Page 8 of The Marquess Seeks His Muse (The Four Horsemen Fall…In Love #1)

The Private Inquiry Agent

Before Martin began his morning ride, he awaited the presence of Mr. Frank Stewart. He had worked for John Fielding, the magistrate for the Bow Street Runners. Because there were many in the peerage that needed more discrete investigations, he had gone out on his own. Martin had a footman deliver a missive to Frank last night requesting that he come to No. 40 Park Lane, early to discuss the investigation of a solicitor and discuss the logistics for watching No. 72 Park Street.

Martin was in his study very early when his butler, Mr. Rogers announced Mr. Stewart. “Come in. Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Martin stood to shake his hand. “Please, have a seat.” He looked to Mr. Rogers. “Could you bring us some tea and fresh scones.”

“Right away, my lord.”

“What can I assist you with? You sounded as if it was urgent.” Frank was one to collect and uncover. He wanted to gather the information and get to work.

“There is a solicitor, Mr. Trenchard. Unable to recall his first name. God help us if there is another Trenchard in Town. Hideous name. Anyway, I believe there is something nefarious about the man. He has been withholding payments from the family of Lord Curtis McDonnell, 5 th Earl of Norfolk. For some unknown reason, Lord McDonnell hired this solicitor as the executor to his estate. McDonnell died over a year ago and now the family finds themselves in financial straits. Not because the estate lacks the funds, but because this Trenchard is not disbursing the funds to the family.”

“Alright, so what would you have me do? I can stake out his office. Follow him to and from office to home. Would you have me do anything further? Break in to his office? Go over the files? I can certainly do that.”

“No, nothing that would include going into his office. At least not at this time, although I will certainly keep that in mind as a possibility. Track him. In addition, I want someone to watch the comings and goings of the McDonnell family, particularly Lord McDonnell’s young daughter, Lady Muriel. I have an uncomfortable feeling about this Trenchard. I would be remiss if I did not see to her safety.”

“That can be done. Is that it?”

“Yes, I believe so. At least for now.”

Frank stood. “Well then, I will start now. Get someone to watch the McDonnell house within the hour. Is that sufficient?”

Martin stood and walked around from behind his desk. “More than sufficient. I trust you to do what needs to be done.” He shook Frank’s hand. “You sure you won’t stay a few minute longer for tea?”

Frank continued to walk towards the study door. “No, I want to get on this. Hopefully, I can catch this Trenchard before he gets to his office. Finding his home address should be relatively easy. Awful name. Anyway, I will send a report over each evening. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes, of course. Thank you for coming so early.” He walked him to the door. “And contact me immediately if you uncover anything that could be harmful to the McDonnell family.”

“Yes. Thank you for the business, Lord Claymont. You will receive a report this evening.”

After Mr. Stewart left, Martin had his groomsman saddle his horse and he rode toward Rotten Row to meet Fred, as was usual, well, at least seventy-five percent of the time. If Fred over imbibed or was still sleeping at Venus, after a night of tupping, he might miss the ride. Martin knew better than to wait too long. He had assigned Fred to a task at Venus , the night before. It was possible that he could be otherwise detained. He had Zeus going through his paces when he noticed Fred coming from the direction of his townhouse. “Was unsure that you would make it. I knew you were busy last night.”

“I left rather early last night. Great sex but she snored something terrible.” He shook his head as he laughed. “She is the queen of snorers.”

“And you found that laughable?”

“I was thinking, what if Lady Apparition snored? Loud, like that doxy I was with last night. Terrible.”

“We will never know. I’m rethinking my concern for the family. It really is not my business. I think I may be able to assist in their financial dilemma. When that is done, it be the end of it.”

“Jesus, Martin. What is this? For days you spent your time searching for Lady Apparition, now you say you only wish to help the family?”

“Fred, I certainly have not spent all my time searching for Lady Apparition. I have many more responsibilities.”

They rode a few yards. “I think there is something else at the heart of your reversal.” He gave a pause. “I know, you found out she does talk like a duck!”

“You are absurd.”

“Laughs like a donkey?”

“Fred!”

“Smells like a dead fish! That is it!” He laughed again.

“Fred, I have so much business to attend to, I think that is why I like sex without any emotional attachment. No obligations. Like Sarah in Swansea. She whines and always asks me to stay when I’m there, but she and I have an understanding. We both enjoy the sex. When I leave, I’m sure she finds other things to occupy her...time, shall I say?”

“What about the wild redhead in Aberdeen. Remember, I went with you when you examined the Rubislaw quarry, what was that? Four months ago? Now, she was fun. Is she always so generous with your friends?”

“First, the only friends I have are you, John, and Henry. Second, she does not seem to care who she is tupping as long as there is ample–“

“Ample? I suppose we both fit that description.”

“Damn it Fred, I was going to say ample coin.” Fred reached over to jab Martin; the horses were too far apart. “And what is all this talk recently about the anatomy?”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Fred was most definitely confused.

“Oh, forget it. It is not worth discussing.” Martin really did not wish to delve into the conversation he had with Blackwood and Aubyn the night before. His cock was not something he wished to be known for. He had rather not discuss it.

“Alright then, while I was tupping the snoring queen, what did you find out about this possible thief, Trenchmouth? Did Lords Blackwood or Aubyn know anything about the man?”

“Fred, Trenchard is bad enough, and no, they questioned the same thing that we did. Why would Lord McDonnell use a solicitor when he was so well acquainted with many of the barristers? They thought it was rather odd as well. They did say that they could easily find out something and would meet me back at Venus, in two days. So, that would be tomorrow evening.”

“Am I assigned to swiving duty again? I suppose I can make another sacrifice for the cause. Under no circumstances will I tup that snoring queen again. Christ, she was loud.”

“No, you can come along with me, if you wish. Then we should go to White’s, or someplace a bit more reputable, and play cards. What say you, Fred?”

“You know me. I’m always in. Someone has to lighten the mood. God knows your sense of humor leaves much to be desired.”

“Look to your right, Martin. How could we be so lucky?” Fred canted his ahead in the direction of that he wanted Martin to see.

“I’m surprised he is up this early.”

Michael Crumb rode up on his skittish horse. “Crumb, I thought I made myself perfectly clear. I don’t want you in my line of view.” Martin did not turn his toward the Crumb until he had made his pronouncement. His look was lethal.

“Lord Claymont, I believe this part of Town is public space.”

“Have you not besmirched your family name enough. Your father would be thrilled if you would find a nice crag to fall off of you cow-hearted dunderhead.” Fred wanted his turn with the prick.

“That is terribly inhospitable, gentlemen.” He lined his horse up next to Martin.

“Good bye, you Crumb.” Martin smacked the rump of Crumb’s horse. The horse raised up, kicked, and ran as if at it was running in the Epsom Derby. “Human excrement. I could smell him coming.”

“I get him next time.” Fred smiled.

Margaret and Helen came unannounced, much to Muriel’s delight. She and Rosa had been working on their world map. It was one of their favorite past times. Particularly with cold weather. They would find a place they wished to go and instead of going there, they would research it. They had covered most of Britain and Scotland, then decided there were other places on the Continent they would rather see.

Mr. Sanders entered the library and announced Ladies Margaret and Helen. “What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here, or should I ask?” The girls looked like they were up to something. Margaret was always up to some kind of mischief and Helen always agreed and went along.

“We want to know what you and Rosa are doing today?” Margaret had a wide grin as she exchanged a sly look with Helen.

“We have been entertaining ourselves. What do you have in mind? Hatchard’s? We could ride with you to Hatchard’s. Rosa said the other day, she wished to go and find a new book. Did you not?

“I would enjoy looking for a new book. I would need to change clothes. Muriel you already look ready for a ride to Hatchard’s. Could you give me time to change? If not, I would understand. You could go on.” Rosa never understood where her place was in Town. She knew how she was looked upon by the majority of London’s population, yet she was raised drastically different. She gave Margaret and Helen an out, if they wanted it.

“You are being silly, Rosa. Of course we will wait.” Helen looked for the bellpull in the study. “Muriel, could you call for tea and scones or those little meat pies. Those are so yummy.”

Muriel thought she heard Helen’s stomach growl. “Helen, when did you eat last? You must be starved.”

Margaret sat up with her hands on her hips. “She ate at my house. Right before we came here. I think she stuffs food into her reticule. Honestly.” Margaret was always having to watch her weight. Her mother lectured Margaret, because she was unmarried, to watch what she ate.

“Go ahead, Rosa. We will be in here. You need not rush. Helen will be eating.” Muriel grinned at Helen. They were a silly lot, and Muriel loved their company. Lighthearted friends were exactly what she needed. She missed the gaiety. “Maybe afterwards we could stop by Gunter’s. I know ‘tis chilly outside; despite the cold, I would love to have one of their ices.”

“Sounds wonderful to me.” Of course, Helen would love it.

The four ladies stepped into Margaret’s coach. Margaret entered last as she leaned into the coachman and said something to him. Likely, it was something to do with the two stops they were planning to make. The coach slowly began to move forward as the four began to discuss what their plans were for the next week. “There are several balls already planned. Helen and I have already received our invitations. What of you? I’m sure by now, everyone knows Lady McDonnell has returned.”

“I have paid little attention to any invitations. I have been busy.” She was hoping not to continue this conversation. “Have either of you ridden through the park during the fashionable hour?”

“Oh, yes. We were in the carriage, even though it is chilling now. Anyway, we saw Lord Addams and Lord Herbert. They were on the most impressive steeds. I think they are both most handsome, but Lord Addams seems most amenable. It would be nice if he would to ask me to dance. Last year I thought he might”

“Margaret, I thought you had said something about Lord Windham. You were interested in him. That is what I thought.”

Muriel distinctly recalled Margaret mentioning how attracted she was to Lord Windham.

“Well, last season Margaret was hoping for a dance from Lord Addams.” Helen took Margaret’s hand. “We will find a way to entice him. Why you are interested in him is beyond me. I would much prefer Lord Windham.”

“Tell that modiste, what was her name?” Helen was about to respond. “I remember, Miss Christopher. Tell her to design you something so absolutely alluring that Lord Addams will be compelled to have someone introduce him to you. Have her design the décolletage to show enough of your ample bosom that it is not vulgar. Just distracting. I think men always appreciate an attractive bosom.”

“Muriel, how brazen of you to speak such.” Helen then cleared her throat.

“I apologize, Helen. With this new modiste, perhaps she could design you something that would be a bit more flattering.” Muriel was attempting to be discrete. Rosa nudged Muriel and shook her head as if to say, enough.

“What Muriel is attempting to politely say is for you to cease wearing those awful green designs of yours with various flowers and vines sewn on them. For heaven’s sake, Helen – you always look like some kind of bizarre tree.” Margaret was forever criticizing Helen’s dress designs.

“I like nature. I love trees.” Helen pouted.

“Can you dance with a tree?” Margaret retorted.

“She does have a point, dear Helen.” Rosa gently added. “Alright. I suppose you are all correct.“ Helen begrudgingly

agreed.

“No Helen, we are correct. It should be a whole new you at this season’s balls.” Margaret would make sure the modiste followed her instructions on Helen’s ball gowns instead of Helen.

“I will try. Try, mind you.”

The coach began to slow down. As they looked out the windows, Muriel could clearly see this was not Hatchard’s. It appeared that they were traveling through an alleyway. “Where are we going? Did your coachman get lost? This is not Hatchard’s. ” Muriel smiled to herself as she knew full well that Margaret’s coachman knew exactly where Margaret wanted to go and how to get there.

Margaret gave Helen a nudge. “I never said we were going to Hatchard’s. You did.” Helen exclaimed.

“I never either.” Margaret reached across and took Muriel’s and Rosa’s hands. “This will be fun.”

The coach stopped, knocked the step, opened the cabin door, and assisted the ladies out. “What are we doing in this alley? Where are we going? This looks very suspicious.” Muriel looked at Rosa. Rosa grabbed her hand for security.

“Come, we need to go through this door. You will be surprised.” Margaret was beaming. It began to dawn on Muriel what might be behind the door.

As they entered through the door, it was obvious that they were in a room used by seamstresses and the modiste for measuring. There were reams of material and a spherical stand, about a foot off the floor, which made it easier for the modiste to determine the necessary length of a gown. “Ladies, I appreciate the thought, it is only that Rosa and I are unable to spend money on such frivolous items.”

“You misunderstand, my friend. We brought you here so Miss Christopher would be able to make your gowns or dresses when you were ready. We would never want to push you into anything. We love you both and thought it would be advantageous to get measured. I know you will be wanting new dresses soon.”

“Thank you, Helen, Margaret. We do appreciate the consideration.” Muriel looked at Rosa for confirmation. “I suppose it would make things easier should we decide to have some things made in the near future.” Rosa shrugged.

A pleasantly plump lady with red hair pulled in a chignon came into view. She had such a pleasant face; her smile automatically brought a smile in return.

“Welcome ladies. I’m so happy to see you all here today.” She looked at Margaret. “Thank you for bringing your friends.” Then she turned her eyes to Rosa and Muriel. “I have never had the pleasure to design for a lady with such an...an ebony complexion. This is so exciting. I can’t wait to dress you in something spectacular.” Muriel squeezed Rosa’s hand. “And you, my lady, as lovely as you are, I can picture all the gowns that would only enhance your beauty. It is such an opportunity. I thank you all for a chance to design for you.” She giggled. She always giggled. Margaret and Helen were never sure as to the reason.

“Actually, Miss Christopher, Miss Morgan and I –“

Margaret interrupted. “Miss Morgan and Lady Muriel are as excited. Start with them, if you please.”

“It would be my pleasure, Lady Margaret. Right away.”