28. Chapter 28

Chapter 28

The Collection

T he two walked down the stairs with Fred behind her, scrutinizing her form and finding her flawless. He should know. He had been at the helm, plotted a course, and navigated the entire body of one beautiful Lady Margaret all night and all morning. Pure bliss. “My lord, Lady Margaret, Lord Blackwood is in the study having tea and scones. Would you care for tea? Coffee?” Mr. Winston met them in the hallway, addressing Margaret as if her presence was an everyday occurrence.

“I need coffee. Have Daniel bring me a carafe. What for you my sweet?” He looked down at her beautiful face.

“May I have a scone? with butter? And tea with cream?” She asked Fredrick. He thought her so cute.

“Sweet, you needn't ask, you tell Mr. Winston. He will make sure you get what you want.”

“I will certainly try my best.” He smiled at Lady Margaret. He had the distinct feeling Lady Margaret would soon become a permanent resident at this address. “Would that be all, my lord, my lady?”

“Yes, thank you. I appreciate it.” She hoped Mr. Winston would at least accept her into the ‘all-male’ household. Mr. Winston bowed and left for the kitchen.

“Shall we say good morning to Lord Blackwood?”

“Like a couple?” She looked up at him so sweetly, like a little girl. He remembered when he first kissed her and she asked him if she did it right. She should never feel insecure. He would teach her she is too smart, kind, sincere, and beautiful to be insecure.

“Yes, sweet. Exactly like a couple.” He took her hand and kissed it. They walked into the study.

“So, you both are still among the living, I see. I was beginning to wonder.” He stood. “Good morning, Lady Margaret. You look lovely this fine day.” She blushed. He knew what they had been doing all night. She prayed he was not one of those pious types. But he was Fredrick’s friend, so that was highly unlikely.

“Thank you, Lord Blackwood.” She sat down at the table. She looked up at Fredrick to see him sit down beside her. She felt so awkward. How is a lady supposed to act after she spent the entire night tupping with a man absent one marriage license?

“Have you been reviewing the letters?” Fred asked. He could see the letters scattered and stacked in some other configuration than he had them originally.

“In all honesty, I got down here a little before you. I had a little over much scotch. I’m not crop sick but it is close.” He picked up one of the letters from Little Stevie girl and waved it at him. “How did this sweet little girl continue to write to a father that never even bothered to write her back? She sat all alone on holidays. The more I think about it, the angrier I get at Linda for allowing our child to live without love. I love her with all my heart and I have never even seen her. She could look like a Cyclops and I would never care. She is my daughter. Fredrick, we must find her.”

Daniel came in with the coffee, tea, and scones. He poured coffee into Fred’s cup. Then started to do the same for Margaret with her tea.

“Don’t bother with mine, Daniel, I will get it. But thank you.” She smiled at him as she reached for a plate of scones showing some cleavage. Daniel stood – fixated.

“Daniel.” Fred looked at Daniel looking at Margaret. “ Daniel !”

“Oh, yes, my lord?” The tips of his ears flushed red. Fred enjoyed Daniel’s visible embarrassment. Fred reached over and squeezed Ginny's arm.

“I left a lot of items on the sideboard by the foyer. Would you get those for me?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“And Daniel, please bring me a couple of meat pies. Lord Blackwood, anything for you?”

“I think I would like more coffee and a few meat pies, thank you.” Stephen scanned the letters.

“Anything else, my lords?”

“No, Daniel, thank you.” Fred nodded.

Margaret enjoyed the delicious scone, without her mother’s frown. As she buttered the nice, warm scone, she noticed some items on the sideboard that looked rather worse for the wear. “Lord Fredrick, what are those items on your sideboard? They don’t look so appetizing.” She looked a little more closely. “Do those items have blood on them, Lord Fredrick?”

“I’m sorry to say yes. Most of those things have blood on them.” She stood and walked over to the sideboard. “Sweet, don’t touch those items with your bare hands.”

Daniel brought in the meat pies and more coffee for Lord Blackwood. “Thank you, Daniel.” Blackwood looked at Daniel. “I may move in here. I’m unable to eat anything in my own home. I’m not sure what it is because I refuse to eat it. I often think the cobra puts poison in the food. She would be an extremely wealthy woman if I fell over dead.” He slammed his hands on the table. Margaret jumped; shocked by Blackwood’s habit of slamming his hands on the table for emphasis.

“Come sit down with me, sweet. Until I can get something so we can safely look over the items. Stephen, I think you should help us. You might recognize something in those items.”

Margaret walked back to the table. She bent over and whispered in his ear. “I know something I would like to sit on.” She turned her shoulder to him and gave him a seductive look as she sat down.

“Daniel, go to the drawer and bring two pairs of cotton gloves.” Fred thought they kept a box full.

Daniel hurried back in. “Yes, my lord. I will get them.”

“Make that three pairs, Daniel,” Margaret called out while she stared at Fred, waiting for a rebuttal.

“Lady Margaret, you don’t even know what we are doing. How do you think you can assist?” Fred goaded her now.

“Oh,” she smiled, “I’m good at putting puzzles together.”

“Hmm. Puzzles. What we need is a soothsayer.” Fred said, frustrated at the whole Glenda debacle.

“The first thing I want to do is go through this reticule,” Fred said to no one in particular. “Would you prefer to go through the reticule, Sweet?”

Daniel returned with the gloves. “May I get anything else for you, my lords, my lady?”

“Blackwood? Lady Margaret?” They both said ‘no’. “I believe that is it for now.”

“I think I would like to look at the jewelry, first, if I may.” Margaret requested so sweetly. Fred slid it over to her. Then he squeezed her thigh under the table. She gave a little one of her giggles and he winked back at her. “My gosh, this piece is expensive." She looked at the gold pendant with the gems in it. She held it up and studied it closely. “Fredrick. This pendant is valuable – expensive. See the loop at the top?” She held it closer to him. “A chain accompanied this. I’m sure it was gold. This pendant is likely twenty-four karat.” She turned it over to examine the back. “This appears to have been made repousse, designed from the backside. This stone is a pink topaz. It is quite rare. The others, I’m unsure of, but a good jeweler would know. If you take it to one, make sure they are – “

“I probably have the best jeweler in Town. Not to worry. He is excellent at designing rings.” Fred took the jewelry piece back to examine it himself.

Margaret went through the reticule. “No money in here. A kerchief – “

“Where did you get all these bloody things? And no, I am not cursing.” She smiled. God, she is beautiful.

“The last thing I wish to do is relive the events right now. We need to get through all these things first. I will explain later, I promise.” Fred gave her a grin.

“This paper has the directions to Venus . Sadly, it begins from the Great North road.” Blackwood handed it to Fred.

“This is no help.” He shook his head.

“Hand me the other brooch, please. It is different – beautiful.” Fred handed it to her. She turned it. Looked at the edges. “This kind of a brooch is not cheap. The gold is real. The stones are real. It is a beautiful piece.” Impressive. She knew her jewelry.

“Let me look at it again.” Blackwood took it. “This belongs with the necklace and pendant. I recognize it. Fredrick, do you have a quizzing glass?” he asked. Fred put up an index finger as he stood and walked over to his desk. Got the quizzing glass and brought it back to Blackwood with the brooch.

“This piece has the same S L B as the others. And this is etched, ‘To Stevenica from Papa’ How many times in your entire life have you ever heard such a name? This has to be Little Stevie girl’s real name. If only we could find her last name. Do you think she might be registered at a school under the name ‘Blackwood’?” He set the jewelry down. “My Little Stevie girl. Where are you, my child?”

“Goodness, such a strange name. There could not possibly be another student in any of the ladies’ schools with such a name. If we could notify them all more quickly.” Margaret surmised.

“Initially, we did look at schools. But there were too many. Margaret’s father is working with a group, I’m not sure if it is through parliament or in the area where the other girls were abducted. Lord Maxwell said this Thistlewood had originally come from Lincolnshire. He would check ladies’ schools around that area."

“I found something. It is a list of expenses. Clothing, shoes, food. Here, thirty-eight guineas per annum. Four guineas for a globe. Some other items add up to seventy-eight guineas per annum. Then it has another line. Thistlewood – two hundred-eight pounds.” Margaret read off the list.

“May I see it, Margaret?” Blackwood scanned the items and the monies attached to each particular expense. “Good heavens. Thistlewood had been blackmailing Linda for two hundred-eight pounds a year. How was he able to blackmail her? For what? She did not want her daughter to know she earned her living as a prostitute? Bloody hell. The poor woman worked herself almost around the clock. And this is why?” As he waved the paper in anger.

“This is absurd. I can’t seem to put it together. Except we know now that Thistlewood is a nefarious individual. And Stevenica thinks this Thistlewood is her Papa’s secretary. He is who Linda feared would hurt her daughter. There has to be something else. Keep looking.” There was pain and agony in Blackwood’s voice. “The gods could not be this cruel, could they? After all these years, to find out I have a daughter and lose her before I ever get the chance to hold her in my arms?”

“Don’t give up, Stephen. We will find her. I know we will.” Fred put his hand on Stephen’s arm. “We will.” Fred wondered himself but did not want Stephen to lose hope. Fred had come this far; he refused to lose hope.

“No, Fredrick. I will not give up. I think about what has occurred in the last twenty-four hours. It is so surreal. I thought I would trudge along until I met my end. It seems the gods had other plans for me. I might have a chance to be happy. To have a daughter, then grandchildren. It would be remarkable.” He stared out into nothing. Fred would not disturb his woolgathering. Fred looked at his raven-haired beauty and pointed his thumb up. Margaret nodded. As they began to stand, Stephen stopped them. “I apologize. I did not mean to run you both off. Perhaps we can ring for another warm carafe of coffee. It is delicious. Where do you find such quality coffee beans?”

“I think Mildred orders from Twining’s . I can get the address from Mildred, she’s my cook.”

“I know where it is. The address is No. 216 Strand. Nice store.” Margaret volunteered. She smiled at Fredrick. “I think a carafe of coffee with cream sounds yummy. I would drink a cup. Shall I use the bellpull?”

“If you would, Ginny. Thank you.” She blushed at his use of her sobriquet. He loved to see her blush. There was little he did not appreciate about her. He was in awe of her. Margaret got up and used the bellpull. As she walked back to the table, she noticed a frame sitting on the sideboard where Fred had all the other items. “Fredrick, where did you find this? In the gig with the rest of the items we have looked over?”

“Oh, no, sweet. I think John picked it up from Glenda’s flat with the letters and the beautiful ball gown.” As Margaret examined the frame, Daniel brought in the coffee, and cream, with fruit tarts and biscuits.

“Ohhh. Fruit tarts. Yum.” Margaret could not resist. Blackwood and Fredrick chuckled at her gusto over fruit tarts.

“I know how to make you happy. Give you a plate of fruit tarts.” The men chuckled again. Margaret sat down and played hostess as she poured the hot coffee into Fred’s and Stephen’s cups before she poured for herself.

“Cream?” The men passed, but Margaret knew to drink coffee correctly, required cream. She took a sip. Closed her eyes and made that cute little ‘mmm’. She did an excellent job of entertaining the two gentlemen. She put her cup down. “This is such a pretty frame. Cross-hatched ogee. Beautiful. This is not cheap.”

“What is an ogee?”

“Do you see the serpentine shape along the sides and in the middle of each of the four sides? Those are called ogees. Makes for an attractive frame.”

“If you want it, you may certainly have it.” Her eyes lit up and Fred saw those emerald eyes sparkle.

“I think I know what I will put in it, too.” She smiled at Fred.

“And what would that be?” He reached over and squeezed her hand. Blackwood smiled to himself. There seemed to be a definite change in their demeanors, or at least in Fredrick’s. Whatever happened throughout the night was none of his business, but he had a good idea and he was envious. It had been a while for him. And decades since he had such a feeling for anyone. Sweet Linda.

Margaret took another sip of her coffee, then took a healthy bite of the fruit tart. She turned the frame face down to study the back.

Daniel returned, “My lords, would you need more coffee?”

“No, I don’t think so. Stephen?”

“No, thank you.”

“Ginny?”

“Daniel, if you would be so kind, I would like a screwdriver.” All three of the men looked at her – shocked and confused. Remarkable – she knew the function of a ‘screwdriver,’ but wondered what she would do with it.

“Yes, my lady. Right away.” Daniel immediately returned to his non-judgmental posture, bowed, and left the room.

“Margaret, what do you have in mind?” Stephen smiled as he watched her formulate her response.

“I want to remove the back.” She smiled back.

“And why would that be?” Fredrick smiled at her warily.

“Why would a person have such a beautiful frame with nothing in it and a back that had screws and not nails? From what you have said about Linda, her flat had very little - sparse. She had minimal furniture, less than minimal clothing, and three things of value; a box of letters, a ball gown, and a valuable frame with nothing in it. The first two were related to her dear daughter. Interesting. She drummed her fingers on the table, looking at both of them for an opinion on her guess. Suddenly, Stephen slammed his hands on the table, visibly startling Margaret again.

“You think something might be inside! Am I correct, Margaret the Magnificent?” Stephen spread his arms out toward her in praise.

“Oh, thank you so much. I like that sobriquet. Yes, your supposition is correct. I could be completely off, but don’t you think it is worth the minimal effort to investigate?”

“Sweet, you continue to reinforce my original assumption that you are both beautiful and brilliant. Am I lucky, Stephen?”

“You are a lucky man, indeed, Fredrick. I am most envious.”

Margaret gave Fredrick a coy look, then said to Stephen. “I will certainly keep that in mind.”

Fred stood up and looked over to her. “No, you will not.” The two thought him entertaining, but Fredrick teetered on the brink - he meant it. Good heavens, Am I jealous? No, no, no. I’m not jealous. I have never been jealous. Am I? Good heavens! I am, I am jealous.

Daniel returned with the screwdriver. “May I do that for you, Lady Margaret?”

“Thank you, Daniel.” He stood to her side between Margaret and Fredrick so Fredrick leaned to see around Daniel as he unscrewed the back of the frame. All three were fixated on the frame as Daniel removed the last screw. He lifted the back. Amazed to see an envelope. Margaret picked up the envelope with reverence.

“Open the envelope, Margaret.” Like opening a Christmas present. Fredrick was eager.

“I think the honor should go to Lord Blackwood.” She had the envelope in both her hands as she leaned forward, arms extended for Lord Blackwood to take.

“I pray this has something, anything in regards to Little Stevie girl.” He took the envelope and set it down on the table. “There is nothing to seal this envelope.” He pulled out a paper. He read it out loud:

My baby girl

Miss Ryall’s School for Young Ladies

Weymouth – beautiful place for a beautiful daughter

Stevenica Black

I loved him with all my heart

“Would you excuse me? I need to – ” and Stephen left the room. They could hear his footfalls as he went up the stairs to his bedchamber.

“Of all the saints in heaven. How completely heart-wrenching. I’m sorry, Fredrick. I – “ Fred looked over at her and saw tears. He understood completely. Such a profound moment.

“Come here, sweet.” He pulled his chair out for her to sit down on his lap. He held her to him and thought how this moment had touched them. He thought there would be many times in their future together when this would be the exact way he hoped he would always respond to her. Somehow, in this still, heartfelt moment, it came to him. What a wonderful lady she was and how well he thought they fit. It had been a short period and yet, he felt that she belonged to him, with him, always. Till death do us part. He kissed her cheek, kissed her tears, and kissed the side of her lips. He turned her toward him. “Margaret Virginia Maxwell, would you do me the honor and accept my most profound wish for you to be my wife? I promise I will take care of you, never hurt you, and always, always cherish you. Will you marry me?”

“Oh, Fredrick. That is the most romantic proposal. I will. Yes, yes. I want to be with you always. Have your children. Care for you in troubled times. And love you through eternity. Oh, Fred.” And she began to sob.

“I did not want you to cry again. I’m sorry. What can I do? I have hurt you already and ten seconds ago I swore to never hurt you.”

“Fredrick. These are tears of joy. I have coveted you for so long. I never thought you would ever see me. But you have, you do, don’t you? I love you.” She rained kisses over his cheeks, chin, nose, eyes, forehead, then his lovely lips. “I’m so happy. I am, Fred.”

“Good. I feel…I feel complete.” He kissed her tenderly as her tears fell around their lips. He had the strangest sensation. Feeling like she was home for him. “I’m happy. I hope you would like to marry right away. If necessary, we could have a wedding similar to the one Martin and Muriel had. If you want a big wedding, I will bow to your wishes, yet I want you with me now.”

“Oh, Fred. Yes, exactly what I want. We will have our friends. I hope Martin and Muriel will be back by then, but if not, we will marry without them. Alright?”

“Absolutely.” He kissed her again. “Oh, good heavens. I need to get missives out immediately. I’m sorry for the abbreviated loveliest of all lovely moments, but we need to get to Little Stevie girl.” She stood and he walked over to his desk and sat down. “I need to send notes to Frank, Henry, and John. We are going to need all of them.” He pulled out sheets of foolscap, pen, standish, and began to write. “Sweet, will you go over and use the bellpull? I need all hands on deck.”

Margaret did his bidding. And suddenly, Mr. Winston appeared. “Mr. Winston, I need to get notes to Frank, Henry, and John. Immediately. I believe Max and Ben know where Henry and John live, but I will have to give Frank’s address to Daniel. Can you get them all in here quickly?”

“Yes, of course, my lord.” And with that, Mr. Winston left.

“What are you thinking, Fredrick? Getting all of you together to go after her? You need to include for them to bring their pistols and knives. I don’t want anything to happen to any of us as what happened to Muriel.”

“Us? No, no, no. You cannot go. I would be worried about you. If trouble broke out, I would not be able to focus.” He continued writing. “But thank you for reminding me about the weapons.”

“Listen, Fredrick. This is a young lady. She is going to be overwhelmed if five big men converge on her. She is going to need a female to let her know she is safe. I must go with you.” She had her hands on the desk, across from him and leaned in toward him. All he could see were two luscious mounds.

“Alright, sweet. I see your point. But if trouble occurs and fighting starts, I want you as far away from danger as possible. Promise me.”

“Yes, I promise.” She walked around the desk and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Fredrick.”

“My lord. We are all here.” Mr. Winston had them all lined up.

“A moment, gentlemen.” They stood silent as he continued to write. When he had finished the last note, he got out his wax. “Daniel, will you light a spill for me?”

“Yes, my lord.” Typical of Daniel’s alacritous behavior, he walked to the fireplace, lit the spill, and handed it to Lord Fredrick in seconds. All in the room could feel the anxiety. The urgency of the moment. Fred sealed all the notes and scribbled their names on the front of each envelope, then stood.

“Gentlemen, I need your expediency in this matter. We must get these notes to these gentlemen and get them here as soon as possible. Now, Lord Herbert lives close to here, so Max, you take the carriage to fetch him. If he is not home, ask if his butler, M. Shaw, knows where he is. Then go to Lord Addams, with the same instructions. His butler’s name is Mr. Jackson. Daniel, I will give you Mr. Frank Stewart’s address to retrieve him by horseback. Ben, I need you to hitch the Concord with four horses. Mr. Winston, I want my pistols, sabres, and first aid supplies in the coach. We will need to leave here as soon as the men arrive. All understand their tasks?”

In unison, they all chimed in. “Yes, my lord.”

“Daniel, Max, go. Ben, there are going to be six in the coach heading to Dorset, and hopefully, seven returning. I think we may need six horses instead of four.”

“Yes, my lord, the Concord has excellent suspension. With six or seven people onboard, we definitely need six coach horses. We only have four.”

“Shite. Ben, you know where John lives, correct?”

“Yes, my lord. I do.”

“Take Lord Blackwood’s horse, ride to John’s, and bring back two coach horses. He is closer and truly has the better horses.” He scribbled something quickly and handed it to Ben. “You must return with two horses. With that many horses, you will have to ride the guidehorse. Are you fine with taking the guidehorse position, Ben?”

“I would love it, my lord.”

“Excellent. Good man. Now, go.”

“My goodness. You are so impressive. I’m amazed. You are, one” she snapped her fingers. “Two,” snap, “Three.” snap. “Four.” snap. “You are wonderful.” Margaret knew he would always care for her and protect her. Look how he worked diligently for a young lady he had never met.

“Do you know how to use a pistol?” Busy at the desk, shuffling something so he looked elsewhere when she twisted her mouth.

“No. I’m sorry. I would like to learn. Will you teach me?”

“When we go to the estate in Bristol. You will love it.” He walked around to the front of the desk, put his hands on her arms, pulled her to him, kissed her, then pushed away from her. “I need to go upstairs. I need money, I need to change clothes. You stay here, alright? If you come upstairs, I will probably forget what I’m doing and do you instead.” He looked her in the eyes. “Emerald eyes.” And off he went.

She should have been concerned for all of them, but she was nothing but happy. She wanted to go outside and scream to the world that Lord Fredrick Windham had asked her to marry him. Then she realized something she had not thought about since last night. Her parents had no idea as to her whereabouts. By now she would have been home from Helen’s or one of Helen’s footmen would have delivered a message to them. She had to do something. She had no idea.

She feared if she said something to Fred, he would deny her going with him and she felt going along most important. She needed to think. She walked behind Fredrick’s desk and sat down. She pulled out a sheet of foolscap, pen, standish, and began to write a short note to her parents. She sat there, trying to think about what to say. “Oh hell.” She said, then looked around to see if anyone heard her. She quickly wrote her note, then stood and walked out of the room to seek Mr. Winston.

Likely, the firearms and weapons he asked Mr. Winston to collect were upstairs. The first aid items could be on this floor, so she stood at the bottom of the steps and waited for Mr. Winston to come down. She saw a glimpse of him as he struggled to get all the weapons through the door and downstairs. She ran up to help him. The poor man attempted to juggle all the weaponry. “Please, Mr. Winston, allow me to help. What would you have me take?”

“Thank you, my lady. If you could take the saber, I should be alright with the rest.”

“Does the rifle or the pistol need additional ammunition, Mr. Winston?”

He answered as he held tightly to the two firearms and the sword. “All ammunition is on the first floor. With the first-aid.”

“May I assist you with the first aid, Mr. Winston? I want to help.” He carried the weapons out to the stable area and into the Concord.

“The first-aid supplies are in the necessary room. There is a large cabinet with most of the supplies in a square basket. I will collect food provisions. On the dreadful chance someone is wounded, I will add scotch to the provisions.”

“I understand. I will go to get the first-aid supplies.” Margaret went back into the house to get the basket. She gazed into it to ensure ample supplies were included. Enough cloth, “and he has laudanum? Wow!” A jar of honey and a small box of cotton lint for wrapping and setting a wound. She carried the basket out to Mr. Winston.

“Thank you, my lady. Please I have put these items in the boot. I shall put the food provisions in the boot as well.”

“Thank you, Mr. Winston.” She had almost forgotten why she had originally gone to seek him out. “I would like you to do something for me if you can.”

“I will certainly try, my lady. What might I do for you?” She would be happy with him as their butler.

“I have written this to my parents. I have the address written down on the front. If you could flag down a hackney to deliver it. I have money. I will go upstairs and get my reticule when Lord Fredrick comes down, alright?”

“My lady, we have a budget for such. Don’t give it any concern.” She handed him the note. “Would that be all, my lady?”

“Oh, please wait until we have left to send it. And, again, thank you.”

“It is my pleasure, my lady.”

“Ginny,” Fred called out to her from the kitchen door.

“Yes, Lord Fredrick?” She put one hand on her hip and the other in her hair and smiled seductively at him.

“Stop it! I have no time. When we return, I promise.” She stuck out her bottom lip for a perfect pouty face.

“Would you like me to suck on your bottom lip?”

“We don’t have time.” She turned around and wiggled her cute little, perfect bottom. He thought about it again. She would most definitely continue to drive him crazy. She turned back around. He continued to watch her. “Did you inform Lord Blackwood?”

“Oh, good heavens!” He put his hands on his head. As her mouth dropped open he swept her up in his arms. “Yes, sweet. He should be coming down soon. We are still waiting for the others. We need John’s horses. Ben has yet to return. Neither Daniel nor Max. I’m beginning to wonder. I thought they would have been here by now. “Come in sweet. We will have tea while we wait. He held the door open for her. Her heart fluttered when she looked at him. He was so handsome . I am the luckiest lady on the planet .

“Mildred, could you fix us a pot of tea? I will play footman as I have sent them all out to do my bidding.”

“Certainly, my lord. It will only take a second. The water is already hot.” Mildred brought the hot water to the teapot with the tea leaves in a strainer. “Here it is, my lord. Do you want sugar? That is your usual.”

“No, I’m hoping not to be waiting too much longer.” He picked up the teapot. “Ginny, could you get us a couple of tea cups?”

Margaret looked for where the cups might be. “Here, my lady.” Mildred handed the cups to Margaret.

“Thank you. Lord Fredrick failed to introduce us. I’m Margaret.”

“Pleased to meet you, my lady. I’m Mildred. You’ll be around more often, I suppose?” She sounded agreeable.

“I hope to be.” Margaret flushed again. This is so awkward. She was unsure what she should say and to whom.

She carried the cups into the small breakfast room. “Do you think we should be closer to the front door?”

“No, they should all be coming in through the back since they were retrieved by my staff.” As they sipped their tea, Fred heard horse hooves. “That must be Daniel. Sounds like only one horse.” He stood up and walked to the back kitchen door. Daniel rode into the stable yard with Frank.

Daniel got down and assisted Frank. They walked to the door. Both men appeared a little too stern of face. Fred had not expected Frank to be thrilled about the possibility of having to travel to rescue Little Stevie girl on such short notice. Yet he thought Frank would be somewhat pleased, but he looked just the opposite. Frank should be excited about the possibility of getting his hands on the likely murderer of Glenda.

“Come in. I’m hoping that Daniel explained the need for expediency. We are still waiting for John and Henry.” Frank pierced him with steel in his eyes.

“Frank. Is something amiss?”

“You might say that.” He entered but failed to move any further than a few feet from Fredrick. Fred – completely dumbfounded by Frank’s odd behavior.

“Is Lord Blackwood here with you?”

“Yes.” Odd question. “What is it, Frank? Has something happened? It is not Little Stevie girl, is it?”

“No, not her.”

“Thank goodness. Then what is it?” Fred only inches from being highly agitated.

“Where is he – Lord Blackwood?” Frank had his hands on his hips. Very stoic.

“Christ, Frank. Come in. Blackwood is upstairs. He should be down soon.”

“How long has he been here?” Frank’s voice had an edge to it.

“Well, I went to his house yesterday before noon. I had him saddle his horse and we came here. He has been here since. Why? What is this about?” The hair raised on the back of his neck. Something was awry. “Frank, damnit. Has something happened?”

“Fred, I need to speak with Lord Blackwood.” They heard Blackwood in the hall, walking toward them.

“Did I hear my name? Good day to you, Mr. Stewart. Good to see you. I hope you are coming with us. I fear we may need you.” Suddenly, he noticed the solemn faces of Frank and Fred. “Did I say something wrong?” Neither spoke. “You know, I’m not one for games. Someone tell me now, is it…? Please, it is not Stevie?!” Stephen’s face – suddenly stricken. Fred feared he would collapse.

“Frank, whatever it is, tell him now. He has been through a hell of a lot in the last twenty-four hours. Tell him, whatever it is.”

Frank looked at Blackwood. “Can anyone other than Lord Fredrick attest that you have been here for twenty-something hours?”

“Frank, ask anyone in this house. Go. Ask them. Ben, the stable groom removed his horse’s saddle, brushed him down, and has been caring for him. Mr. Winston welcomed him to the house and can attest that Stephen has been here since before noon. Did you ask Daniel? He will tell you.” Fred walked into the kitchen. “Mildred, yesterday before noon, do you remember fixing a lunch for Lord Blackwood and me?”

“Aye, I did. And I remember he loved it.” She smiled at Lord Blackwood.

“Where is Daniel, Mildred?” Fred getting angrier by the minute.

“I can get him.” Mildred walked back to the kitchen.

“Mr. Winston,” Fred yelled. Almost immediately, Mr. Winston appeared. Looking at the three. No one looked pleased.

“Yes, my lord?”

“What time did I return yesterday with Lord Blackwood?” He looked at Frank, not exactly pleased with the interrogation.

“If I recall correctly, you arrived with Lord Blackwood at approximately eleven-thirty-two in the morning. Is there anything else I may assist you with, my lord?”

“I don’t believe so. I hope not.” Fred glared at Frank. “Now, I demand answers. This is highly irregular. I for one do not appreciate your failure to explain.”

“Shall we all move into the drawing room?” Frank suggested, no longer stern.

“Lady Margaret is here. She can also attest to Lord Blackwood having been here and he stayed overnight.”

“And how could she be able to…?” Fred rolled his eyes at Frank. “Oh, sorry. This has been a hectic day and it appears it is going to continue for a while.”

They walked past the small breakfast room. Fred canted his head for her to follow.

The three men walked into the drawing room with Margaret entering behind them. Frank bowed to her, which he failed to do for Fred and Stephen which irked Fred. “Lady Margaret, you look well.”

“Thank you. I am well. What is the purpose of this meeting? We are preparing to leave for Dorset as soon as Lords Addams and Herbert arrive. If you have something to say, make it quick and succinct, if you please.” Margaret hoped to ease the tension. Fred was impressed with her command of the situation.

“Yes, my lady. I’m going to now.” Fred indicated to Margaret and Stephen to sit down. “Lord Blackwood, I knew, or let me rephrase, I’m fairly confident you never would have committed murder. You must understand I had to perform due diligence to verify.” Frank looked down at his shoes. “This is difficult. Early this morning two men were fishing off the Westminster Bridge. They found a woman’s body. She snagged on either stumps or rocks. They pulled her out of the water. She had been strangled. She had not been dead too long. The body was identified – your wife, Lady Clarice Blackwood.”

Stephen put his hands to his temples. He lowered his head.

“Mr. Winston!” Fred yelled for the butler, again.

“Yes, my lord.” He looked to Lord Blackwood. “Shall I get whiskey?”

“Yes, Mr. Winston.” All in the drawing room were fixated on Lord Blackwood. Mr. Winston returned with a glass of scotch.

“Here, Lord Blackwood, I think you need this.” Mr. Winston put his hand on Lord Blackwood’s shoulder.

Blackwood took his hands from his face, raised his head, and took the glass. “Thank you, Mr. Winston.” Blackwood stared into the glass as if he was searching for answers. He finally looked at Frank. “How do you know it was Clarice?”

“She had a short missive tucked under her corset. Addressed to M Thistlewood. No addresses but signed Lady C Blackwood.” Frank raised his brow. “We determined there was only one Blackwood of the nobility and found the address – No. 1 Manchester Square. We went there, suspecting it could be your address. When someone finally came to the door, I asked if the lady of the house was in. He said she left last night and had yet to return. I asked who owned the house. He told me it was the home of Lady Blackwood. I asked if her husband was Lord Stephen Blackwood. He responded that he lived there.” Frank scratched his chin. “Very strange looking butler, if he was the butler.”

“Strange is not the word for that idiot.” Stephen choked out.

“The butler said a man he did not know came and asked for Lady Blackwood. She left with him in a hackney. There was no jarvey. The man drove. I have my suspicions, but I can’t prove anything. I do need you to verify something for me, Lord Blackwood.”

“And that would be?”

“Your wife’s name is Clarice, correct?”

Stephen nodded

“Middle name?” Frank asked.

“Shite, let me think.” Stephen ran his hands down his face. “Sinclair – it is… Sinclair.”

“And her maiden name?” Frank leaned toward him with his hands on his hips.

“It has been a long time.” He put his hand to his furrowed brow. “Grayson. Clarice Sinclair Grayson.”

Frank smiled as he let out a heavy breath. “At least we have solved one murder.” He brought his hands together and cracked his knuckles. “I know who killed Glenda. It was your wife. We found a bloody letter opener in the shrubs in the back of Venus . Guess what the initials were?”

“My God. C S G. The bitch." Blackwood looked up at Frank. "Wait. Why would she Linda? Neither of us ever knew anything about her or Stevie. What would have been her motive? It could not have been Clarice.”

“She had to have known. For how long or by what means she found out, we have no idea. All I can tell you for now is your wife killed her. We spoke to the gong farmer. He told us he saw a woman fitting her description that night, leave the building through the back door, toss something into the shrubs, and get into a coach. He paid little attention to her. He was working.” Frank understood Lord Blackwood's confusion. “I suppose when we capture Thistlewood, hopefully, we will get the rest of the story. So when do we leave for Dorset?”

“Lords Henry and John have yet to arrive.”

“I have another pertinent piece of information.” Frank waited for their attention. “A man by the name of Marcus Thistlewood arrived at the Temple of Venus . He was obtaining a guest pass and he used your name, Lord Blackwood, as a reference to get in. He happily showed he had more than sufficient money to enter. He provided Ernie with a calling card with his name and address. He spent money at the bar and hired a doxy for the night. He left early the next morning – the day Lady Blackwood was murdered and dumped over the Westminster Bridge. We would not have ever found her body, but she snagged on something around the bridge.”

Daniel came into the drawing room. “Excuse me, my lords. I hesitated to intrude until now. Ben has returned with the two horses and has all six harnessed and ready when you are prepared to leave.”

“Thank you, Daniel.”

“Lord Blackwood. Would you care for one more shot of scotch?” Daniel offered.

“That sounds marvelous. Thank you, Daniel.” He looked at Fred. “I’m going to steal him. I can’t wait to return to my townhouse and physically throw each one of those idiots out.” He looked at those in the room staring at him. “Do you think I should be weeping at the loss of my wife? I told you all, too many times. She had been a wicked woman from the day I married her. And if she murdered Linda, that proves a lot to me. She knew about my daughter and never said a word. Maybe I can revive her so I might have the pleasure to strangle her myself.” He gave a ‘ha’. “You know, it is truly a relief. It is as if I have been reborn.”

Fred looked at Margaret. “Never us.” he mouthed to her.

She threw him a kiss. “Never us.” She repeated to him. He was the love of her life. Suddenly. At last. Forever.