Page 45 of The Gift of Patience
They gathered in Westwood’s study, the viscount himself present as well.
Ashley was beginning to feel like they were running in circles, but such was often common in an investigation until they found the one missing link.
“Let us go around the room and share what we found.” The methodical approach Renforth employed was soothing and gave structure to the otherwise chaotic nature of looking for a needle in a haystack.
“Manners and Chum, begin.” Renforth directed the two who had just returned for this purpose.
“We’ve been following the gang, but they seem to be wholly dependent upon what Devil tells them. They work at the shipyard by day then wait at the docks until dark for a signal.”
“Baines?”
“I do not believe Devil has more to share. I think he’s told us what he knows.”
“Stuart?”
“I agree with Baines. It’s hard to credit, but it’s possible Rupert is the messenger, but impossible to credit that he could orchestrate such a campaign. He’s come upon some scheme that has put him flush in the pocket. He’s made a deal with me that if I assist his courtship with Miss Whitford, he will let me in on it.”
“Why would Rupert bring a military officer in on a probably illegal scheme?” Renforth questioned.
“Rupert is an idiot and only focusing on Patience. He may not even realize what he is doing is illegal.”
Renforth raised his brows and shook his head as though he could not fathom such idiocy. “Fielding?”
“I cannot believe Miss Whitford would agree to that, but I suppose it is worth a try. I have little else to add.”
“And I have seen nothing else from keeping watch. While there is a nice view, my rump is heartily sick of sitting in a tree. Iexpect a report today from my contact about Layton’s son, which I hope will be the key to unlocking this once and for all. It seems we have gleaned as much as we are going to from Devil. Even if Rupert is delivering the messages, he knows we are waiting to pounce.”
“I think we need to set a trap. There is a little else for us to do here without any messages being delivered,” Baines recommended.
“It will need to be very enticing,” Ashley warned.
CHAPTER 12
Patience did not know how much more of this she could take. Rupert seemed to have decided that she was his for the taking and had decided her space was his own. She’d thought he was bad enough before. Clearly, she was mistaken.
They were taking a walk through the park, and Patience made every effort to stay within sight of the house, but every bench they sat upon, every tree they neared, Rupert attempted to press his attentions on her.
Likely sensing her irritation, Xander had now taken a jealous dislike to the man and was trying to insert himself between them. What an excellent dog he was.
How much longer was she to suffer? Did the man not understand there were still social rules of etiquette to follow?
There was no understanding between them, but if Major Stuart had told Rupert she was more interested than she was, she would strangle him.
How was she to draw the man out when she could scarcely keep him at bay?
A heavy sigh escaped her and Rupert turned to look at her. “Is something the matter, my dear?”
It took great strength of will not to openly cringe at being called his dear. “I am restless, is all.”
“Are you missing Society in London?”
“Perhaps I am, but I would not miss being with Faith for the birth.”
“The time is very soon, is it not?” He looked strangely eager for that answer. Why would that be? Did he wish for her to go to London because he desired to himself?
“Dr. Harvey suspects it will be within the week. I know it will not be a moment too soon for my sister.”
“And you wish to have children yourself?”
