16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Lord Maxwell Calls on Fredrick

W hile Joshua organized Fredrick’s clothes for the day. Fred completed his ablution, as he mentally castigated himself throughout the morning for his actions the night before.

I cannot control myself around her. Good heavens, I got home feeling like a schoolboy. I cannot keep doing this. She is an innocent. It hardly matters she is the most sensuous woman I have ever held in my arms. It matters little her hair feels like satin, smells like jasmine, her emerald eyes speak volumes, and a body that could put Venus de Milo to shame. God, I want her.

She had shocked him. She cursed at him. He deserved it. And she had not one modicum of shame. He admired her for calling him out for the indecency with which he had treated her. He had not meant for it to be such, although, in retrospect, it certainly appeared to be shameful mistreatment. He could not keep his hands off of her. When in the same room with the woman, he could not restrain himself. Like some kind of drug. He could not get enough of her. The gorgeously painful drug was Margaret.

Fred had heard from two of the horsemen and Frank Stewart. All were converging at his house this morning to discuss any new developments in the Little Stevie girl search. John arrived first. Fred asked him why he had deserted him last night. “I thought to withdraw my presence for you to have a more private audience with the lovely Lady Margaret. I must say, she is not wholly a gorgeous bit of skirt. There is much more to that beauty. If you decide to pass on her, I would be pleased to step in – “ John had made Fred squirm, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

“That is about enough, John. I will not hear you speaking of her as if she serviced you at Venus . She is beautiful, smart, and far too sassy for the likes of you.” Fred slammed his coffee cup on the table.

John chuckled. “I am aware. I wanted to know if you were. Face it, Fred, you are smitten. There is not a damn thing wrong with caring for someone. Look at Martin. He is a mountain of a man, stoic as hell, and fell hard for that buxom little lady. Rather ethereal, I must agree. But my point is, it bothered him, not one whit to proclaim his love for little Muriel.” John shook his head. “What is it with those particular ladies? They have more than a handful of bosom. Must be something in the tea they drink.”

“John, good heavens. What has gotten into you? Have you found yourself another mistress? Why have you not mentioned her” Fred sat back down trying to enjoy his coffee without his mind wandering.

“No, no. I have yet to find anything worth the aggravation. I suppose I need to do something. I find it difficult to get enthused over what I have seen of late. So be it. Shall we discuss something more constructive?”

Mr. Winston stepped into the study to announce Frank and Henry. “Mr. Winston, have Daniel bring coffee, tea, scones, and fruit tarts with plates and serviettes.”

“Right away, my lord.”

“Welcome, gentlemen. When Daniel comes in, get something to eat and drink, then sit down and we can start our unofficial meeting on Little Stevie girl.” Fred started on his second cup of coffee. “If and when we ever find Little Stevie girl, how will we ever be able to address her any other way?”

“She will wonder which one of us is her father.” Henry snickered.

“Please. If she is either nine and ten or twenty in age, I hardly think she would mistake any one of us for ‘Papa’. Perhaps an older uncle.” Frank bristled at Henry, then looked to the group. “I have some news to share.” Frank had no idea how it would help the search for Little Stevie girl, but was another piece of the puzzle he needed. “One of the Bow Street runners found something incriminating under the row of bushes behind the Venus . A letter opener. Gilded, initials engraved C. S. G., with blood all over it. Now, all we have to do is find a man with the initials C. S. G.” he said in a rather caustic tone.

“I agree. Initials with no names, letters with no address, dying words with no name of the murderer or whereabouts of the daughter, blackmailer with no reason for it, and a jarvey yet to interview.” John verbalized all the flaws in their quest in one sentence.

“I’m going to have my footmen go and empty Glenda’s flat. Any recommendations?” Long overdue, but necessary, nonetheless. Fred looked at Frank.

Frank had his investigative expertise to share. “Don’t let them return to the townhouse directly. If someone comes up and asks where Glenda is, have the footmen say that she has moved into the club because she couldn’t afford to keep the flat with her other bills. If they ask what other bills, have the footmen say, ‘How in the hell would I know.’ And have them change their attire into regular street clothes.” He reached into his waistcoat pocket. “Here, they can’t get in without a key.”

John made a mental note to remember Frank's suggestion. “Having them change into regular clothes. Excellent idea.”

Daniel entered the study. “My lords, may I pour coffee or tea?” The giant; an impressive footman.

“Daniel, thank you. They will serve themselves. Come back in half an hour to see if anything else is needed.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Frank started. “I regret to say, I have found nothing regarding this Thistlewood. I am beginning to think he is not from the London area. Which is disappointing. It would be difficult to – “

Mr. Winston returned to the study, interrupting the group. “Excuse me, my lord. There is a Lord Edward Maxwell here to see you.”

John looked at Fred. Fred’s face became flushed. “Shite, Fredrick, what did you do?”

“Have him come in, Mr. Winston.” Fred gave a heavy exhale. “Shall we continue? Frank, go on about Thistlewood.”

“My lord, Lord Maxwell.” Suddenly, all the blood drained from Fred’s face.

“Fredrick? Ah, and Jonathan. I’m happy that you are both here. I would like to speak with you regarding last evening.” John and Fred looked at each other – waiting for the anvil to fall.

Both Fred and John stood. “Would you prefer to go into another room to discuss this?” Fred made the offer. John feared for Fred’s immediate health.

“No, I think not. Shall we all sit down? I’m sure your comrades would be interested to hear this.” Edward smiled graciously. Fred feared Lord Maxwell would demand satisfaction in front of witnesses.

“Well, of course.” Fred pulled another chair from the room. “Have a seat. Now, what would you like to say, Lord Maxwell?” Fred braced himself for the eruption.

“I want to thank you for assisting my daughter and Lady Helen from the bandits in the park last evening. Lady Maxwell and I were worried when they failed to come home after the fashionable hour. So when Lady Margaret finally arrived, her hair and clothes disheveled, we wondered what could have happened. Lady Helen explained that my daughter made a fair attempt with the hoodlums, but the two of you came to their rescue and escorted them to Helen’s. I thank you so much for protecting the ladies. Margaret remained, for the most part unshaken, but poor Helen, I think is still overwrought.” Fred’s shoulders instantly relaxed.

“Edward, by the time John and I arrived, the bandits had run back into the woods. Margaret had done something brilliant. With her whip, she slapped the horse’s backside, then whipped the man closest to her.” Fred explained.

Edward nodded. “She’s not only a pretty girl, she is smart and confident in her abilities. It sounded to me like she handled the situation with impressive aplomb; I must say, even if she is my daughter.” He focused on Fred and John.

“Most certainly. Due to the seriousness of the situation, we felt compelled to escort them home.” John volunteered. He could not wait to ask Fred about Lady Margaret’s hair and clothing being in a state of ‘dishevel’ as Lord Edward stated. Later, he would point out to Fred that Margaret had covered for him, warranting Fredrick’s appreciation if nothing else.

“I apologize for interrupting what seems to be some kind of important meeting. I wanted to come by to thank you. I can see myself out.” Edward pushed his chair back to rise.

“You need not leave. We are not discussing anything in any way harmful to your ears. Help yourself to coffee or tea and there are scones and fruit tarts.” Fred wanted to be gracious. Maxwell had been polite enough to come and thank John and him for escorting the ladies home safely. Thank heavens he had no idea as to the full extent of Fredrick’s assistance. “Alright, Frank, so what do you think will be the next step in tracking down this Thistlewood? I think he is the key to finding her.”

“Yes, but I am at a loss. I went to pick up the letters from Little Stevie girl at the post office and they sounded disturbing. She asked “Papa” about the funds for the upcoming term. They had yet to be paid.” Frank had been diligently visiting the post office and Mr. Warren weekly.

“Did you not bring them with you?” Henry asked.

“Excuse me, gentlemen.” Edward poured himself a cup of tea when he walked back over to the table. “You are seeking a Thistlewood?”

“Yes, have you heard the name?” Frank’s voice reflected his eagerness.

“Do you have the man’s first name?” Edward requested as he sat back down at the table with the others.

“We do not. Is the name of any interest to you?” Frank had done his best to track the man down to no avail.

“There is only one Thistlewood I am aware of, and he is not a good man. Marcus Thistlewood first showed up around Lincolnshire. Comes here from time to time. Takes women and disappears. We have recently become aware of him living part-time in Jamaica. We are unsure exactly where in Jamaica. We do know he is notorious for his abuse of slaves. He rapes them at will. Beats them. Starves them. Has many children by these slaves. In the last few years in England, constables have reported young ladies disappearing from their homes. The parents and constables reported all the ladies taken were attractive. From our investigation, thus far, we have come to believe he is selling these young ladies to wealthy men on the Continent and even some of the ladies to the Arabian countries. If you have any information regarding this degenerate, our committee on this investigation would be more than grateful.”

“This is more ominous than we even expected. This Thistlewood may be prepared to abscond with little Stevie girl to sell her to the highest bidder.” John only said what the others were thinking. “What the hell can we do? This is becoming more dire.”

“I talked to the postman when I went there. He said he had been asking if the riders knew where the letters addressed to Thistlewood originated. I’m beginning to think that perhaps a handful of coin might spur him into working harder to find the carrier who picks up her letters.” Frank thought money might be the only option with the man.

“I’m more than happy to put up the money. Certainly, money should work. If not, then the three of us will appear before him with our titles to scare him into compliance.” John’s suggestions were on point.

“Can you call on this postman with an incentive, Frank?” Henry asked.

“I can. What amount of blunt are you suggesting? I need to know before I go and speak with him.”

“I suggest you tell him you will give him half up front and the other half upon his delivery, not of the carrier, but the origin of the letters. And you will need proof. I think the money should be considerable to strengthen the incentive. What are your thoughts, gentlemen?” Fred already knew their answer.

“I heartily agree.” John agreed.

“And I.” Henry agreed.

“Gentlemen. What exactly is this regarding? If you can share who you are searching for, perhaps I may be able to assist.” So the gentlemen shared the story of Little Stevie girl. Edward warned that this girl could be the next victim. “So, you have no idea who the father of this Little Stevie girl is?”

“There may not be a father. Someone had been blackmailing Glenda, but we have yet to uncover the reason for it. The only person we knew as the face of the blackmailer happened to be dead. So, that leaves us with two possibilities. Either Thistlewood will come to collect the money, or he will initiate plans to make her the next lovely young lady kidnapped.” Frank’s possibilities were frightening, either way.

“If Thistlewood goes to Venus , to collect the blackmail money, we might be able to find out where Little Stevie girl is. Certainly, following him will provide some information. It is worth the effort. Frank, do you have the men to watch the club day and night?” Fred recalled the first time the woman showed up, during the day, before the club opened. The second time at night.

“Yes, I know with the erratic times, it would require around-the-clock coverage. It will cost.” Frank knew well they were aware, but the investigator in him required he verbalize it.

“Yes, that is the least of our worries. It is finding the girl. She is the most important consideration.” John then shared with the group the experience Fred and he had when they went to see the modiste. “She was the sweetest little lady. Fredrick kept calling her a little cherub. She had been so kind to Glenda. She gave Fred and me a vivid picture of Glenda’s love for her daughter and the steps she had taken to ensure her daughter had a good life. We think that Glenda created the lie so Little Stevie girl thought her mother had passed.” All remained quiet for a moment. Perhaps they considered the sacrifices a mother would make for a child out of love. And she would never know it.

“It seems we have only two avenues to pursue at this point. The mailman and the club. We need a little luck.” Frank summarized it.

“I think I might be able to assist by looking a little further into Lincolnshire. Perhaps I may find his whereabouts if he is here in England, Lincolnshire is likely where he would stay.” He had an afterthought. “Have any of you considered checking the boarding schools for young ladies?” Edward asked.

“We did discuss it, initially. There are so many throughout the country, we were concerned it would be labor-intensive without results. I suppose we could check the periphery of London and Lincolnshire.” Fred thought it could be done easily enough.

“I check around the Lincolnshire area. Having investigators working with constables in that area would be one less place for you to have to investigate.” Edward stood. “Well, gentlemen, this turned out to be a completely different visit than I anticipated. But I am anxious for the families of all the missing daughters. Even if the girls are dead, at least the families will have some closure.”

“We are fortunate you came by. This has helped immensely.” John stood to walk Edward out.

“I will walk with you as well.” Fred stood to follow behind.

“I must say, Fredrick, and you, Jonathan; it is noble of you to take on this investigation with absolutely no obligation to the deceased woman.”

“I disagree, Edward. I heard her dying plea. I am obligated.”

“As I said, a kind and noble thing.”

The two walked Edward to the foyer and shook hands. “Have a good day.”

“Right. Good day, gentlemen.” Edward walked off the step, Fred closed the front door, then turned and leaned up against it.

“Phew! Good heavens. I sat on pins and needles, waiting for him to demand satisfaction.” Fred said, with a sigh of relief. “I would have hated to kill the man.” He gave a short, ‘ha’.

“Yes, and I dreaded to be your second.” John gave a chuckle.

A New Face Calls on Venus

The conversation had drifted; going from fencing, boxing, and paperwork, to either Brooks’s or White’s , for lunch. Frank bowed out. “I want to get my men to Venus , set to surveil as soon as possible. It has been what? A week since the co-conspirator died in the gig? We have no idea if this person is Thistlewood, but from what Lord Maxwell told us, it would be a fair assessment to say that Thistlewood is the person behind this blackmail. It is odd though; we still have been unable to uncover the purpose of the blackmail.”

“I suspect we will not discover the reason for the blackmail until we catch this Thistlewood. I am not happy about discovering the profile of Thistlewood. I am more fearful about it.” Henry drummed his fingers on the table. “There is no doubt the discovery has done nothing but heighten our concern for Little Stevie girl’s safety.”

John rubbed the back of his neck. Absolutely frustrated. “There has to be something else we could do.”

“Think then. We discussed investigating the ladies’ boarding schools on the outskirts of Town. Where would we go to find that information?” Henry had a valid question.

“The newspapers? The library? Where else?” Fred asked.

“There must be other sources. Sadly, my mind is jumbled at the moment. I would think the newspaper and library would be good places to start. Who wants to take that on?” Henry asked the group.

“I will. I’m so frustrated. Maybe having a task will be able to calm me somewhat. I am concerned Little Stevie girl’s time is running out.” John felt the need to keep busy doing something – anything that might help to find her.

Mr. Winston entered the study. “Excuse me, my lord. I have a missive for you. The gentleman at the door is to wait for a response.”

“Alright, Mr. Winston.” Fred held out his hand as Mr. Winston put the missive in his hand. All eyes were on Fredrick as he opened the missive and read it, then read it out loud for the table to hear.

Dear Lord Windham,

A new visitor arrived about an hour ago. I told him Glenda is not here right now. I told him to come back tomorrow evening. He said he was short on time. He would come back this evening and Glenda had better have the money.

Can you come soon?

Thank you,

Martha

“I don’t mind going at all, but I would appreciate it if someone would accompany me. She has, how shall I say, made some blatant overtures that I can no longer finesse my way out of without Martha taking my behavior as a personal affront. Who would be kind enough to come and shield me?” Fredrick chuckled. “It is a sad state of affairs when the woman is the aggressor and the male is the one attempting to stay off advances.”

“I think it would be best if I accompany you as I will be setting up men to watch the building. I think I will send a note to my core men to get them placed as soon as possible. Then we can ride to Venus , and speak with Miss Pitts.” Frank stood. “Can you lend me foolscap and pen?” He looked at Fred. “I’m insulted. I have spent time with Martha Pitts on at least two occasions and she has never made amorous overtures toward me. Damn!” Frank had a vexatious laugh. Fred did not find it humorous. “You lucky man.” Fred shivered.

“Did we arrive at a money figure to throw at the mailman?” Henry asked as he stood, walked over, and picked up another scone.