Chapter Fifteen #2
He braced for, and was glad to hear, the first shrill whistle and echoing response. He pulled gently on the reins to bring his horse to a stop. “We’ll wait for the men to come to us.”
His horse waited patiently while one man raced toward him on horseback from the stables. Another ran toward him from what Tremayne knew was the side of the house that had a ladder leading to the rooftop. The third man rounded the building from the back, joining the other two a moment later.
O’Malley dismounted. “Tremayne! Is Coventry involved in this matter?”
“Is there trouble in London?” Garahan asked.
“’Tis either Pippa or Millie and her babe,” Flaherty stated.
“Aye, the captain is involved, and it is connected to trouble in London,” Tremayne answered. “You’re also right, Flaherty. It does involve Miss Stanhope and Captain Trentchester’s wife and son. I’m given to understand that you have a vested interest in the matter.”
“That I do. The lass and I are to be married in just a few hours.”
“Then congratulations are definitely in order. But first, I bring news from Coventry—with the caveat that I must first confirm the identities of the two women claiming to be Miss Stanhope and Mrs. Trentchester. Where is his lordship?”
O’Malley frowned, but did not gainsay Tremayne. “Come with me.”
Garahan shared a look with Flaherty, but remained silent.
Flaherty, on the other hand, squared his shoulders and lifted his chin. “Are ye saying that the lass and her friend have lied to us?”
“Not at all. I’m saying I have been tasked by the captain to verify that they are who they claim to be because of the delicacy of the situation. Though I suppose we can wait a few days, until two of Miss Stanhope’s brothers arrive.”
“Why haven’t they been protecting the lass all along?” Flaherty demanded.
“Captain Stanhope has been given special leave from the Royal Navy. His younger brother Lieutenant Stanhope, with the Royal Marines, has been given the same.”
“And you believe there will be charges filed against the two women we have been protecting if—though there is no question in me mind whether either woman has lied to us”—Flaherty paused, trying to contain his anger—“Miss Stanhope’s brothers arrive ready to rout out who their family believes are imposters. ”
“That sums it up,” Tremayne said. “Lead on, O’Malley.
I’d like to question the women as soon as possible.
Coventry is waiting for the missive from me confirming their story.
” When Flaherty and Garahan fell into step behind them, Tremayne paused.
“I do not want to upset either of the women by questioning them with all three of you present.”
“As the lass is going to be me wife in a few hours, I’ll bloody well be there when ye question her,” Flaherty replied.
“We have come to hold Miss Stanhope and Mrs. Trentchester in high regard,” Garahan added. “Ye’ll have the three of us, as the guard responsible for protecting His Grace’s sister and her family.”
O’Malley nodded. “Garahan has the right of it, Tremayne. We’ve made a vow to His Grace. We’ll be with ye when ye question the women. We’re bound by blood to protect Flaherty’s bride-to-be, and have said as much.”
Tremayne stared at O’Malley. “I have no problem questioning the women separately.”
“Like hell ye will.” Flaherty’s eyes blazed with anger. “Pippa has promised to protect Millie with her life, and gained me pledge to take in Millie and her babe and protect them with me life.”
Tremayne shook his head, but before he could speak, Garahan added, “We’ve given our word to include Millie and her son under our protection. Ye’ll include the three of us in yer questioning, or we’ll be going a few rounds in the outbuilding.”
God, Tremayne loved working with these men! Their word was their bond, and their vow of honor would never be broken. “Alert whoever on staff will be taking over your shifts…and an hour or so afterward while I go a few rounds—starting with you, Flaherty.”
Flaherty grunted.
Garahan nodded, and O’Malley called to the stable lad, who approached. “Take care of Tremayne’s mount, and tell the stable master we’ll be in a meeting with his lordship. Have the men assigned to take over our shifts do so immediately.”
Stalking toward the back of the building, O’Malley yanked open the door and barked at the footman, “Let Timmons know immediately that Garahan, Flaherty, and I will be in a meeting with his lordship.”
“Aye, O’Malley.” The footman rushed off to do his bidding.
As the men strode toward the kitchen, two footmen rushed past them, heading outside. With a nod to the cook, O’Malley paused to ask, “Mrs. Green, where are Mrs. Trentchester and Miss Stanhope?”
The cook brushed the flour off her hands and glanced nervously at Tremayne before answering. “They were going to be trying on gowns to wear to the wedding this afternoon.”
Her tremulous smile had Tremayne wanting to reassure the woman. “Lieutenant Tremayne, at your service, Mrs. Green. I’m here on behalf of Captain Coventry.”
The worry in her gaze was replaced by curiosity. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Turning to O’Malley, she said, “Please let his lordship know that I can have a tea tray ready in a trice.”
“Thank ye, Mrs. Green. I shall pass along yer message.”
Tremayne hoped he would be able to allay the fears of any other of the household staff as easily as he had the cook’s, who was not unduly upset by his scar. As he followed O’Malley and the others, he hoped the women were who they claimed to be—for everyone’s sake.