“Start at the beginning,” Glenraven said to Watts. “And don’t leave anything out.”
“Of course, my lord.” Watts settled himself and began. “We were on our way to Northampton, south of Luton. The weather had taken a turn for the worse. His Grace was in fine spirits. He teased Pearson about using the carriage based on an unusual perfume fragrance, which was distinct and unfamiliar. When we got to the Harmony Bridge, the river was fiercely racing, splashing over the banks onto the roadway. We’ve crossed that bridge a hundred times and never had to worry about it. So we went on. We were about one-third across when we heard the snap and felt the bridge shake. A board under the carriage had broken, then another, and yet another. With the wind and the noise from the water, we couldn’t tell how many more boards were damaged.
“We needed to back the carriage off the bridge. Your father said to hell with the carriage. Take care of the horses. He turned to me and said I was to come with him. He wouldn’t lose his best valet because of a little water.”
A rustle in the bed had them all turn in anticipation. The movement quieted, and they turned back to Watts.
“Pearson calmed the horses. His lordship and I attempted to leave the carriage when the axle broke, and the carriage tipped.We both slid into the water. I quickly found your father and helped him to shore.
“By this time, Pearson had the team off the bridge and tethered. He came to the shore and helped your father and me up the embankment.
“The carriage was seriously damaged. Even in the poor weather conditions, Pearson was able to see the broken axel. He offered to stay with the carriage while your father and I continued to the inn on horseback.
“Pearson and I prepared the horses, and His Grace and I were soon mounted. Your father established a quick pace as we set off for the Lutin Inn. When we arrived, we sent someone to help Pearson, and the innkeeper sent his boy to Lord Barrington.
“Pearson joined us before the fireplace, where we dried out and had a good meal. Other than the bruise on His Grace’s head, he appeared to be himself. When Lord Barrington and Dr. Manning arrived, the doctor examined him, and we prepared to return to London. We brought His Grace here in Lord Barrington’s coach. Pearson followed a day later with His Grace’s coach.”
“Your father was awake and talking the entire trip back to London,” Barrington said. “Thank you, Watts. You did an excellent job.”
Watts straightened his posture, his expression firm and determined. “Anything for His Grace. I am honored to serve him and will always do whatever is necessary to ensure his safety.”
Glenraven didn’t question the man’s sincerity. Watts had been with his father since before he was born. “One last question.” He took the ace of hearts from his pocket. “Do you know where my father got this card?”
The valet looked at the back of the card, then at Glenraven. “No, Your Grace. I didn’t see that deck of cards until I emptiedyour father’s coat pockets. I found a small tin container. Your mother opened it and found the deck of cards.”
Glenraven nodded as he stared at the card. His father never carried a deck of cards. No one would trust them. “Thank you, Watts.”
Watts quietly left the room.
Glenraven put thoughts about his father’s health aside and tried to piece together the puzzles of the accident. “Where is the carriage now?”
“I had it locked up in my mews,” Barrington replied, his tone somber and resolute. “The carriage had to be placed in a remote area. It smelled of lemon and smoke. Your father insisted that Watts entertained some doxy, which, of course, he denies.”
“Of course.” Glenraven relaxed, but only a bit. “You didn’t send the coin to me because of my father’s accident. But why do I feel that his accident and your coin have some connection?”
Chapter Four
“Ithink youare correct.” Barrington settled into the chair and set the tone. Glenraven could feel the military edge seep into the conversation.
“Your father’s past brush with gamblers and his rehabilitation, with your assistance, went exceedingly well. Everyone thought he was a duke who—”
“Had a bad gambling problem,” Glenraven remembered that mission very well. That was a difficult assignment, one that, if he wasn’t careful, could have cost his father his life.
“You handled the situation well.”
“My father found the scoundrel who preyed on those young men. Once the matter was resolved, Father put his cards away. Although, he plays at White’s every so often to keep his hand in the game, to say nothing of his private games with Quinto. In case his skills were needed again.” He took the ace of hearts from his pocket and stared at it. “But that was seven years ago before I left for Spain.”
“The situation we have is one in which gentlemen of thetonare targets, the ones who need blunt and are willing to take great chances. They are drawn into a weekly game with high stakes. They may win at first, but their luck runs out as well as their money.”
“And my father answered your call.” Glenraven put the card back in his pocket.
“No. I didn’t call upon your father. He was the person who came to me with the problem. An acquaintance of his had lost more than just their money. Determined to get to the bottom of the scheme and find justice for his friend, he decided to intervene. With his reputation, no one would suspect him of being anything other than a wealthy man enticed back into gambling.”
“Are you saying that he did this all on his own?” Glenraven raised his voice with each word. What was his father thinking? He rubbed the back of his neck and glanced at his father laying still in bed. “This is my fault.”
“Hush. Lower your voice,” Barrington cautioned as he glanced in Glenraven’s father’s direction.
“Or what? I’ll wake him up. It would serve him right.” Glenraven quieted down. “This is my fault. I should never have involved him in any of my work for you. He must have tried to employ the same tactics we used when he helped me with the situation several years ago.” He glanced at Barrington. “We both knew that I was too young, unknown in gambling circles to infiltrate that game. But Father? Everyone knew of his gambling luck and was more than eager to sit at a table with him.” Glenraven’s fingers tapped on the arm of his chair in a steady rhythm. “He had no idea what you and I did to make that all work. I kept him far away from all that.” He let out a short mocking laugh. “If I fully included him then, he would have known he couldn’t work this alone.” He shook his head in frustration. “How could you let him take such a risk alone?”
