Page 23 of Deadly Murder (Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery #14)
Case in point the previous evening at Marlborough House, when she had discovered the means by which it seemed the murderer and another man had escaped.
“Very well,” I agreed. “But then you will immediately return here.”
“Of course,” she replied, in a manner that was not at all convincing.
I caught the frown on her face as her gaze slipped past me to Munro, who intended to accompany us to Sir Laughton’s office at the law courts.
“An escort?” she pointedly inquired.
It was not the first time I had noticed that there did seem to be some difficulty between the two of them. Lily’s expression was quite obvious.
“It will not be necessary for you to accompany us,” I told him as he assisted me into the coach.
“Mr. Hastings is quite adept at navigating London traffic, and I am quite well armed,” I assured him.
“Verra well,” he snapped obviously not pleased as he stood back from the coach, and we departed.
“I canna go anywhere without him accompanying me,” Lily shared. “As if I need a chaperone. Bloody stubborn Scot!”
With the rain that had turned to icy snow and clogged the streets, it was a slow trip across the city and very near midday by the time we arrived at Sir Laughton’s office.
“Miss Montgomery as well,” he acknowledged Lily. “Always a pleasure. And the weather has not put you off, I see,” he said by way of greeting as we were shown to his private office within the large office occupied by two of his law clerks.
“Not at all,” I replied as we handed over our coats and umbrellas to one of them.
“And somewhat urgent according to Lady Antonia, which could only mean that it is a matter of some importance,” he surmised and thanked the clerk, not speaking again until he had gone.
“Lady Montgomery did convey that I am to assist in whatever way I can. A new inquiry case, Lady Forsythe? Perhaps that dreadful business at Marlborough House?”
He had obviously spoken to Aunt Antonia after we departed Sussex Square. He waited as his clerk returned with hot coffee, then sat back in his high-backed chair after the young man left.
“How may I help?”
Lily took out her notebook and pen as I explained.
“You attended law school at Cambridge at about the same time as His Highness.”
He nodded, fingers steepled before him, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Yes, my first years there.”
“Were you aware of the situation when His Highness departed somewhat abruptly?”
“A long time ago. I presume this has to do with the accident at Marlborough House.”
“We have been asked to make inquiries,” I replied.
“I see. You realize that I must remain discreet for all sorts of reasons.”
“I understand, still there may be something that you remember about an incident that occurred then, and a particular title four students including the Prince of Wales were known as.”
That thoughtful gaze sharpened. “A long time ago, there were the usual sort of university mischiefs by young men from time to time.”
“What can you tell us about the Four Horsemen and His Highness’s abrupt departure.”
“You are particularly well informed,” he replied. “That has not been spoken of in more than thirty years.” He rose from his chair and paced about the office as he seemed to consider what to tell us.
“Membership was exclusive to just four members. There was speculation about certain activities that went on. The usual sort, drinking, carousing, and hunting adventures around the local countryside. And an incident as you called it at the end of the term.
“All four of the young gentlemen were called to the office of the dean of Trinity College, as well as their families.
“There were rumors that they might be expelled, along with gossip from the village nearby,” he added.
“His Highness departed almost immediately after the arrival of Prince. The other three students involved in the matter were severely reprimanded and forbidden to go into the village. However, they were allowed to remain at university.”
“Who might know the details of the situation that led to his sudden departure?”
“The Master of Trinity College, no doubt, who was compelled to notify the royal family. That would have been Master Whewell.”
He shared that he knew William Whewell had passed on only a handful of years after the “incident” that had caused such a stir.
“Might anyone else have known about it?” I then asked.
“It is possible the vice chancellor of the college would have known the details, as he would have been required to notify the chairman of the Board of Regents regarding the departure of the Prince of Wales.
Not an everyday occurrence and most certainly a situation that might have far-reaching consequences for the university.
“The vice chancellor at the time was Sir Edwin Lowery, who also taught at the law college then.
“He retired several years ago and is no longer with the college. However, he might be able to provide information. I do speak with him on some matters of the law.” He then added with candor, “He has a sharp mind and has not forgotten when I was called to his office for reprimand.”
Sir Lowery lived in Belgravia, south of Hyde Park, and was held in high esteem. He was frequently called upon and still debated law with those who had studied at Cambridge.
“I presume you would care to call on him in the matter,” he said then. “I will have my clerk draw up a letter of introduction. And I will send round a message to inform him that you will be calling on him, although it is not certain that he will be willing to share any details from that long ago.”