That was some consolation. If the children had been seduced by the promise of kittens, Moriarty’s men would have been on them before they could escape with their captives. Somewhat soothed, Allan decided to leave Hugo to the mercies of his employer. From the man’s expression, he did not expect to get off lightly.
“All’s well that ends well,” said Phineas.
“Yes,” said Melody, rather grimly. “But until we bring Teign down, it is not ended. Allan let us go and add this incident to our report for the group of lords that the Duke of Dellborough is coordinating.” She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let it out. Lifting her lashes again, she said, “It has been an interesting day.”
*
Late in theafternoon, they heard from Dellborough. His coterie of lords had been busy. Ten of them had been racing around town, leaping to the duke’s command, visiting other influential peers. “We have the numbers to insist on an inquiry,” Dellborough wrote, “even without evidence from tomorrow’s expedition. As to that, I enclose a list of the four gentlemen I suggest for that little excursion. All four are peers or the heirs to peers and will be useful witnesses. All have military experience and will be useful in a fight.”
A family connection of Kempbury’s, the Earl of Somerville, brought Dellborough’s message and was at the head of the list. He had been in the army during the wars with Napoleon, and seemed to think he would be in command this time, too.
“I know the cellars,” Allan pointed out. “I shall lead the way.” Besides, with the rest of the team being made up of three Moriarty guards, two of his brothers, himself and his lady, his seven outnumbered their four.
Somerville did not argue. “It is your family matter and is, or shall be, your townhouse,” he acknowledged.
A man of reason. And, after all, Allan’s battles had all been personal and familial. Somerville’s experience would be useful. “I shall lead the way,” Allan repeated, “but if it comes to a fight, I shall obey your commands.”
“Where shall we meet?” Somerville asked.
“We need to get into the lower tower, which means going in through the tunnels,” Allan said. “I suspect there’ll be a watch on the entrances. After all, the marquess’s men found their way into the tunnels, and only fools would not explore to find where they led.”
“They may be fools,” Baldwin commented. “But I would not suggest we count on it.”
“We can’t go in through the courtyard, and the riverbank will be busy in the daytime. We shall have to go in through the alley and overpower the guard before they have a chance to raise the alarm.”
“As to that,” said Mel, “I have an idea.”
