Page 37 of Code Name Duchess


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“These letters are almost identical,” Markham said. “I believe it is safe to say that the same gang has taken both your siblings. And I am confident I know who they are.”

Seth’s head snapped around. “You are? Tell us, do not leave us in suspense.”

Markham cleared his throat and adjusted his large white cravat.

“I received your notification about your visit to St. Giles, Your Grace, and questioned some of my contacts regarding the house you visited.”

Winnifred, who had been looking out of the window, turned her attention towards the investigator.

“I am familiar with the area of St. Giles and the house you described venturing into, which I must tell you was a somewhat reckless thing to do and could have had dire consequences for the both of you. Be that as it may, it is indeed a well-known hub for one of the most notorious gangs in St. Giles. They go by the nameThe Roamers.”

Tension filled Seth’s shoulders at the sound of the name. “I have heard of them. I did not think that they were engaged in kidnapping. I thought they were primarily concerned with things such as running the brothels and flophouses.”

“They are. Or rather, they were. Their leader, a man known only as Elton, has dramatically expanded their reach and operations. In addition to relieving members of the nobility of their gold and guineas by way of gambling and satisfying their hunger for pretty young women through their brothels, they engage in some darker activities.”

“Activities such as what?” Winnie asked. Her tone, so filled with weariness, greatly concerned Seth. He knew that her unfortunate encounter with her sister greatly affected her, and the helplessness that consumed him was crushing. His desire to support her and protect her was growing more intense, and yet he knew there was nothing he could do to ease her burden. Their situation was almost impossible. And the decision they would have to make in the next few minutes weighed significantly upon them both.

“Activities such as blackmail.” Markham looked at Seth. “Your Grace, I am sure I do not have to tell you that among your brethren are some who engaged in activities that might place them inon-ditsat the very least. The scandal sheets have grown hungrier and hungrier for information, and they pay handsomely now. Handsomely enough to interest gangs such as theRoamers. They have gathered information about assorted members of the nobility and sold information to the scandal sheets. However, rumor has it that they started using the information to blackmail those members of the peerage who have the most to lose.”

Seth shook his head. “Many members of high society are born with an inflated sense of self and with a distinct lack of loyalty. We will discriminate against those lower in rank than us and relish in the misfortune of those above us.”

Markham smirked, “There are not many highborn Lords, and certainly no Dukes that I know of, who are as aware as you, Your Grace. It is refreshing to see.”

“I am glad to hear it. Now, what are we to do? What do you know about this Elton?” Seth asked.

Markham sucked in air through his teeth and clicked his tongue.

“He is a dangerous man. My advice is to follow his instructions diligently. Raise the funds, bring the sack of money to the pavilion at the Vauxhall Gardens, and wait for your siblings’ return.”

“What if he doesn’t release them?” Winnifred asked.

“They will. If they do not, then future attempts at kidnapping will not be fruitful. If it becomes public knowledge that Elton breaks his word, nobody will pay a ransom. I am certain, if you do as he says, he will release them. Deviate from his instructions, and I cannot guarantee a happy outcome.”

“But if we do as they say, our siblings will be saved?” Seth asked, the anxiety crashing down upon his chest.

It occurred to Seth that he had no idea how the exchange would take place. With all the people at the Gardens, were Rose and Leo somewhere among them? Surely, if they were, they would call for help. Were the gang members going to take the money and release their hostages at some later time? He brought these concerns up to Mr. Markham, who shrugged.

“Usually, in situations such as this, the gang will take the ransom money, ensure it is all there, and then at some later time release their hostages. I have been involved in an exchange where the hostages were released immediately and at the place of exchange, and others where they were released hours later at a different location. Given that Vauxhall Gardens is not usually very busy in the afternoon, it could be they will bring them there and keep them somewhere on a boat nearby.”

“So you suggest we deposit the money and then wait?”

“I believe so. You could, of course, involve my old colleagues, the Bow Street Runners, and you could set a trap, but if it goes wrong, especially after he specifically stated the authorities are not to be involved…” He shook his head and looked down at his hands.

He didn’t need to complete his sentence, Seth already had a good picture of it. This man Elton was an ice-cold, ruthless killer. For a man to invest this much time into following a nobleman, uncover his darkest secret only to use it against him, spoke of a man who was determined to get what he wanted.

“I will get the money together. It is not easy on such short notice. I wish we had received the demands sooner, but it can be done.”

Beside him, Winnifred agreed. “Yes, we must do so. We will follow their instructions to the letter. We will wait at the Pavilion for the exchange and bring them home.”

Markham cleared his throat. “I believe it would be better if you were not there for the exchange, Miss Keating. I will gladly accompany His Grace to deposit the money, but it is much too dangerous for a lady.”

Winnie narrowed her eyes as irritation settled on her beautiful face. “He is my brother. I will be there. We have come so far, and I have invested so much in this I will not allow you to exclude me. No, Seth and I will both be there alongside you as we recover our siblings.”

Seth couldn’t help but smirk. He always suspected there was a fire in Winnifred, but these past few days, he had seen it in all its glory. The passion and the strength of her desire to find her brother only intensified Seth’s feelings for her.

All these years, he secretly admired her for her grace, her beauty, and wit—but now that he truly knew her, there was no denying it. He loved her for so much more. Her empathy and integrity, her strength and vulnerability—he loved it all.

When they left the investigator’s office with the understanding they would meet tomorrow at Vauxhall Gardens, Seth stopped on the pavement and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and when he opened his eyes, he found Winnie looking up at him.