(There’s a new part of this story dropping Saturday in the Broadsheet, so it’s time to give last month’s part it’s own post so it can be found more easily.)

Find previous chapters here.

Chapter 3 (Part 2)

Somewhere behind him, someone – namely Lillesley – cleared his throat. As if that was going to stop Richard from kissing his fill of his betrothed.

A second throat clearing. This time louder.

Harriet giggled, putting an end to the heat of their kiss. Still, he lingered with his lips on hers for a few seconds longer before holding her securely in his arms but not turning to face her brother.

“Do you know who they have paired with Samuels and Fredericks?” He tossed the question over his shoulder.

“No, I cannot say that I have heard,” Lillesley replied. “In fact, I was not even informed that there were more than four of you assigned to this task.”

“Yes. Well… there is one more than four.” Richard kissed the top of Harriet’s head and then released her from his embrace. “And it seems that you are not the only person willing to use a certain ne’er-do-well to gain information.

“Do you mean that Wickham fellow?” Harriet asked with no little amount of incredulity in her tone.

“Certainly not!” her brother exclaimed.

“Harry is right. As she often is.” Taking Harriet’s hand, he led them across the room to the door to Lillesley’s study where the man was standing. “She’ll join us,” he added when his friend looked at Harriet and then back at him with a lifted brow. “It will make it easier for all of us.”

Lillesley shook his head and sighed but allowed Richard and Harriet to enter his study. “Not a word of any of this leaves this room,” he growled at his sister.

As if she would.

It was not the right way to approach her, and Richard smiled as his Harriet lifted her chin and glared down her nose at her brother for a half second before saying very primly, “I know far more secrets than one might expect.” She added a saucy grin as she took a seat and said, “Some you would be shocked to know I have discovered.”

Richard eyed her for a moment. If he was to guess by the way she squeezed her hands together tightly in her lap, she was bluffing – trying to draw her brother out to vent her displeasure with him questioning her ability to be discreet.

Thankfully, Lillesley did not fall for her ploy. “I am certain there are, but at present, I find I do not care to learn what secrets you know or how you know them.” He smiled, which caused his sister to huff softly. Then he turned to Richard. “Did Samuels say why Wickham has been included?”

“He did. Wickham has…” He paused when a knock sounded on the proper door to the study. Lillesley rose and opened the door just far enough to see who was there.

“A letter has arrived for you, my lord.”

It was the butler.

“And how did it arrive?”

“Through the kitchen by way of the stables, my lord.”

It was from someone in their network then.

Lillesley closed the door and broke the seal to the letter as he returned to his desk. “It seems I have been notified that a person with knowledge of the workings of the underbelly of society has been enlisted to help us come to a hopefully hasty conclusion to this mess,” he said as he scanned the missive before taking his seat again at his desk.

“Wickham claims he would know the man who likely killed the shopkeeper by site, though he does not know his name.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Samuels mentioned Wickham knew traitors. Is our theory about secrets being bought and sold along with maids, true?”

Lillesley shot a quick look at his sister. “From what I have just read, it appears to be substantiated though there are no details here.” 

The room sat in silence for a moment until Harriet broke it with a question.

“Did Andrew know about the espionage involved in this matter?”

“I cannot say,” her brother replied, though he did not look at his sister. Instead, he remained focused on the letter he held. It was a sure sign that the answer he gave was accurate but not informative.

“And if he did – which he did since you did not glare at me –”

Richard chuckled as Harriet continued.

“Then, did the traitor know? Or was Andrew pretending to be a traitor to draw him out? Oh!” she gasped. “Did Penny discover something she was not supposed to know? Could that be why she ended up in washed up along the Thames like that shopkeeper?”

Lillesley held up a hand to stop the rapid questions. “We would all like to know the answers to those questions.”

“They are plausible – every ,” Richard said.

“I know,” Lillesley agreed. “And I have my thoughts on it.”

Harriet had risen and was pacing a small circuit from her chair to the small hearth and back.

Her brother settled back in his chair and motioned for Richard to remain silent as they both watched Harriet. They both knew that when she was close to figuring something out, she fidgeted or paced. She had done so since she was a girl.

She came to a stop. “Are you going out tonight?” she asked her brother.

“I have no plans to, since I knew the colonel was being relieved of his duty today.”

Her brow furrowed as she grimaced. “Perhaps you should go together.” She blew out a breath as if what she had just said was not something she wanted to say.

“Why?” Richard prompted. “What are you thinking? How will that help us?”

“If you were to go out and wear Andrew’s watch, making sure to show it off as you check the time in any of the places Andrew might have frequented…” She sighed and then, shook her head as she looked to the ceiling. “It would be dangerous, but it might bring the right people to you.” She returned to her seat. “Andrew had that watch when he was killed, and the shopkeeper was killed because of that watch – or so we suspect. It is the only thing I can think of to connect the events.”

“It is a worthy idea,” Lillesley agreed. “Perhaps I will start by having dinner at my club tonight.”

Harriet nodded. “Andrew did that often.” Her comment was soft.

Richard gave her hand a squeeze. “I will go with him, and then, return here for a while before I head home, if that meets with everyone’s approval.”

“I would like that very much.” She did not need to say so. Her smile had informed Richard of her approval before she could so much as form the first word of her response. 

“And I … suppose I can tolerate it as well,” her brother said with a laugh. “Now, if you would be so kind as to allow my best man to give his report about how tiresome his days at his apartment were to me without an audience, I will make sure he sees you before he goes home to change for dinner.”

Harriet rose.

“There is nothing of significance to report,” Richard assured her when she hesitated before leaving.

“If you are certain…”

“I am.” And with that reassurance, she left them alone. Though Richard was sure she had not gone far.

(There’s a new part of this story dropping Saturday in the Broadsheet, so it’s time to give last month’s part it’s own post so it can be found more easily.)

Find previous chapters here.

Chapter 3 (Part 1)

One week later, Richard rubbed his neck, bending it from side to side in an attempt to eliminate the kinks and stiffness. His eyes burned from lack of sleep. If only he could find the information that he needed to put this whole ordeal behind him and spend a great deal more time with Harriet.

As it was, he’d only seen her once since returning from Hertfordshire – the day on which he had been given the task he was now trying to see done. Maddening task that it was. Sitting at a window watching the comings and goings of the people below him. Listening to the noises and conversations that passed by his door.

He had never felt such a desire to be done with an assignment before this. And not just because being confined to one location was torturous. Nor was it due to the only barely adequate furnishings and fittings of his hideout. However, on that subject…

He stood, threw his arms wide, and then reached over head. Every movement caused pain. The bed in this room needed a better mattress because it was most decidedly uncomfortable.

He was glad for the few days reprieve he was about to receive. His partner had already left about two hours ago. It was best for them not all to leave at once you see. Things needed to appear to be somewhat normal for the type of living arrangements that were found here. Transient behaviour was not unusual, but looking too formal in how things were done was.

Therefore, he had been left alone to see the next man take up his post.

When his replacement arrived, he would be able to leave this little hovel from which he watched the world, see Harriet, and sleep in a proper bed – whether that be at Darcy House or Matlock House. It really did not matter. As long as it was well stuffed and tied.  

A key turned in the lock of the small first floor room that sat above a store front, but Richard ignored it and turned to shove the last of his articles into his bag.

“I must say I am pleased to see you, Samuels. It has been a long and uneventful week …” His voice trailed off as he turned and saw that Samuels was not alone. To say he was shocked by who accompanied Samuels was akin to saying a bullet though the thigh was not but a scratch.

He looked first to the man behind Samuels and then to his fellow officer. “Why is he here?”  His voice was low and menacing as he struggled to rein in his fury. “Why is he not on a transport ship well on his way to some god-forsaken location far from England’s shores?  Or better yet, why is he not dangling at the end of a hangman’s noose?” 

“You know why he is not dead,” Samuels replied. “Reputations and questions.”

Richard blew out a breath. Hanging was too public a death for a scoundrel like this one. “Could he not have slipped and cracked his head somewhere? There are ways to be rid of him that do not involve anyone questioning how he died.” Unless the man had a sister like Harriet. Then, there would always be questions. The thought nearly made him smile. Nearly.

This man, however, did not have a sister. He was an only child. In fact, he did not even have a father or mother any longer and very few true friends. Associates? Yes. Employed henchmen? At one time, yes. Friends? That thought deserved a derisive snort. Mr. Wickham did not seem to know how to keep friends.

“It appears I have skills that you do not,” that very miscreant said with a mocking smile.

“If you mean a life that is expendable, then, you are correct,” Samuels spat. “Remember what you were told and what you saw.” This part was growled in a whisper. “We have just come from the great house,” he added to Richard, who nodded his understanding.

He had heard of the place, though he had never been there himself. As he understood it, there was an entrance that led to a study of sorts and a few “accommodations” that came with locks and guards on a lower level, where one would normally expect to find servants and the workings of a grand London townhouse.

“This is not Lillesley’s doing then?”

Samuels shook his head. “Though, I suspect he will know about it soon enough.”

“Oh, he will,” Richard muttered. For Lillesley House was first on his places to visit when he left here.

Samuels chuckled.

“I hope you were promised a reward of some sort for taking on this blackguard.”

“Rest assured, I was. I only hope it is worth the effort.” He tossed the bag he carried on the bed. “You may have the floor,” he added to Wickham. “Not that it will be much more comfortable than the bed.”

“There’s a truth if I ever heard one,” Richard agreed. “Now tell me. What skills do you have?” He moved a step closer to Wickham as he asked his question.

The smile on Wickham’s face faltered a moment. It was a small tell, but a tell none-the-less. The man had never tried to challenge Richard. Darcy, he would taunt and torment, but not Richard. That was likely because he knew that Richard would act without overthinking. Darcy would not.

“I know people.”

Richard stepped closer. “What kinds of people?”

Wickham’s throat moved up and down as he swallowed. Richard found it gratifying to make the man fearful.

“Unsavoury sorts and traitors,” Samuels answered. “Along with a certain shopkeeper.”

Richard cocked an eyebrow. “The one found near the Thames?” He darted a look at Samuels, who nodded.

“Did you kill him?” Richard asked Wickham.

“I have never taken a life,” Wickham spat back.

Richard made a scoffing noise. “Maybe not with your own hands, but there was a footman who came near to death recently, and the men you employed were behind that. It is enough for me to condemn you with them.”

Wickham’s eyes narrowed. “I sold him some goods some time ago. He was a jovial fellow who asked very few questions. Not the sort whom I would remove from my network.”

“Then, you know who killed him.” It was not a question. It was a fact. There was no other reason for a man like Wickham to be included in this operation. And still he was not sure the benefit outweighed the risk.

“I may,” he admitted. “Though I do not know his name, I would recognize his face.”

Richard turned from him. “What becomes of him once he identifies the person we need.”

Again, Samuels chuckled. “Well, for one thing, he gets to keep all his fingers. That is, he does if I say he does.” He sent a devilish grin in Wickham’s direction, while that man looked a touch ill at the mention. “There is a jar…” he added in a whisper to Richard

Truly? Richard had thought that the story of a jar filled with severed fingers was a myth, circulated to create a sinister mystic around the man who lived at the great house – Lillesley’s superior – a name that was rarely mentioned. He would have to ask Samuels about that jar later. Surely, a lord of the realm did not go around slicing off fingers and thumbs from those who crossed him. Did he?

“Beyond that, things have not been decided, but cooperation will likely mean he does not get transported… or worse.” Samuels sank down on the bed next to his bag and smirked. “Fredericks is to join us, and Wickham here is not pleased with that since Fredericks knows so much about him.”

Richard chuckled. “Give him my regards. I will leave you to things.”

“Congratulations to you,” Samuels said. “I hear you are to be married.”

“You have a lady?” Wickham asked with no little amount of interest.

“He does,” Samuels replied. “And she is both pretty and clever – or so, I hear from her brother. Well, the pretty part I have seen with my own eyes. The clever part is what I have on authority from her brother.”

“She is both,” Richard agreed. “In fact,” he said, turning to Wickham, “she is at least as clever as the soon to be Mrs. Darcy, though perhaps a bit more daring.” The mention of Elizabeth made Wickham scowl.

Samuels let out a low whistle. “That is impressive.”

“I will not argue with you about that.” Richard placed his hat on his head. “Now, if you will excuse me, I really must call on Lillseley.”

“And his sister,” Samuels added with at laugh as Richard merely acknowledged the truth of his statement with a wave of his hand, while leaving the apartment.

(There’s a new part of this story dropping Saturday in the Broadsheet, so it’s time to give last month’s part it’s own post so it can be found more easily.)

Find previous chapters here.

Chapter 2 (Part 2)

Richard rubbed his chin as he read the paper he had been given, while Harriet peeked over his shoulder. Surprisingly, her brother did not even grumble about her doing so. Which likely meant that Edmund thought it would be good for her to see the report. That was also likely why it was written all in Edmund’s hand. The original document would have included identifiers to its true author. They would not be clear to any who did not know what they were, but Harriet was not the sort to not remember strange details.

She was a lot like Darcy’s Elizabeth in that regard. They would indeed make a fine pair of friends who had the potential to up-end society – at least, in familial circles.

“What would a purveyor of mostly honest goods have to do with this brothel scheme?” Harriet asked.

“Or,” Richard inserted, “what did he know that he was not supposed to know?”

“His place of business was in a bit of a mess when a man was sent round,” Edmund said.

“I see that here.”

“Was it Jimmy who was sent round? He would have been best, since he was the one who had accompanied me there when I bought the watch.” Harriet had returned to her seat to drink her tea.

Edmund shook his head. “I was not in charge of that decision, but you are correct, and I have sent a reply with that information.” He rubbed the back of his neck as he was wont to do when something was not sitting well with him. All his life – or, at least, since Richard had known him – he had done so when things were not right.

“You think this man’s demise has something to do with the watch.” It was a guess, but Richard suspected it was a good one both since Harriet had been allowed to read the report he held, and because Edmund had mentioned that her finding the watch may not have been helpful. “This makes no mention of it,” Richard continued, “but I assume whoever is overseeing things knows it had been found before this man’s body was discovered?”

Edmund’s head moved from side to side and then up and down as he nodded his unwilling agreement. “There is no way to be certain that the two are connected at this point, but that is another reason why I want Jimmy to visit that store.” He blew out a breath and then levelled a glare at his sister. “You are not to go with him. I do not care if you might notice something he won’t. This is far too dangerous.”

Ah, there was the reason why Harriet had been included in the reading of that report which had described how the shopkeeper had been found. Edmund was hoping to carry his point in demanding she not involve herself.

“He is right,” Richard agreed softly. “Neither of us would wish to have anything happen to you.” He extended his hand towards her, and she placed hers in it. “Promise me that you will not go with Jimmy.”

She cast a somewhat annoyed look at her brother and then, him.

“We will include you in the meeting when Jimmy returns before I send my report to …” Edmund smiled. “Well, to the appropriate people.”

“That is an excellent idea because Harriet may have some questions that we would not think to ask,” Richard added.

Edmund inclined his head in acceptance of the truth of the matter.

“Promise me, Harry,” Richard demanded. “I have only just begun to recover from the ordeal with Georgiana and Elizabeth. I am not sure I could withstand having you in danger.”

Harriet shot a concerned glance at her brother. “Do not say so, or he may remove his approval,” she hissed.

Richard chuckled. “Then, promise me that you will remove yourself from the dangerous bits of this assignment.”

She scowled. “I promise.”

“It is not because I do not think you are capable of dealing with unpleasant things,” Edmund assured her. “I am not sure I would be able to live with myself if anything were to happen to you because you were trying to prove yourself to me.” His lips tipped into a half-smile. “Not that there will not be an adequate number of other things about which you may persecute me to ensure that I am happy to be rid of you.” He winked, and his sister chuckled.

“That is perhaps too true,” she admitted.

He stood. “And now, I will take myself to my study so that my best man and dearest friend can present his official offer to you before he heads off to start his assignment.”

“Wait,” Harriet said. “Will I be allowed to see him after…”

“Yes. Most likely. It truly depends upon how things progress. As you saw, he and a couple other men will be staying in a rented room and doing their best to not stand out too much in the neighbourhood in which it is located. You will not be allowed to visit him there, but he cannot watch the comings and goings of the area all day and night. Therefore, there will be times when he can make his way here.”

He gave his sister a stern look. “Here. You may only see him here, Harriet. If you feel a need to see him, tell me, and I promise to relay that information to him. The lives of many – including his – depend upon your adherence to this.”

“As long as I get to see him or write to him, I can bear it. I will remind you that I did not attempt to ride to Hertfordshire even once. I am capable of not getting in the way.” She gave him an impertinent smile but then sobered. “I would not wish to be the reason anyone died.” She pulled the corner of her bottom lip between her teeth and looked down at the floor. “Am I why that man died?” she asked softly.

Edmund dropped to his knees in front of her and took the hand that Richard was not holding. “No. You could have been any lady looking for a watch as a gift. He did not know who you were. He may not have even known the source of the watch at all, or to whom it belonged. I think he was just an unfortunate casualty of an evil scheme that we have not yet entirely figured out.”

Harriet let go of Richard’s hand and grasped Edmunds with both of hers. “Are you certain?”

“Yes.” He tipped his head low to catch her eyes for she was resolutely looking at their joined hands. “If anyone is at fault it is me. If I had only just allowed Richard to offer for you sooner, you would not have had to go to the extremes you did.”

“I could have been more patient.”

“I will not deny that, but I did not help you in that regard.” He rose from his place and drew her to her feet along with him. Then, he wrapped her in a tight embrace. “I love you, Harriet. Do not ever doubt that. I would have eventually relented, for there is no other gentleman I have ever known who is truly worthy to be your husband. I think I have always known it, but this profession is dangerous, and I do not want to lose you.” He released her, and taking her hand, turned her toward Richard. “There is no one else I would rather entrust her to than you.”

Richard accepted her hand and gave Edmund a nod before he quickly left them alone.

“Will you still have me despite the fact that you know your brother approves of me?” he asked in a teasing tone which drew a small laugh from her, as it was supposed to do. “I, too, love you, Harry. You know I do.”

“I do,” her lips curved into a sweet smile as she said it. “And you know that I love you.”

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind about that, which means there is no need to prove it.”

She huffed. “I have already promised to keep myself safely tucked at home.”

He drew her to him. “Enjoy that time here for it will not be your home forever, and my inheritance will not afford us a home as grand as this.”

“I have a fine dowry,” she replied. “But I do not need a fine home. I only need you.”

“And all I need is you. However, I would also like to house you in a way that will make you happy to be my wife.”

“Does that mean that I will be allowed to be a part of some adventures?”

Richard chuckled. “I am quite certain that I will have no choice but to include you in a few – but nothing too dangerous. For I truly do not know what I would do without you. My heart would be irreparably shattered if I lost you. Shall I inform my father that his solicitor’s services are needed to put all my affairs in order in preparation for taking a bride?”

“Yes, please do, and then take care as you begin your assignment, for my heart will never be whole without you.” And then, without waiting for any response from him or giving him the opportunity to initiate a kiss, she pressed her lips to his. 

But that was his Harry. Bold, passionate, unafraid to go after what she wanted. And he was absolutely delighted to be exactly what she desired.

(There’s a new part of this story dropping tomorrow in the Broadsheet, so it’s time to give last month’s part it’s own post so it can be found more easily.)

Find previous chapters here.

For the next thirty minutes, Richard shared all that had happened in Hertfordshire – from his return from town to Netherfield with the first part of the money Wickham had demanded. To the following letters demanding more funds be delivered. To the hours spent watching various locations. To the final confrontation at Oxford Cottage – the one Elizabeth had demanded to be part of.

For all of that, he had sat next to Harriet, holding her hand and drawing support merely from her presence.

However, once he came to the portion of his report regarding the sorting out of details at Netherfield, he simply could not remain seated any longer.

Pacing a circle around the room, he relayed what he knew about the maid who had been ruined. He told Edmund and Harriet what Georgiana and Elizabeth had shared about the situations in which they had been placed. And then, he had spoken about how Elizabeth had summoned her courage to help Georgiana through the ordeal.

“Since I am thankfully still on speaking terms with Darcy,” Richard said as he concluded his tale, “and I wish to keep it that way, I will need to be in Hertfordshire in July for a wedding. I will not miss it.”

He leaned heavily on the back of the chair in which he had earlier been sitting. The weight of all that had transpired still hung on his shoulders. It was a weight he both felt he should bear, and yet knew it was only there by his own doing. Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet – everyone had forgiven him. It was just he, himself, who was the hold out in that regard.

“By the by, thank you for your letter.” Whether it had eased Darcy’s mind or not was nearly immaterial, for it had been an exoneration of sorts in the court of Richard’s own mind — of sorts, because a removal of all guilt had still not been accomplished.

“It was the least I could do.” Edmund shifted uneasily in his chair. “This is not a position I relish to be honest.” He cast a wary look at his sister. “No matter what some may think.”

Richard bit back a smile. He knew exactly to whom his friend was referring. Perhaps such an admission would go a good distance in calming the recent disagreements between sister and brother.

“But he will still fulfill all its duties as if he does,” that very sister muttered quite unhappily.

Richard chuckled. “Would you truly have it any other way?”

She shrugged but admitted she would not.

“It is the best way to be to make sure the job is done as it should be,” Richard added so Edmund would not have to do it, and peace could remain in the room.

“There was no damage done to either of your relations?” Edmund asked.

“None to their persons beyond a few blisters and scratches from being moved from one place to another. However, time will tell what other effects linger.” Richard retook his seat and Harriet’s hand.

Edmund nodded. “And the maid is in good hands.”

There was a weightiness to the simple comment.

“I am just grateful she did not end up like Penny,” Harriet said softly. “But still… Her feelings of shame and fears about disease…” She shook her head. “The poor dear.”

Richard squeezed her hand. “She has a good home and the best mistress for which any maid could wish to serve.”

This earned him a small smile. His Harriet was a lady of great passion to see that right ruled the day, but that desire bubbled forth not from a need to be seen as great and noble as some might. Rather it proceeded naturally from a heart that overflowed with care for others. That was from where Elizabeth’s courage to see to Georgiana’s safety also flowed, he supposed. And from whence his burden of guilt sprang.

“On a happier note…” Harriet’s eyes dance with amusement and her lips wore a smirk as she cast a glance first, at her brother and then, Richard.  “I do think I will like your soon-to-be cousin, Elizabeth. She does not sound at all dull and boring.”

“You will get on well,” Richard assured her with a laugh, while Edmund groaned. “She has always possessed quite the indomitable spirit. I am glad she was there for Georgiana.”

“If I am not already married and in my own home, we will have to have a dinner and invite the Darcys to it when they are returned to town, Edmund.”

“We will do that,” her brother agreed, though he looked rather uneasy at the thought. As well he should.

Richard would feel sorry for his unease, save for the fact that he was still somewhat put out with the fellow for his part in hiding Mrs. Younge’s connection to Wickham.

He blew out a breath. “Now, what is it that prevents me from marrying your sister straightaway?”

Harriet rose to pour the tea, which had been brought in somewhere in the midst of Richard’s report on the events in Hertfordshire. “Yes,” she said, “I would like to know that as well, for I am of the belief that I could be of greater service to the colonel and whatever you have for him to do as his wife.”

“Harriet,” the word rumbled from her brother. “I will not have you put yourself any further into this mess than you have already put yourself.”

She stopped moving with the teapot poised but not yet tipped to pour into a cup. “This mess? Do you mean the whole kidnapping maids to shuffle them from brothel to brothel?”

“Harriet!” This time Edmund’s tone was sharp. “Must you speak so plainly?”

“I am talking to you – my brother – and Richard, the man whom I am going to marry. I do not see the need to pretend as if I am too stupid to know about such things.” She gave Edmund a glare before she returned to pouring tea. “Now answer my question.”

Her brother pushed up from his chair and crossed to the door to his study.

“Leaving the room will not dissuade me from discovering the truth,” she called after him.

“Perhaps a trip to Gretna Green would not be such a bad thing,” Edmund spat back.

“No,” Richard inserted, “we will marry properly.”

“Of course, we will,” Harriet whispered to him. “But I am still irritated with him for waiting so long to allow you to offer for me. I most sincerely must make sure he does not forget that I am capable of dealing with hard things.”

Richard captured her hand after she had given him his cup of tea and placed a kiss in her palm. “I think you have done a good enough job of that, and I am now able to speak for you, too. Perhaps it is time to desist in riling him – at least, some?”

“Perhaps,” she said before leaning forward and pressing her lips to his just as her brother re-entered the library and grumbled her name yet again.

“That part of annoying him, you may keep doing,” Richard whispered, causing her to laugh.

“I am still awaiting your answer, my dear brother.” She went to the tea tray to retrieve his cup of tea.

He handed a paper to Richard. “The shop owner who sold Andrew’s watch to Harriet apparently stumbled into the Thames last night.” He paused and looked to his sister, who had gasped. “His body was found in nearly the same place where Penny was found.”

(There’s a new part of this story dropping tomorrow in the Broadsheet, so it’s time to give last month’s part it’s own post so it can be found more easily.)

Find previous chapters here.

---

Many hours later, Richard dismounted his horse in front of Lillesley House in Leicester Square. He had both a report and a petition to be made before he could retire for the night – and he was weary. Just not weary enough to wait to see Harriet until tomorrow. Therefore, he had sent word that he would give his report today.

He handed his horse to a groom and drew three deep breaths as he rolled his shoulders and shook out his legs. He looked at the time on his watch. It was only ten minutes past the time when he said he hoped to arrive. Lillesley should be waiting.

With that thought in mind, he turned toward the door, but before he could do more than begin to ascend the steps, that very door opened. A grin split his face as he saw who it was who had come to welcome him.

“Has your brother fired the butler and given you, his position?” he teased the pretty lady who held the door open. “Perhaps as a punishment for not doing something he thought you should?”

Harriet Phillips laughed and shook her head. “You will be please, and perhaps shocked, to know that I have not provoked him since before your last visit.”

Which had been less than a week ago, but, knowing Harriet as he did, that was a noteworthy feat.

“May I take your hat?” She held out her hand in expectation of his compliance. She never expected anything less than acquiescence to her petitions – or demands, as the case might be.

And that was why it was notable that she had not provoked her brother in the short time since he had last seen her, for her brother’s temperament was just as unyielding. Though to be honest, Harriet was often the victor in any standoff with her brothers. Edmund had a soft spot in his heart for his youngest sister that was nearly as deep as Andrew’s had been. Not that one would know it if one were to witness one of their battle of wills.

Richard doffed his hat but hesitated in handing it to her. The rule at Lillesley House was that he was to keep all of his things with him when visiting Edmund on official business, and this was a visit of that sort – at least, in part.

“I will put it on the table in the little library,” she said, as if she knew what had caused him to pause.

And this was one reason why she tended to get her way. She was excellent at anticipating objections and providing a solution.

“In that case, you may have it,” he said, handing her his hat. “It is good to see you, Harry, but as you most assuredly know, I am here to see your brother.”

“For more than just business, I hope.” She gave him a playful smile that shone in her eyes.

“As do I,” he agreed, as she closed the door behind him.

“A moment please, Colonel,” she said before he could begin the short trudge down the hall to the little library.

When he turned towards her, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Her brother would be far less than pleased to see such a demonstration in the entry to his house, but Richard was not. His right arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close as he returned her kiss.

“Harriet!”

Richard broke their kiss at Edmund’s bellow.

“I will thank you not to accost our guest in the hall.”

Harriet’s cheeks were rosy, but her eyes were filled with defiance. Goodness! She was a delicious sight to behold. At least, when that defiance was directed at her brother on his account.

“I am not accosting our guest. I am simply welcoming him and reminding you that this is the man I intend to marry.” She stepped around Richard and began walking towards the little library.

“Yes, well, that will come … in time,” Edmund replied.

Richard’s left eyebrow rose of its own accord as he followed Harriet. In time? What exactly did that mean?

“Before Christmas,” Harriet replied.

“Perhaps and then, again, perhaps not,” her brother answered.

Harriet placed Richard’s hat on the table inside the little library and turned towards Edmund. “Before Christmas.”

“Spring might be better,” he replied in a soft and somewhat cajoling tone.

A scheme was in play – likely not one of Lillesley’s making, but a scheme none the less. Richard shook his head. This was the part of his current profession that he found both exhilarating and bothersome.

It was exhilarating because the objective was often shifting and moving forward. It was bothersome because the shifts and moves were not always predictable and rarely in his power to make of his own free will.

“Am I still able to offer for her? Or will I be led along a merry path that includes some other task that must be completed first?” Richard demanded.

“No, no. You are free to make your offer – though it does seem a bit redundant to do so since she has made it abundantly clear that she will not marry anyone else.” He gave his sister a piercing glare before turning back to Richard. “However, I do not know how long the next part of sorting out this…” He waved his hand in a small circle. “Situation will take.”

Richard sighed. It was as he had suspected. The next step must be made quickly. Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge were only the beginning of uncovering what was afoot.

“Surely, it will not take nearly half a year.” Richard could hear the annoyance in Harriet’s tone as she mounted her protest. “Indeed, it would not, if you would let me help you.”

“No!” Richard and Edmund said in unison.

She huffed and crossed her arms. “I found that watch much faster than you would have.”

“I will grant you that,” Edmund said, “but I am not entirely certain that that was in our best interest.”

Richard cocked his head. “What do you mean?”

“I will explain after I have had your report. Harriet, would you be so kind as to see that we have some refreshment?” Edmund asked.

She smiled. “It was ordered before the colonel had even dismounted his horse. Jimmy will arrive shortly with all that is needed.” She motioned to the chairs in the library. “Do you wish to meet here, or shall we go to your study?” She took a seat next to the chair Richard always sat in when he waited her for her brother in this room.

Edmund scowled. “Apparently, here is acceptable.” He sat down, and Richard followed. “Shall we begin with your report on how things stand in Hertfordshire?”

“That is one of the reasons why I am here.” The other reason was the feisty and precious lady who took his hand as soon as he was seated.