“Good. Send him to the library, Forrester.”
Andrew turned to Greta. “I’m sorry, I must see this fellow. Lord Strathairn has a racehorse of mine at his stud. He has sent his man to advise me on my stable.”
She gave a huff of annoyance and turned away.
“Have either George or Jeremy return the children to the governess, Forrester.”
“Very well, Your Grace.”
Andrew strode away without a backward glance. He needed time to order his feelings before he spoke to Greta again. He feared they would not make a good fit.
In the library, a short, powerful looking man turned to greet him, hat in hand.
“Take a seat, Mr. Irvine.”
Once they were seated, Andrew got right to the point. “I should like you to be my children’s guardian until such time as I can be sure they are safe from a possible threat.”
“If it pleases Your Grace.” Irvine removed a bulky letter from his pocket and handed it to Andrew before seating himself.
Andrew sat and unfolded the pages.
Harrow, my dear friend, Strathairn wrote. It troubled me greatly to hear of your concerns. I can’t imagine anything more frightening than to have your child in danger. I shall be there for the shoot, but until then, I have sent Miles Irvine. He fought under Wellington and then worked for the Crown. He was by my side when we sought a very dangerous French foe intent on wreaking havoc on England. You would remember the attempted attack on King George–Prinny as he was then, at St. Paul’s cathedral. I would happily place my life in his hands. Irvine was badly wounded during that mission and decided to give the game away and become an apothecary, but he likes to keep his hand in. He has agreed to do a short term of duty, at least until I arrive, and we can work together to see what’s afoot. Please God, the matter will be dealt with quickly! I’m sure you’ll find him satisfactory.
You can count on all your friends, Andrew. I am quite sure that Fortescue and Montsimon would come to your aid at a moment’s notice. Please let me know. We are here for you.
Andrew put the letter down, with a warm feeling of relief. He studied the man seated before him. “I am very glad to have you here, Mr. Irvine.”
Irvine narrowed his dark eyes. “Nasty business, Your Grace. If you’ll tell me what you wish of me, I’ll get to it.”
“My footmen will remain stationed outside the nursery and schoolroom doors. You are to ride with my son every day. He will be told you are here as his riding instructor and to assist with my horses. My stable master, Ben, will supply you with the stable books. Read them if you will. Then if my son should ask you any questions,” he smiled briefly, “and I suspect he will, you will have a knowledge of the horses we have here, physical marks, breeding, performance, staying power, etc. And the gun room is at your disposal. The butler has the key.”
Irvine patted his coat. “Carry my own, thank you, Your Grace.”
“Good, a footman will take you to your lodgings. You will be introduced to the stable staff and eat with them. But first I’ll explain exactly what has occurred and what else I wish you to do. You’ll work directly with me.”
Irvine widened his eyes. “You, Your Grace?”
“Yes. The butler and the governess are the only ones who know why you are here. For all intents and purposes that is to discuss the racing interests I have with Lord Strathairn, and the possible purchase of more bloodstock. That gives you access to the stables without any suspicion attached to your visits. Do not speak of this to anyone else. I gather I can trust your discretion?”
“You can. It will be my pleasure, Your Grace.”
“Good man.”
After giving Irvine an account of recent events, Andrew returned to his desk and took a page of bond from the drawer. He trimmed his pen, dipped it in the inkwell and began to reply to Strathairn’s letter. He thanked him for his support, stated how he looked forward to seeing him, then requested another favor. Could he make inquiries about a German gentleman, Herr Ivo Von Bremen, who was staying at Castlebridge with his sister, Baroness Elsenberg, particularly in relation to any dissident groups known to be causing problems on the Continent.
He called for his secretary to send it off immediately.
