“Ask me what?” Thetap-tapof Alison’s cane quickened over the flagstones. “Forgive me for interrupting, but something came to mind that I thought you ought to know.”
“We were just wondering what you know about Lord Elgin Copley,” replied Charlotte as Wrexford quickly rose and assisted the dowager in taking a seat beside her.
“His reputation is as pristine as virgin snow. Though that in itself might stir suspicions,” came Alison’s tart reply. “For no one is perfect.” A pause. “However, from all that I have heard since he arrived back in England, Copley comes close to deserving a pedestal. Not only is he said to be a brilliant administrator, but he’s also very generous in his support of a variety of worthy charities and champions sensible reforms in Parliament.”
“Yes,” mused the earl after resuming his perch on the wall. “He seems a paragon of progressive thinking.”
“While you’re looking for someone whose past contains some unpleasant little secrets that might relate to our investigation,” responded the dowager. “And that’s why I sought you out. I suddenly remembered some rumors regarding the youngest son of Sir Joseph Alston. He left Oxford abruptly to take a position in the East India Company’s civil service . . . a post in one of the regional headquarters, if memory serves me right. That was perhaps twenty years ago, and he apparently served there without incident until four or five years ago. The details never came out at the time, but the gossip in the drawing rooms implied that he was forced out because of financial improprieties.”
Charlotte tried to recollect any recent scandal involving the name Alston. She caught the earl’s inquiring look and shook her head. “Nothing concerning the family comes to mind. But given the youngest son’s past, we have to consider him a suspect.”
Alison looked pleased.
“Do you perchance know his given name?” Charlotte pressed.
The dowager’s brow furrowed. “Frederick . . . no, Fenwick! Fenwick Alston. However, I’ve heard no mention of him since the incident in India.”
“Sheffield may be able to dig up some information on him and his current whereabouts in the gambling hells of Southwark and Seven Dials,” murmured Wrexford. “Knaves and scoundrels have a sixth sense for knowing all the fiddle-faddles of their fellow sinners.”
“Well, that’s all I have to offer for the moment,” said Alison. “I shall keep digging in the nether regions of my memory for any other buried scandals. And I’ll also make some discreet inquiries about Copley and the other directors.” Waving off any assistance, the dowager rose. “Now, I shall toddle off for my nap and leave you to your plotting—though I must say, sleuthing is an even better tonic for these old bones than sleep.”
* * *
The cane’stap-tapfaded into the twitter of birdsong and the sound of the breeze ruffling through the ivy. Wrexford watched the sunlight skitter over the dark-hued leaves. A glimmer of hope? Or merely taunting flickers? As of yet, they were still grasping at specters.
“I’ll seek out another meeting with Annie Wright as soon as we return to London.” Charlotte’s voice drew him back from his brooding. “And see what I can learn from my informants around the docks about any suspicious activity within the East India Company wharves.”
He shook off his pessimism. “As I said, it’s time to confront David Mather. And I’ll now need to speak with Sir Joseph Alston, as well as Copley.”
“I was also thinking of Jeremy,” offered Charlotte. “He’s become very involved in Mrs. Ashmun’s mills and has been investing in their expansion, so he knows a good deal about the world of commerce. He may have some ideas on how to find the evidence we need . . .” Her words trailed off. Squinting into the sun, she raised a hand to shade her eyes. “Is that a horse and rider coming up the drive?”
Wrexford shot to his feet for a better look. “It’s Tyler.” He waved his arms.
Spotting the signal, the valet swerved off the road and cantered over to join them. He had been riding hard. Dust coated his clothing, and sweat lathered his horse’s flanks.
“I managed to get what you asked for,” Tyler announced without preamble. “Though I’m not sure whether you’re going to be pleased.” He pulled an oilskin packet from his pocket and handed it to the earl. “By the by, that cost me averyexpensive meal. And Griffin will have your guts for garters if he doesn’t get it back by tomorrow.”
As the earl plucked a knife from the folds, a mote of light danced down the steel blade.
“Griffin can’t say for sure that it’s the murder weapon,” began the valet. “What he does know is that it definitely belongs to Woodbridge.”
“Yes, Woodbridge is here and has told us as much,” cut in Wrexford, “along with a good deal more.” He gave a terse explanation of the situation.
“Damnation. Then you’re not going to be happy with the other bit of news I’ve learned,” replied Tyler. “Mather appears to have left Town. Word is, he’s taken a leave of absence from the bank to make a trip to Ireland with some friends.”
“Damnation, the banker looks blacker by the moment.” Wrexford kicked himself for not having sought out the fellow sooner. “Go on to the stables and have your horse rubbed down. Then have McClellan fix you a hot meal.” He rewrapped the knife. “And tell Jenkins to have my stallion saddled. I mean to leave for London within the hour.”
Tyler removed his hat and slapped the dust from the crown before settling it back on his head. “If you’re hell-bent on returning to Town this afternoon, I’ll come with you.”
“I’d rather you stay and accompany the rest of our party tomorrow.”
The valet stiffened. “Has there been trouble?”
“Not as of yet.” Wrexford’s expression turned grim. “But we’re about to poke a stick into a nest of very dangerous vipers within the East India Company. Until we’ve pulled their fangs, we need to be on guard.”
Charlotte touched his sleeve. “You’ve seen that I can ride well enough not to slow you down. Allow me to come with you. I, too, ought to begin my inquiries as quickly as possible.”
“I don’t doubt your fortitude. But it’s been years since you’ve been in the saddle, and you’re experienced enough in equestrian matters to know that after such an ordeal, you wouldn’t be able to walk for the next week.”
