Page 24 of A Dilemma for the Duke

“I have detailed financial records showing suspicious transactions between Hastings and several influential figures. These records indicate a network of corruption, with money being funneled to discredit the clinic and sway public opinion against Lora.”

Rockford’s brow furrowed as he examined the records. “This is worse than I thought. Hastings has been more meticulous than we anticipated.”

Barrington nodded. “There’s more. A trusted confidant of my brother’s has contacted me. He’s witnessed Hastings meeting with strangers asking about the clinic’s funding. It seems part of a coordinated effort to gather information and possibly sabotage our efforts.”

Rockford’s eyes narrowed. “Our efforts? This goes beyond just the clinic.”

Barrington hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “There’s a thread here that ties back to your London mission. We’ve confirmed that Hastings has been in contact with individuals who we set up to have connections to the ‘scandal’ you were involved in. These individuals are working under our direction but it’s not just about the clinic or Lora—it’s part of a larger scheme. We’re starting to see that Hastings is likely a key player.”

Rockford’s mind raced with possibilities. “We need to act at once. The gala could be our opportunity to expose Hastings, but we need conclusive evidence.”

“I agree,” Barrington said. “We’ll need eyes and ears everywhere.”

“I’ll speak with Lora tomorrow.” Rockford sat back in his chair. “She has sharp instincts and might notice things we miss, but we can’t risk alarming her or Hastings.”

“It’s going to be a long night.” Barrington pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to ward off the fatigue. He rang for his butler.

Sanderson quietly entered the study. “Sir?”

“Coffee, Sanderson.” Barrington glanced at Rockford. “Strong and plenty of it.”

“Sanderson,” Barrington called out before the man left the room. “A large cup with plenty of sugar.” He turned to Barrington. “I thought we would begin by gathering concrete evidence of Hastings’ bribery and financial misconduct. Who can we trust to handle that?”

Barrington nodded. “I’ll send out a call to Peter Simms and Simon Watts.”

“Gold coins.” Rockford took his out and flipped it in the air. “Both men are excellent and thorough.”

“Yes, they are. They will discreetly collect testimonies and financial records. We must ensure every piece of evidence is secure.”

“And I can monitor the gala preparations,” Rockford added. “It’ll give me access to shipping bills and other documents. I’ll keep an eye out for any irregularities.”

Barrington agreed. “And plays into your “financial vulnerability.” Good. Next, we need to protect key witnesses. My brother Edward can coordinate that discreetly, ensuring their safety and willingness to testify against Hastings.”

“Edward can also coordinate with regional authorities,” Rockford said.

“I’ll secure the clinic’s operations,” Barrington continued. “We can’t let Hastings’ attempts at sabotage succeed. I’ll discreetly allocate additional resources to ensure its stability.”

Rockford nodded. “And we need to disseminate incorrect information to mislead Hastings about our true intentions. What should we let leak out?”

“We should make him think we’re focusing on something minor, perhaps a small funding event for the clinic,” Barrington suggested.

“We’re planning an art auction.” Rockford nodded as he looked over their plans.

“That fits very well. We’ll use it to buy time and gather the necessary evidence. Edward can manage this from within Hastings’ network.”

“Within Hasting’s network? I don’t understand” Rockford stared at Barrington.

Barrington handed Rockford a list. “These allies understand the stakes and can act discreetly. I’ll gather testimonies and track financial records. You’ll monitor the gala and shipping documents. Edward will secure the witnesses. Hastings thinks Edward is working with him.”

As the meeting wrapped up in the early hours of the morning, Rockford felt a renewed sense of purpose. He glanced at the horizon as the first light of dawn began to break. “We don’t havemuch time, but with a coordinated effort, we can bring Hastings down and finally put the London scandal to rest. Maybe then I can look forward to some peace and quiet.”

Barrington nodded. “We’ve seen to everything. It is a solid plan.”

Rockford stood, tucking the documents into his coat pocket. Each step forward brought him closer to unraveling Hastings’ schemes, but at what cost?

Chapter Ten

22 September 1822

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