“But there might be other ways I could help you.”
“I am going to need the very best London solicitor. I am afraid my knowledge of such chaps is limited. Might you be able to help me find one?”
“I know the very best. I shall write to him immediately. And let me ask, have you been contacted by any law enforcement yet?”
“Not yet. However, as I was the one who informed on Wilcox and his cohort, it should not be long before Wilcox, during his interrogation, will return the favor by informing on me. It is only a matter of time.”
“Then I suggest you contact my solicitor immediately so that you and he can be prepared for whatever consequences may develop.”
Again, Ralph seemed contrite. “I have misjudged you, Thomas. Helena has always been right about you. I hope you can forgive me. Thank you, Your Grace.”
Thomas wrote out the information about his solicitor and handed it to Ralph. I shall write my friend immediately and let me know if there is anything more I can do for you or your family.”
Ralph bowed and said before he left, “You are a true gentleman, Your Grace, and my family shall be forever indebted to you for your gracious help.” He then turned to George, “And Mr. Edgerton, I will be proud to have you as a son-in-law. Good day, gentlemen.”
* * *
Aunt Rosemary sat with Helena and George in her sitting room as Helena finished reciting the saga of her father’s disgrace.
“Had you any idea of this collusion with the French?” Helena asked her aunt.
“None. But the old goat had more sass than I ever expected. Just imagine…”
“But is not treason a hanging offense?” Helena asked, nearly at the edge of tears.
“It might be,” George answered. “But I expect it will depend on the circumstances and how deeply he was involved. He told us he had no idea his ships were being used to transport illegal arms to France. And Thomas has directed your father to the very best solicitor in these matters. I feel certain your father will be well defended.”
“And what about our wedding?” Helena asked, now actually crying. “How can we possibly move forward until this matter gets resolved?”
George stood and went to put his arms around Helena. “Your father has not been accused yet, my dear. Let us put everything on hold and not make any firm decisions, one way or the other until we know the full extent of these matters. Who knows… it may come to nothing.”
Helena looked up at him, gratefully, as she dried her eyes. “Whatever would I do without you, my dear?”
“Fortunately, you do not have to. I am right here by your side.”
Rosemary pushed herself up to a standing position and said, “Well, we are family. My dears, you let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Money, comfort, banging on some judge’s door in the middle of the night. And my Sebastian knew a lot of folks who could be useful. Just give me the nod, and you will see the holy terror I can become.”
Chapter 34
It was a glorious, brisk autumn day soon after the snowstorm. George and Thomas were standing on a ridge overlooking the work on the racetrack and also watching Barnstable leading Robert out on Siren, the eldest and best-trained horse. Barnstable rode one of the Duke’s personal horses beside the young lad as they trotted gently across a field.
“Easy on the reins,” Barnstable said. “You are pulling too tight. Ease up on the bit.”
The boy complied.
“How is the saddle? Does it need adjusting?”
“Not certain, sir. Seems to be fine, but do not know enough to know,” he said with a laugh.
“I think the stirrups need tightening. I know it pushes you forward in the saddle. But that is the point, and you will get used to it eventually. You need to build those leg muscles.”
“And if I grow more?” Robert asked.
“Let us hope not too much. Need you short and lean.”
“But I can do nothin’ ‘bout that Mr. Barnstable.”
“P’rhaps not. But if I knock you on the head enough, might stunt your growth.” And with that Barnstable spurred ahead and left the lad to figure out how to get his horse to follow after.
