Dangerous Knight by Elizabeth Johns
Chapter Eight
Jack and Philip spent the rest of the day searching for Mr. O’Connell. Jack had not anticipated spending his time in London amongst the Irish slums, but here they were. Their inquiries had led them to Camden Town, where Mr. O’Connell was frequently to be found, preaching to the Catholic crowds and trying to gain their support for a seat in Parliament.
“Here is Saint Michael’s,” Philip said as they tied their horses to a nearby post and promised an urchin a shilling apiece to watch them.
The door to the church was open to the warm summer day, although the air was thick with threatening rain. The pews were empty, and the inside glowed with candlelight. Their boots echoed as they walked through the nave, but there was no one to be seen.
“Shall we try the presbytery?”
“That sounds reasonable to me,” Jack agreed.
They went out of the side door to where a small courtyard joined the house with the church. A fragrant garden in full bloom greeted them – clearly a labor of love for someone there.
Jack stepped forward and knocked on the wooden door.
A grey-haired man in spectacles and a cassock opened the door. “What may I do for you gentlemen?” he asked in a thick Irish brogue.
Purposely dressed in civilian clothing so as not to be threatening, Philip held out his hand. “Good afternoon, Father. We are looking for a man by the name of Daniel O’Connor.”
“Aye, I know Daniel. Everyone around here does. Has something happened? Why do you not come in for a cup of coffee and be telling me about it?”
The priest signalled to his housekeeper and led them into a study. They had to wait until they were seated around a low table and had been served with coffee before they were able to continue.
“You would not be here if something had not happened. I will be telling you what I know about Daniel O’Connell and then you may ask your questions, but if as it’s a peck of trouble you think he’s involved with, then Daniel is not your man.”
Jack and Philip cast skeptical glances at each other over their cups.
“’Tis true, Daniel does speak out about the evils of idleness and riches, but he is a very peaceful man. He means to make changes the right way—through Parliament rather than through violence.”
“There have been threats made toward the Prince Regent, so you will understand why we must investigate. The Irish are not known for promoting peace.”
“No,” he agreed. “’Tis unfortunate, since most of my people are willing to work hard and do their duty, but there are radical groups that be violent enough to make up for the rest. If as you had seen the poverty and famine there, you would understand it better, even if you did not agree with it.”
Jack gave a nod. He had been to Ireland and knew the priest spoke the truth. “If not O’Connell, do you have any names you can give us?”
The father gave him a look. “You know I cannot do that, lad.”
“I meant information not protected by the confessional,” Jack clarified.
“I do not have any specific names for you. You might, however, be looking over in Hammersmith, for that is where the other large Irish community may be found—if that is what you seek.”
It was in line with what they had already discovered, but O’Connell was the only specific name they had come across.
“Will you give us an idea of what O’Connell looks like?”
“Dark red hair, blue eyes and fair of face. Indeed, it is a handsome fellow he is.”
“Where might we find O’Connell, so we might reassure ourselves?” Philip asked.
“He divides his time between the two villages and is oft to be found in the squares, speaking to the crowds that gather to hear him. I have not seen him about for two or three days, though.”
Almost as one, Philip and Jack drained their cups and set them on the table before standing.
“Thank you for your time, Father. We are only trying to prevent trouble.”
“I understand, and I agree with you. May God be with you and smile on your endeavours, my sons. Violence is rarely the answer to the changes we seek.”
Having left the church, Jack and Philip walked through the square, looking for any crowds.
“If only I could see his face, I would be reassured.”
“I saw a group of four men in the park this morning, and my instinct tells me they are involved.”
“You saw their faces?”
“All but one. He had his back to me the entire time.”
“Did they see you?”
“Perhaps, but since I was with Miss Rafferty, I do not think their suspicion would be high.”
Philip gave a nod. “That is good news, at all events. Perhaps we should sketch them?”
“I have little talent for such things.”
“Neither do I, but I know someone who does.” Philip looked up at the sky as the promised rain began to fall. “I do not believe we will now be attending the garden party my mother informed me of this morning.”
“Thank God for that,” Jack murmured. “Who is this person who can sketch?”
“Why, Lady Maria, and it so happens your ward is staying with her.”
“Oh, yes, my ward,” he retorted sardonically.
Paying off the steadfast urchin, they remounted and made their way to Mottram Place, hoping to seek Lady Maria’s assistance.
“How do you propose we do this without explaining ourselves?”
“Unfortunately, my ward already has her suspicions.”
Philip stopped for a cart to pass and looked at him, incredulity alive in his lifted brows and gaping mouth.
Jack held up his hands. “I neither confirmed nor denied, but she was with me in the park when I noticed the four men. I believe she understands the need for caution.”
They started moving again.
“I presume, since her brother is in the army, Lady Maria will understand the importance of helping us, as well as discretion.”
However, when they arrived at Mottram Place, they were informed that Miss Rafferty and Lady Maria had gone shopping.
“When do you expect them to return, Hendricks?”
“Lady Maria did not see fit to furnish me with that information, my lord, but they have been gone for over two hours now,” Hendricks returned.
“May we wait?” Philip asked.
“Of course. Would you care for some refreshment?”
“That would be very welcome, thank you,” Philip answered.
Hendricks showed them into the drawing room and shortly afterwards returned with a tray of sandwiches and a pot of tea.
“You do realize that ladies who are out shopping could be several more hours?” Jack asked.
“Of course, but I do not care to go from door to door through the slums in the rain. If your suspicions were aroused, I consider this is a more useful way to spend my time.”
“It could have been nothing,” Jack reminded him.
Philip only shrugged.
Half an hour later, they heard a carriage stop outside the house and soon the voices of the two ladies, chatting and laughing, filled the entrance hall. It took only a couple of minutes for Hendricks to show them into the drawing room. Both Jack and Philip stood up at their entrance.
“Lord Philip, Captain Owens, what a pleasant surprise. May I enquire what brings you here?” Lady Maria asked as they stepped inside.
“We were hoping you could perform a small service for us,” Philip answered.
“Of course. What do you wish us to do?”
“I was hoping that you would consent to sketch some faces for Captain Owens.”
“It would be my pleasure. Do you require anyone in particular?” Maria asked.
“There is the rub. We do not know who they are, but I have seen them,” Jack explained.
“The gentlemen in the park?” Miss Rafferty queried at once.
“Indeed,” Jack answered. “Although I need to warn you this is information not to be shared with anyone.”
“Of course,” Miss Rafferty replied quickly.
“I collect you wish for me to sketch faces which you describe to me? I am not certain I am equal to the task,” Maria responded doubtfully.
“Would you be so kind as to make the attempt? I have heard of artists doing this for the authorities and so enabling criminals to be caught.”
Lady Maria pursed her lips. “It would be a challenge, to be sure, but I will try if you think it will help.”
She left to gather her drawing-book and pencil while Hendricks brought fresh tea and sandwiches. The rest of them sat down and Miss Rafferty poured the steaming brew.
“Those four men who we saw this morning…” Miss Rafferty began.
“Yes?”
“I saw the fourth man this afternoon. The one whose face you did not see.”
“How can you be sure?” Jack asked, leaning forward in his chair.
“What do you remember about him?”
Jack narrowed his gaze and thoughts. “A black beaver hat and dark brown hair that reached the top of his collar; a greatcoat with several capes, pin-striped pantaloons and black boots with a white band around the top.”
“Precisely, except he also carried a walking stick with a snake head. I am certain that is who I saw. I first saw him in the square earlier, when it began to rain—from our sitting room window—and then Lady Maria and I saw him again whilst we were shopping.”
“And who is this paragon?” Philip asked.
“Why, it was Mr. Feathers, Lord Venable’s friend from dinner.”
Jack and Philip exchanged glances.
“I have known him all my life,” Philip said, clearly unconvinced.
“Perhaps it was nothing, but he bears watching.”
Maria returned to the room and sat down next to Jack.
“You may not laugh if my efforts are atrocious,” she said with good humor.
“I will not laugh,” Jack reassured her. “I cannot draw a credible stick.”
“Very well. Let us begin with the first subject. Start with his nose.”
Jack closed his eyes, yet while he could see the three men, describing them was another story. Slowly, he described what he could.
When he opened his eyes to see her efforts, she had done a praiseworthy job.
“What is it?”
“You have done exactly as I said, but something is not quite right. I believe his nose was larger and his eyes were farther apart.”
“Forgive me, Captain. With practice, I might be able to do a fair likeness.”
“I think that will do. Should we try the others in case someone might recognize them?”
“Of course, if you think it will help.”
Jack described the other two men. He was not sure anyone would be able to use the images to help Philip and himself in their investigation, but they had not wasted their time that afternoon. Knowing Mr. Feathers was one of the men certainly gave them something with which to start looking.
*
The rain continuedfor the next two days, curtailing their usual outings to the park. Kate spent most of her time devouring her new book, and Maria wrote letters to her friends and family in the country.
This afternoon, however, Kate caught Maria looking out of the window, a frown on her face.
“What is it?” Kate asked her friend.
Maria did not look away from the object of her interest, so Kate joined her by the window.
“Mr. Feathers.”
“Do you know, I have seen him walking this way every single day?”
“I expect he must live nearby and be walking toward the park,” Kate said reasonably. “I have also seen him walking past.”
“He does not live nearby,” Maria remarked. “He has rooms at the Albany, which is near Saint James’.”
“Perhaps there is a logical explanation, such as a friend he is visiting.”
It was raining as Mr. Feathers approached, but his umbrella was not up.
“Just wait a moment,” Maria said. As soon as he was in front of Mottram Place, the gentleman unfurled his umbrella.
“He did that the last time I was watching, but it had just begun to rain so I thought it was a normal happenstance,” Kate responded.
“But it has been raining nonstop for two days. Why would he particularly wait until he was in front of my house to open it?”
“That is peculiar.” Kate wished to inform Captain Owens of this immediately.
It had to mean something, but what?
And if it were some sort of signal, who was he communicating with? Major Lloyd?
How could she get word of this to her guardian?
“How very odd,” Maria remarked. “Do you think we should investigate? Could it have anything to do with those matters Lord Philip and Captain Owens are concerned about?”
“What could we do?” Kate questioned, feeling dubious.
“Well, we could see who is at home. If Gabriel is here, then perhaps Mr. Feathers is signaling to him.”
“I suppose so.” Kate was hesitant to commit herself. Did Maria not realize what that could mean? “Or perhaps there could be someone else he is communicating with, in another house in the square—or it could be entirely a coincidence.”
“Look at his attire.” Maria cast her a look. “Do you think he would allow a drop of rain to hit his head without purpose?”
“Probably not.” Kate sighed. “Mr. Feathers is living up to his name as a peacock.”
“Let us go down and see who is here. If he is signaling to Gabriel, then at least we shall have an avenue to explore.”
Kate hoped not, but she still intended to tell her guardian and Lord Philip.
Having almost skipped down the wide staircase, Maria stopped outside the study door. “What pretense should we use to intrude? I never go in there.”
“I need a pen and paper?” Kate suggested.
Maria shrugged and knocked. “That is as good as any, although my brother might wonder why there is none in Mama’s writing-desk.”
“Enter,” a deep voice answered. Following in Maria’s wake, Kate saw that Major Lloyd looked as though he were preparing to go out.
Maria went inside. “Oh, Gabriel. I ran out of paper. I came to see if there was any here.”
He did not blink an eye. He opened the drawer to the desk and pulled out two sheets of paper and handed them to Maria.
“Splendid. Thank you.”
Gabriel inclined his head to Kate, but his gaze was cold. Something about him did not sit quite right with her.
“Will you be at the Everleigh ball tonight?” Maria asked.
“Yes, unless I can find a way out of it,” he agreed.
“The expected response,” Maria muttered. “Do save a dance for us,” she said more loudly before they left the room.
They climbed the stairs back to their chambers and entered the sitting room.
Kate held out her hand. “May I use one of those?”
“Of course,” Maria answered absently. “I am inclined to think Feathers was signaling to Gabriel,” she said as she began to pace about the room. Kate sat down at the escritoire and began to write to Captain Owens.
My dear guardian,
Please forgive my informality but I have some news which may be of note.
Maria and I noticed something of interest today, and for several previous days. Mr. Feathers has been walking through the square every day and unfurling his umbrella when he passes the house, whether it is raining or not. Major Lloyd was at home today, at the time of this curious incident, and looked about to leave when we made an excuse to visit his study. I cannot tell if it means anything, but it is a very odd thing to do if it means nothing, and I thought you would wish to know. Perhaps Maria and I should have followed, but it was raining rather hard.
I shall look forward seeing you tonight, at the Everleigh ball.
Ever your obedient ward,
Kate
“Who are you writing to?” Maria finally stopped her perambulations long enough to notice Kate’s occupation.
“Captain Owens. I do hope it is not overly inappropriate to write to my guardian.”
Maria twisted her lips in thought. “I think a case could be made for it, but will you not see him tonight?”
“Possibly…even probably. We did not discuss his social calendar, but I am not certain this is something I wish to say in front of other people,” Kate said as she folded up the paper and sealed it with a wafer.
“Do you think they could be spies and are passing secrets to each other?”
Kate was startled, yet was that not the same conclusion she had come to, although Captain Owens had neither confirmed nor denied her mischievous enquiry?
“I think, perhaps, you are an avid novel reader, Maria.”
“Of course, I am; just not in Town. Do you think I am allowing my imagination to run too far?”
Kate did not know how to answer, but she could trust Maria. “If you are, then I am thinking the same thing. I thought to send our observations to Captain Owens, in this note.”
“Do you think he is a spy?”
“I have no idea, but he did mention that he and Lord Philip are investigating a threat to the Prince Regent’s celebrations.”
“Oh, goodness!” Maria said excitedly.
“Maria,” Kate scolded, “if indeed they are spies, this is a very serious matter.”
“I know, I know. It is just nothing exciting ever happens to me. To think we might have helped in an investigation!”
“But Maria, if Mr. Feathers was signaling to your brother, then he could be involved in something foul.”
“He could just as easily be working to find the criminals,” she countered.
“That is true. We must hope that is the case, if indeed there is anything nefarious going on at all.”
“We should have that letter delivered.”
They made their way back downstairs and found Hendricks tidying the study. “Has my brother gone out, Hendricks?”
“Yes, Lady Maria,” he answered. “Not long after you spoke to him, I believe.”
Maria nodded and held out the letter. “Could you please see this delivered to Captain Owens on Half Moon Street, immediately?”
“Of course, my lady,” he said, accepting the letter and leaving the study.
Maria followed behind and closed the door. She leaned up against it with a mischievous look on her face.
“What are you contemplating?” Kate asked, with a deep sense of foreboding.
“Well, Gabriel is gone out. My father is out. Perhaps we should search in here for clues.”
“If your brother is involved, do you think he would leave clues lying about?”
“We shall never know unless we look, will we? I would not have taken you for lily-livered, Kate.”
“I will stand watch while you search. It is not my family and I am a guest here, I might remind you.”
“That may be so but I am a daughter of the house and I give you permission.”
Maria was already searching through the desk drawers and quickly found a secret panel. Kate was impressed despite herself.
“Unfortunately, it contains nothing but bills and correspondence with Arden Park,” she said as she put everything back where she had found it.
“I would consider that good news,” Kate remarked.
“Except we might have been able to clear Gabriel. Finding nothing means we know no more than we did before.”
“I suppose that is one way of viewing it.”
“Let us search his rooms. We should have enough time.”
Kate followed Maria as she climbed the stairs. There was no point in trying to talk sense into her friend, but there was reason in what she said. Perhaps they could remove Major Lloyd from suspicion if they found some information. Surely, he was on the same side as Captain Owens and Captain Everleigh? Surely, whatever he was doing was in order to find the people threatening the Prince? Releasing a heavy breath, Kate hoped Captain Owens would be able to reassure them.
“Stand at the door and warn me if you hear anyone coming. The maids have finished until later in the day, so it should be quiet.”
Kate agreed as she watched Maria again thoroughly investigate the contents of her brother’s room. Methodically, she searched his dressing room, his wardrobe, and a trunk.
“Should I be disturbed by how efficient you are at this?” Kate asked.
“The benefit of having siblings, my dear,” Maria returned, not pausing in her search. She was now on her hands and knees, looking beneath the bed.
“Is this, then, a normal occurrence?”
“As children, it was. I will admit I have not done this in years. One last hope,” Maria replied as she pulled back the carpet and lifted a panel from the floor.
A hidey-hole in the floorboards seemed somewhat juvenile to Kate, but she held her tongue. “Is there anything?”
“Not a thing,” Maria said with evident disappointment. “Not one single thing.”