Silas strode forward. “Starling, thank you for coming. Were you seen?” he asked, offering the man a seat.
“Windham,” greeted Starling, inclining his head as he took a seat. “I slipped in the back; I thought it more prudent than knocking on the door in full view of the street.”
“Good thinking, man. It’s been an age since I saw you last, where have you been hiding?”
Starling grinned, his eyes crinkling good-naturedly at the corners as he tapped the side of his nose. “I have been on a job out of town. A lady asked for my assistance, let us leave it at that. ”
Silas smirked. The man was as incorrigible as ever. “Now, let’s get to business, shall we? What news have you?”
Starling straightened, shaking out his cuffs. “It took me a while, but I might have found something of use. Word in the coops is there is a man who has been running his mouth down near the docks. Flashing a bit of blunt and bragging about scaring the toffs. I have been keeping an eye on the place he frequents in the hopes that he will lead me to some higher-ups with a hand in the scheme.”
Silas juggled his booted foot where it crossed his knee. “So you are saying that some bastard is going about bragging about putting the fear of God into some innocent woman?”
Starling inclined his head. “Yes. I am afraid that the blighter will grow bolder if enough blunt crosses his palm. There may be others. Money is a powerful motivator.”
Silas stood and paced the carpet. “I have decided to take Honora out of London for the time being.”
“That might be wise.”
“I would like to make it more difficult to find us, as I agree, the house is most likely being watched.”
“Have you an idea?” asked Starling, with a mischievous grin.
“Yes, but I would need your help.”
“If it puts a spanner in the works, then I’m in.”
Ten
Silas watchedthe luggage being stowed into the carriage at the back of the Seton townhouse, making sure that the same number of bags were stowed in each conveyance.
Three identical unmarked carriages stood waiting in the grey predawn light.
“It’s devilishly early,” grumbled Starling, taking a deep pull on his cheroot and then flicking the end onto the cobbles.
“That’s rather the point, don’t you think,” said Silas, clapping the man on the back.
Their plan was simple. Three identical carriages would leave at the same time, but move in different directions. Silas and Honora in one, Starling in another, and the last empty. It was hoped that the ruse might buy Silas the opportunity to shake off any surveillance and make it out of London without a tail.
Honora stepped out into the courtyard, looking as fresh as a flower despite the early hour. Behind her trailed Fobs, his arms loaded with books and baskets which he piled into the carriage in front.
“Does Seton know you will be travelling unchaperoned with his dear sister?” asked Starling, his brow raised as he watched Honora oversee the packing of the various parcels.
“No. Not yet,” answered Silas gruffly.
“Hmm, I see. Well, I rather hope they follow me,” grunted Starling, clambering into the carriage in the rear. “I would gain great pleasure leading them in circles all morning.”
Silas frowned after the man, as Honora stepped up beside him.
“What is all this?” he said, gesturing to the pile of parcels crowding the seats.
“I need something to pass the time, don’t I?” she replied innocently, slipping her reticule over her wrist and checking that the ribbon holding her bonnet was secure under her chin.
It was such a simple, yet feminine gesture.
Silas managed to drag his eyes away from the sight of her with a modicum of effort, watching with approval as Fobs pulled his hat low over his features and leapt up into the driver’s seat.
Silas had thought it best they travel only with the most trusted staff. There was too much at stake.
