Page 54 of Her Impeccable Scoundrel
“I see,” Graeme said. Distraught at the rise in addiction, Chinese emperors had banned the importation of opium supplied by the East India Company through middlemen like the sea captains who worked for Lord Diddenton.
The door opened, and Blythe and the housekeeper each carried in trays. Coralie coaxed Nicholas into the room before he spotted Jarrow and halted.
“Zounds,” Jarrow muttered. “Your young lady is a beauty.”
Coralie took Nicholas’ hand and led him directly to Graeme and Jarrow. Lifting her chin, she sent Graeme a look.
“Jarrow, allow me to introduce Miss Coralie and Master Nicholas. Coralie and Nicholas, Mr. Jarrow is a neighbor who lives at Stonebridge Manor.”
Jarrow greeted both children, and Mrs. Stockwell, who excused herself to return to her work, and took a seat near the children. Coralie plied both men with questions, and even Nicholas joined in asking about Jarrow’s time in the army and Graeme’s travels in foreign countries until every teacake and sandwich had disappeared.
“Nicholas and Coralie,” Graeme said, “Yesterday, Mr. Jarrow and I helped Mr. Stockwell repair some damage done by someone causing trouble. Have either of you seen any strangers in the garden or in the fields?”
With Coralie’s and Blythe’s coaxing, they drew out a story of not just two men on two different occasions chasing the boy, but also sightings of other strangers nearby.
“Mr. Jarrow,” Coralie said, “you’re the magistrate now. If we catch these men, can you not have them put into jail?”
“Perhaps,” Jarrow said. “If there is evidence of a crime. Meanwhile, it would be good for you children to stay indoors.”
“Your godmama and I have a better idea,” Graeme said. “What do you think about a visit to London?”
Coralie’s face brightened. “May we go shopping? And…” she glanced at Nicholas, “The circus, Nicholas. The menagerie at the Tower. Yes. We want to go, don’t we, Nick?”
Jarrow sent Graeme a skeptical look but kept silent.
Blythe stood. “Help me clear these dishes, Coralie. Nicholas, you too, and we’ll all take them back to the kitchen. I’ll return in a bit, Mr. Jarrow, for the conversation you requested.”
Graeme ushered them out and rejoined Jarrow.
“I’d offer you a brandy but this is not my home,” he said.
“No need,” he said. “When do you leave for London?”
Graeme pressed his lips together, wondering whether he could trust him not to slip.
“I won’t tell my mother. If it’s the child they’re after, there will be more opportunities for someone to snatch him there.”
“And more opportunities to hire protection. We are leaving tomorrow at first light and plan to push through in one day if possible.”
“Do you have outriders?”
“I will be the outrider.”
“If you’ll allow it, I’ll share that duty. I have personal affairs to look into there, and,” he shook his head, “this matter of trespassers has me concerned. I’ll take my leave now. Please give my regards to Lady Chilcombe. I will talk with her more at a later date.”
* * *
Blythe decided to spend the night at Bluebelle Lodge. After reading Nicholas to sleep and reminding Coralie to turn down the lamp when she finished her chapter, she retired. After tossing and turning for too long, she made her way to the kitchen.
That morning she’d left the children in Louisa’s care and returned to the parlor, steeling herself for the questioning to come, only to find Mr. Jarrow gone and Graeme preparing to return to Risley Manor. Grateful for the reprieve, she dashed off quick notes for him to carry to Hermione and Radley, and breathed a sigh of relief that she wouldn’t see him again until the next day. Since he’d decided to ride alongside the traveling chaise, she’d be mostly spared his company until they reached London.
Time spent with him was a trial. His kindness, his concern, tempted her to trust him and enticed her in ways she’d thought she’d grown immune to.
Too much was at stake to wager on Graeme’s trustworthiness. Not to mention, it was very hard to place trust in him when she herself was keeping secrets. She might wish for a man to solve her troubles, but marriage and life with Archie had taught her to depend on herself.
Dinner with the children had been early and wonderfully congenial, and if either of them had misgivings about the next day’s journey they didn’t reveal them. Neither did she reveal hers.
This journey to London was not quite as terrifying as the one she’d made after her stay at Matron Manor. This time, she wasn’t facing Chilcombe House and the town alone. The children would be with her, and she would have Will there when she arrived, as well as Hermione, who had sent a servant with a note assuring Blythe she would return with them.
