I don’t like that those noblemen were in town. I saw them go into the bakery and not come out for a long time. Then one of them was talking to locals as he walked down the street,” a voice said. “That woman was there too.”
“Lady Liberty?” another voice asked, and Toby was sure it was Landon. “She will be no trouble. But Corbyn, Stafford, and Hamilton could be.”
