They had finished their inspection of the track and went to their horses to return to the house.
After cleaning up in the mudroom and returning to Thomas’s study, the two men were surprised to find none other than Helena’s father waiting for them.
“Lord Comerford, you are the last person I expected to see visiting Pemberton,” Thomas said, “What brings you here today?”
Ralph looked disturbed as he stood up from where he was sitting.
“I have a sad tale to tell,” he said.
George’s face blanched. “Has something happened to Helena?”
“No, no. Nothing like that. Did not mean to give you a fright about her. No, it is my problem. And only I am to blame.” He turned to Thomas. “Your Grace it concerns you… us… and I need your advice and help.”
“Then I believe you might wish for some fortification. Might I offer you a scotch? I believe that is your drink, is it not?”
“Would not refuse,” he said.
Thomas went to pour the drinks. “George, for you as well?”
George laughed. “A bit early for me, but why not. Sounds as though we might all need some fortification.”
Thomas served the drinks and remained standing as the others sat.
“Now then,” Thomas said, “What is it you have to tell us?”
“Well, first of all, your uncle has been arrested for smuggling—using my ships. And therein lies the tale of my woes.”
Both Thomas and George were stunned by this announcement.
Ralph then laid out the story of his collusion with Wilcox, under the pressure of blackmail, to smuggle rum from the West Indies to avoid the high government taxes.
“And where is my uncle now?” Thomas asked.
“I believe he is still in Gloucester, but waiting transport to London for indictment and eventually trial.”
George asked, “And why did you turn him in if he was blackmailing you? Certainly, he will now reveal your involvement with selling arms to Napoleon.”
Ralph bowed his head. “Most likely. And I am certain I shall pay the price, but I could not, in good conscience, allow those brigands to get away with their villainy.”
Thomas said, “This is going to devastate my Grandmother. Even though Wilcox had a checkered past, he was still her son.”
“Do you think this will affect our business in any way?” George asked. “Might your uncle’s reputation taint ours?”
“Unlikely. We have been aboveboard in all our dealings and will continue to do so.” Then Thomas smiled slightly. “However, it might taint our family’s reputation in the Lady Alderman’s eyes.”
“I am sorry, Thomas,” George said. “But does that matter to you after what you told me earlier?”
“We shall see.” He then turned to Ralph. “Lord Comerford, is there any way I can help you in your situation?”
“You would do that?” Ralph asked incredulously.
“Of course, why should I not? A fellow peer, and father of a dear friend, is in need. Is that not what we do for each other?”
“Might you be able to speak to your uncle? Perhaps he could be persuaded to not tell the authorities about my unfortunate activities in France.”
“That seems unlikely, Ralph. I am certain if he wanted to turn against you, he would have done so by now. He is not a charitable person and he will do anything in his power to save himself if he can by involving you.”
“Then I am lost,” Ralph said, hanging his head in despair.
