“You did,” a nearby voice said. A rustle and a silver head appeared. It was Burchester. Other lumps around the reading room began stirring and Kittredge realized all of Burchester’s lot were here: Sir Matthew Elliot, Danforth, Pike, the hulking Longridge.
He turned back to Dagenham as the other men began to complain.
“I need to talk to you,” Kittredge hissed.
“Talk.”
“Not here.”
“I can’t move. Have some pity.”
“Franny ran away. You have to help me find her. I . . . damn it, I love her, William.”
He was sobbing and being put in a chair and Bevel was trying to lick his face and someone was shoving a whisky in his hand and he heard Dagenham sayingLady Francescaandhas a terrible tendreandnever seen him like this.
He pushed the whisky away. Dagenham said, “Well, can’t let this go to waste.”
Pike’s voice. “A chit you’re looking for? I know all about finding women. Where do you think she went?”
Kittredge wiped at his eyes, futilely. “I don’t know. She isn’t received by anyone in London.”
“Do you think she might have found a cheap room? You can get them for next-to-nothing in the rookeries. I can go hunt around,” Sir Matthew Elliot offered, running his hand through his blond hair which fell in place perfectly as he did so.
“She only has stage coach fare—“ Kittredge gasped and stood. “Little Fucking-Green!”
“He’s gone mad,” observed Burchester.
“No!” Kittredge sputtered. “Little Fucking-Green!”
“I think he’s naming a place,” Danforth said. His wig was askew.
Kittredge whirled and pointed a finger at the baron. “Yes!”
Longridge coughed. “Little Frittenden-Green?”
“Yes! That’s what I said. Lady LeClere’s house is where she’s gone. With Ren!”
“A pet bird?” asked Burchester.
“Her little brother!”
Dagenham clapped Kittredge on the shoulder. “Get your carriage and go after her.”
“My carriage is at Merrifield.”
Longridge closed his eyes. “Which is next to Little Frittenden-Green.”
The group broke into a cacophony of suggestions until Captain Jack Pike said “Ahoy!” very loudly and took control.
“First, Sir Matthew will check the rookeries for a woman and a boy who meet the specifications. Second, Burchester will scare someone up around here to shave Kittredge and Danforth will find some coffee. Third, Longridge has the longest stride, so he’ll go to my house and tell them to get my carriage ready for you. Fourth, I’m going to saddle up my horse that’s at Madame Flora’s and ride out for the first three posts and alert them of your need for fresh horses.”
“Thank you,” Kittredge said weakly.
“Think nothing of it, Your Grace,” Pike said, a grin replacing his usual arrogant smirk. “I like to run a tight ship, and I’m always happy to help a duke. Might be one myself one day, and I’ll need all the help I can get.”
Kittredge turned to Dagenham. “And you’ll come with me?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
