Hastings picked up a letter from his desk, reading it over once more. It was an invitation to a clandestine meeting with men who shared his ambition. Hastings scanned the list of influential men who had pledged their support in exchange for his political favors: Earl Marchant, Surveyor General of Ordinance; Viscount Montague, Deputy Secretary of the Board of Control. Hastings’ gaze lingered on the last name. Rockford’s boss, Edward, Duke Oakdene, Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. Lord Barrington’s brother, how poetic, given their rivalry. No love was lost there.
Gaining their backing was critical to his success. With their influence, he could discredit Rockford and position himself as a trusted ally to the king. Then there is the lovely Lora. Her endowment was a significant prize, and he was determined to win her favor. Her fortune would be his to do as he pleased. He had already begun to charm her but knew he needed to be careful. Rockford’s presence was a constant threat, and he couldn’t afford any missteps. Removing him as a competitor was the first order of business.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Enter,” Hastings called, setting his papers aside.
A messenger stepped in, bowing slightly. “A letter, sir. Need I wait for a response?”
Hastings took the letter. “No, that will be all.” He dismissed the messenger with a curt nod. He opened it, his eyes scanning the contents quickly. A slow smile spread across his face.
“So, a gala at Evergreen Lodge,” he murmured to himself. “An event that will surely attract the elite.” He tapped the letter against his chin thoughtfully. “With the right timing and subtle suggestions, I’ll shift the narrative ensuring Rockford’s reputation unravels even more.”
His mind was already working on how best to manipulate the situation to further his ambitions. He glanced at the clock. It was time to put his plan into action. And if all went well, he would finally have the power and influence he deserved.
Chapter Nine
“My lord, thisjust arrived from Lord Barrington.” Rockford’s butler extended the salver to him containing a note with Barrington’s seal.
Rockford took the message and opened it immediately. Barrington wasn’t one to send messages at this time of night.
Rockford,
I have come across some troubling information that requires your immediate attention.
His brow furrowed as he read further. Hastings, always Hastings.
We have incontrovertible evidence that Hastings has been making inquiries about Lora’s endowment and her involvement with the clinic. His interest seems more than casual, and I fear he may be planning something that could jeopardize her reputation and the success of our efforts.
Rockford’s jaw tightened. Hastings’ schemes were growing bolder, and now Lora was directly in his sights. He began pacing as he continued reading.
Additionally, I have noticed an increase in suspicious activity around town. There have been reports ofstrangers loitering near the clinic, asking pointed questions about its operations and funding. Some have even inquired about Lora’s routines and the nature of her work. This could be a precursor to something more serious.
Rockford stood still, his grip tightening on the parchment. Strangers asking about Lora? This wasn’t mere coincidence, it was a warning.
We need to discuss our next steps and ensure we are prepared for potential threats. Meet me here tonight.
He folded the note carefully and tucked it into his coat pocket. There was no time to waste.
Barrington
Rockford knew he had to act swiftly. Failure meant exposing Lora to harm and watching Hastings’ plans unravel everything he had worked for. It was not an option he could afford, for either of them.
“Have my horse brought around,” he told his butler as he gathered his papers.
His man quietly left the room. Rockford, papers in hand, stood and headed for the door. It was going to be a long night.
Rockford rode through the quiet countryside, the rhythmic sound of his horse’s hooves providing a steady accompaniment to his racing thoughts. Barrington’s urgent message was heavy on his mind. Hastings’ inquiries about Lora’s endowment and the suspicious activity around town were troubling enough, but the potential threat to Lora’s reputation and the clinic’s success made the situation even more dire.
As he rode, Rockford mentally prepared for the meeting. He needed to approach the conversation with Lora carefully,ensuring she understood the potential dangers without alarming her unnecessarily. He also needed to strategize with Barrington to counter Hastings’ plans and protect Lora and the clinic.
Arriving at Barrington’s estate, Rockford dismounted and handed the reins to a waiting groom. He headed to the study where Barrington was already waiting, poring over a stack of documents.
“Thank you for coming,” Barrington replied, looking up from the papers.
Rockford nodded, taking a seat across from him. “What have you uncovered?”
Barrington handed him a small stack of documents. “We have testimonies from local merchants who Hastings bribed to withhold donations and supplies from the clinic. They were paid handsomely to ensure the clinic would struggle.”
Rockford’s eyes scanned the testimonies, his anger mounting. “This is damning. What else?”
