Special Dedication to TheBeautifulTrio, amandaolson3958, Vampire_Writes & CatIsMaBaby for The Wolf Awards!!!!

This chapter has been revised in September 2023

Not having enough time to get to the stables for a horse, Lord Freeman followed the strange man on foot. While keeping his distance, he wondered how to attain more information on him. Richard thought about marching back inside and confronting Miss Fulton; however, before he could make a rational decision, he noticed someone exit the stables. The lad, a servant, made his way toward the stranger, and it appeared they were familiar with one another.

How peculiar, Richard thought as he quickened his steps, careful not to draw attention. He darted behind a large Magnolia tree, getting as near as he could get without being seen. Drat, I'm not close enough to gain any knowledge. If I move closer, he will spot me, and he must not know I have witnessed his deplorable behavior.

A quick, albeit friendly exchange between the two men, gave Lord Freeman an idea as he watched the stranger make his way off the property, but lost sight of him as he reached Piccadilly. The stable hand returned to the stables, and Lord Freeman followed, careful not to frighten the lad, who appeared to be gathering his belongings. Richard cleared his throat.

Riley spun around at the sound; his eyes widened at the sight of Lord Freeman. "You startled me, milord!"

"Forgive my intrusion. I didn't mean to alarm or sneak up on you, lad. What, pray tell, are you doing in the stables at this hour?" Richard gave a friendly smile, his hands clasped behind his back. He didn't want to upset the lad, yet he needed information, and Richard planned to get it. He hoped to catch flies with honey.

"Milord, something unsettled the horses, mayhap tonight's unfortunate events. Poor creatures are all rather spooked, and it seems they all sense the distress." Riley appeared nervous. "I'm very fond of them and didn't want to leave them anxious and upset, so I stayed to soothe them, milord," he said with a shrug of his shoulder. "A little special treatment has done them a world of good, but now I must retire and be back at first light." Riley sounded passionate, but Richard heard the fear that tinged his kind words.

"I see, and I admire your dedication and fondness for the beautiful beasts," Richard announced and believed the lad cared for their wellbeing. "I'd have to say we have that in common. Thank you for the extra care you've shown to mine. I couldn't sleep and came to check on her myself." The lie flowed like silk from Richard's lips.

"'Tis no problem, milord. I'm happy to oblige." He seemed to relax a bit, but Richard knew the lad was still wondering if he had seen Riley with Mr. Winferd. "She sure is a fine bit of horseflesh."

"That she is," Richard agreed. "What is your name, lad?" he asked with a warm smile. Richard needed him to feel at ease so he could find out what Riley knew.

"Riley, milord," he answered and bowed to the marquess. "'Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lord Freeman."

Surprised that the lad knew his name, Richard smiled. "Likewise, Riley, but I don't wish to keep you." Then Richard's tone turned serious. "But I require your help."

"Help?" Riley raised his brow. "I'll be glad to help you, milord," Riley stated, but alarm flashed in his eyes.

"About the gentleman, to whom you were speaking," Lord Freeman said while looking down and kicking at a rock. After a beat, he glanced back up at Riley. "What do you know of him?"

Riley's audible intake of breath and enlarged eyes spoke volumes. "I know little, but I fear losing my position! I have a babe on the way. Please, milord, it shan't happen again," Riley bemoaned in fear.

"Calm yourself, lad. I'm baffled and need you to tell me everything you know of the man."

Richard noticed the stricken look on Riley's face, and in a comforting voice, said, "Your position is safe, and you have my word as a gentleman."

"Thank you, milord, but I'm afraid I know very little." Riley shook his head and frowned.

"I bet you know more than you think. You know more than I do, since I know absolutely nothing. So, let's start at the beginning." Lord Freeman approached Riley and patted his back. He needed the lad to spill the beans.

Riley recounted his unexpected encounter with the stranger, sneaking around the Lancaster Estate leaving nothing out. Once finished, he let out a long breath and Richard figured he was preparing for a lashing that would never come. Riley's regret seemed genuine, and Richard would keep his word.

"Thank you for your honesty, Riley. You are courageous. You do not know how much I appreciate your help. Now that I have some information, let's keep this incident to ourselves. I know servants love to gossip, and it's quite normal, but I ask you for your silence. There are reputations at stake, and I need your word that you won't speak of our conversations tonight. I will, in turn, protect your employment if it should ever be in jeopardy over the matter." Lord Freeman studied Riley and waited for his response.

"Yes, milord, my lips are sealed. Pray, forgive my impertinence, but Mr. Winferd sounded very sincere and most upset. It won't happen again; you may be sure," Riley announced and offered his hand to seal the deal.

"Go home, lad, and I will plan for someone to take over for you in the morning. Sleep in a few extra hours, but I may need your help in the future." Lord Freeman patted Riley's shoulder and took his leave.

Richard knew Mr. Alexander Winferd's name, that he was staying at Brown's Hotel, and that he was here for The Fulton Shipping Line. And being here for business made perfect sense, but what bothered him was the other information Riley had imparted. Could it be possible that Miss Fulton was stringing William along? If Mr. Winferd was indeed her beau, or worse, how was he to tell William? He needed to know for sure.

I will find out everything I can, and then I will inform William. If Miss Fulton has been lying or omitting parts of her life from New York, it will devastate William. 'Tis a terrible mess, indeed! ​

∞∞∞

Jade woke covered in sweat and tensed up as soon as she thought of Alexander. She shook the cobwebs from her sleep-deprived mind and strained to reach the bell cord. Her arm was stiff and throbbing, but she needed to hurry and dress.

Stress consumed her, but she wanted to check on William. Once Jade knew he was all right and comfortable, she would go to the dining room to break her fast. Her goal was to be present when Alexander called on her mother and uncle. Keeping a vigilant eye on the sly cad was imperative.

A light knock sounded on the door. "Come in, Suzanna," Jade replied with cheer.

"Morning, miss. I'm surprised you are awake so early." Suzanna narrowed her eyes at her mistress.

"I'm sorry to wake you after last night, but time is of the essence. I need to be downstairs before Alexander arrives. He is not to be trusted. And I must stay a step ahead of him," Jade replied, her tone stern.

"I understand, but you need your rest and I can tell by your eyes you're uncomfortable. Is your arm troubling you? I can get the doctor to look at it. He's still here." Suzanna seemed to plead with her eyes.

"It throbs a bit, but I shall be fine. I need to dress and check on William. Will you fetch my light blue morning gown?"

"Of course, if you're sure. I still think you should have the doctor check your arm," Suzanna chided.

"Thank you, Suzanna. I promise to have him look at it after I break my fast, and see what that wretched Alexander is on about."

"I'm going to hold you to that..." She shook her finger at Jade. "And about Mr. Winferd..." Suzanna stopped speaking as if wondering how to finish her sentence.

"What about him? You can talk to me about anything, Suzanna. I'm your friend. Don't be afraid or shy."

"Well, he alluded to the fact that you were... courting." Suzanna blushed but continued braiding Jade's hair.

"I was afraid of that but 'tis a lie. Alexander is a loathsome fortune hunter. Although I've dissuaded him, he will not give up. Even after I gave him the cut-direct, the cad shows up in my bloody bedchamber!"

"Well, I'm so relieved to hear there is something off with the man. My skin crawls around him and I fear he could be dangerous!" Suzanna glared into the looking glass while putting the finishing touches on Jade's hair.

"Yes, I believe you are right. I'm glad someone else sees through to Alexander's genuine character. I may need you as a chaperone later, but I'm not sure just yet." Jade stood and smiled.

"Whatever you need, but let's get your sling back on before you run off. I'm going to check in on Abby and see if she needs my help. Don't forget to have the doctor check out your arm; it appears swollen." Suzanna adjusted the sling as worry marred her features.

"Thank you, Suzanna, for everything. You have been a wonderful friend to me, and I intend to return the favor." Jade glanced at Suzanna's handy work and grinned.

"I'm not sure how you pulled it off, but I don't look as dreadful as I feel. Thank you, and I will seek you out later. Tell Abby I may need her as well." Jade embraced Suzanna with her uninjured arm and left for Lord Anson's chamber. 

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