Page 6 of My Lord, My Rogue
“Curious that you mention that. Warren was an actor for years, staring in many of the Bard’s plays before he retired. As a favorite of the king, they often granted him favors,” the duke added.
“Ay, there’s the rub, as they say. And because the queen is so supportive of her husband—even at the peril of her own life—his favorite needs be caught in the act for her to accept it,” Benjamin reasoned.
“Not only that, but the regent grew up knowing him and does not want to see him hurt. The whole affair is curious at least.”
“The regent normally does not spare benevolence toward enemies of the Crown.”
“True. This is entirely my observation, but each of Warren’s escapades has been increasingly more dangerous. They killed one person the last time he surfaced.”
“His presence could be dangerous for the queen. How will we recognize him?” asked Benjamin. “I do not remember what he looks like without makeup.”
“His disguises are renowned. Few would know what he looks like.” Lancaster drew a deep breath. “There are a couple more things. No one really knows much about Warren. We believe the sale of the diamonds would do much toward replenishing the Bourbons’ coffers after the costs of war and the penalties they paid the allies following Napoleon’s recent one-hundred days.
“I agree. Warren would see the theft of the diamonds as a significant black eye for the regent.” Lancaster took a last sip of the coffee. “That was delicious. My compliments to the cook!” He picked up a napkin and dabbed his lips. “Please reach out if there is anything you need from me, Willington. I am rethinking one thing. Perhaps, if you could reach out to the Runners fairly often, that would help. There is a connection inside the queen’s entourage whose nickname is Jess.”
“A Female? I am assuming we have apprised them of Mr. Warren?” Benjamin persisted.
“Good guess. Supposedly she has dark hair. She has also worked her way into the queen’s entourage.”
“That is an accomplishment!”
“Yes, I thought so, too. As is customary, the agent will reach out to you. For continuity’s sake, make yourself known to the Runners. Jess will surely follow,” Lancaster clarified.
A loud “boo woo woo woo” sounded from the top of the stairs! “I’m afraid that Penelope heard your voice. She is letting me know you are here,” Benjamin sniggered. “You should give her a minute to make her way down, or she will be sorely disappointed. Perhaps she shall honor us with ten minutes of yodeling.”
Lancaster nodded, laughing. “Let us hope not. I seem to recall her doing that whenever we left together.”
“Yes, she is a providential dog. It was always my belief that she was wishing usGod-speed.I hear her claws on the tile, running as fast has her eight-inch legs can carry her.”
Willington barely got the words out of his mouth when the long-bodied, black, short-legged, and wide-eyed pooch barreled in and jumped up on Lancaster’s lap before he stood. “My word! She has lost none of her grace and excitement!”
“Boo-woo-woo woof!” the dog answered, giving what they could only interpret as a grin. She gave him a slurpy kiss and left to stand next to Willington.
“No, not with you,Your Grace. I sometimes fear she loves you more,” Benjamin said, shaking his head in mirth. “Perhaps it is the treats you always have for her in your pocket.”
“Caught!” The duke reached into his pocket and unrolled the small pieces of carrot. Leaning down, he gave the black dog the treat and a quick peck on the tip of her nose. “I could never forget Penelope’s treat. Never change, my dear pup!” He turned to Benjamin. “Now what say you to a ride along Rotten Row? It has been a long time.”
“Better than that, I am packed. If it suits, we could leave for the manor house. Stephens is seeing to the packing of the carriage and will follow with Penelope. Throw your luggage into the carriage and lighten your load. Stephens can send word for your man to either go on ahead to Lancashire or come to Bath with us, so you can travel together. Willow Manor is a few miles from Bath and gives a pleasant break in your travel from London. You can stay and rest. When you leave for home, it would be with a refreshed horse and a belly full of wonderful food.”
“I like that idea. If you do not mind, there are some things I would like to have your opinion on. He patted his stomach. Not to mention, I could use the exercise after that wonderful meal.”
Benjamin let Stephens know the change of plans and Lancaster sent word for his valet, Tindal, to meet him at Willow Manor outside of Bath so they could ride together to Lancashire.
The two men made it to Benjamin’s country estate within three days of travel.
“I am glad I took you up on your offer. This will be a nice way to break up my trip, as you suggested,” Lancaster said as they approached Willow Manor, Willington’s property. It has been too long since I have been here.”
“Since we were boys,” answered Benjamin.
The two men had decided to take their horses to the stable behind the manor when Benjamin noticed a horse in a full run. It was racing in the distance on the connected pasture in wild abandon, with the rider’s loose blonde mane of hair flying behind.
“What property sits next to yours?” Lancaster asked in astonishment as they stopped their horses and watched the woman disappear into a grove of apple trees.
Benjamin gulped before answering as he realized the import of what he might say. “’Tis Brook Hall. I have not visited in an age, but the woman on the horse rode as if the Devil himself was on her heels.”
“Brook Hall, as inLady Honora Radcliff’s home?” Lancaster asked, hesitantly.
“Yes,” Benjamin replied, measured. He was a little surprised that the duke did not recall seeing her here before. This was a weird turn of events. “However, to my knowledge, the lady’s family has not been in attendance in Bath in some years. Did you see her face?” he asked. The woman resembled Honora, his friend’s former betrothed. Everyone presumed her dead, although the body had never been found.
