Page 4 of A Lady's Heart Deceived
“I am only following orders, miss,” he replied, his tone more than a little defensive.
Maggie was fighting to keep her temper under control. “I shall inform all and sundry who challenge me that you tried your best to stop the attack on His Majesty’s Horse Guards. They will surely understand the terrible threat that a young woman posed to the hundreds of well-trained soldiers who were cowering inside.”
Certain that she had wasted enough time already this morning, Maggie headed toward the front door. Fearful that the soldier was going to draw his weapon, she hastened her steps. Her heart was pounding hard by the time she reached the main entrance.
It was guarded by two sentries standing stiffly to attention on either side of the door. Maggie gritted her teeth and went to step past them. Two sharp, shiny swords crossed in front of her face. The soldier who had followed her, gently pulled her out of harm’s way.
“No civilians without orders,” said the guards.
The sorely put-upon soldier gave a resigned huff. “I have already told her that, but she wouldn’t listen.”
Maggie took a moment to compose herself, grateful that neither sharp weapon had actually touched her face. She was determined to continue with her mission, but it was becoming all too clear that neither a haughty demeanor nor pleading was going to do her much good. A change of approach was in order.
Time to invoke the family name.
Her gaze went from left to right, then focused on the path ahead. Maggie loudly cleared her throat. “I am Margaret Charlotte Radley. You will let me pass.”
A long silence followed.
She took a deep breath. “My uncle is Lord Ewan Radley, the Duke of Strathmore. My father is Lord Hugh Radley, the Bishop of London. If you do not let me enter this building, I shall let the three of you decide which of those two gentlemen shall be the first to come down here this morning and pay a visit to your commanding officer.”
The guards gave one another a sideways look, then slowly lowered their swords. The other soldier held up his hands in surrender.
Thank heavens. Now perhaps I might get somewhere.
The last thing Maggie wanted was for her father or uncle to get involved in this dispute. But only a fool would think it wise to disregard someone who was related to two of the most powerful men in England.
“Speaking of officers, who is on duty this morning?” she asked. Her heart continued to pound hard in her chest; she sensed she was pressing her luck.
“The officer on duty is Captain Denford. Though I must warn you, he is not a man to be trifled with at the best of times,” replied one of the guards.
Don’t I know it.
“Capital. I would be most obliged if one of you excellent guardsmen would please show me inside and then escort me to Captain Denford. He is exactly the man to whom I wish to speak.”
The soldier and guardsmen conferred amongst themselves deciding who would take her in. Maggie wasn’t surprised but could confess to being more than a little relieved when the mention of her uncle and father gained her immediate entrance to the military offices. She had gotten her way; she could only hope it didn’t get back to her family.
She followed the first soldier inside, leaving the sentries to continue safeguarding the front door. From whom, she wasn’t entirely sure. Europe was currently at peace, but there was every chance that Britain was probably at war with someone.
Partway down a long corridor, the soldier stopped at a closed door. He motioned for Maggie to stand a few feet back. “Let me go and speak to Captain Denford, miss. He may not have time to see you.”
Maggie narrowed her eyes at him. “Captain Denford will see me. Or he will see my father.”
She was determined to get the answers she needed. To finally be able to put construction of Robert’s memorial into effect. No bureaucratic army officer was going to stop her. She was filled with glorious purpose.
Maggie took a polite step back and waited. She could be gracious if the moment called for it. Especially if it got her what she wanted.
The soldier rapped sharply on the door and a muffled “enter” came from inside. He disappeared into the office, closing the door behind him.
She grinned to herself. It was quite a feat to have made it inside the hallowed halls of the Horse Guards. In a way, it was a pity that Claire wasn’t here to witness it. Her sister would no doubt be thrilled to hear of Maggie’s exploits. She made a mental note to relate every detail of them to Claire as soon as she got home.
The door quickly swung open, and the soldier reappeared. He bowed to Maggie and motioned for her to step inside. “Miss Radley, Captain Denford will see you.”
Gripping her satchel tight, Maggie took a deep, fortifying breath. “Thank you. I appreciate your assistance.”
She headed for the door, ready to meet the man who would hopefully finally be able to solve the mystery of her missing fiancé.
Chapter Four
