Page 83 of The Duke of Pain

“True enough, Your Grace,” Rainer replied.

“The man has been my stepfather for thirty years. I know how he thinks. He probably calculated that I wouldn’t care if he stole a few bits and bobs from a house I haven’t lived in for decades. That I would let it slide as I would be glad to be rid of him,” Gideon said gruffly. “Perhaps the old Watford would have ignored it. But not now. Especially after abducting the woman that I love. Beating and humiliating her. That I would never ignore. He must be punished.”

“Quite right, Your Grace,” Rainer agreed. “Abominable. Since that took place in London, you will have to take that matter up with the Met Police. But the thievery? The Essex Constabulary will handle it, never fear.”

“It helps that we know where he is,” Gideon held up the telegram.

They had stopped in Fobbing on the way back, and there was a telegram from Althea’s sister, Eleanora. Billy had been in contact as promised. Whinstone was staying at an inn just east of South Benfleet.

“It’s obvious he’s heading toward the largest town in the county, Southend-on-Sea, to sell the goods,” Gideon proclaimed.

“I concur, Your Grace. Are you acquainted with the Earl of Southen?” Rainer questioned.

Gideon’s eyebrows knotted. “Not personally, why do you ask?”

“He is in an asylum, the verdict from the court. The sentence came from breaking in and assaulting a woman at a brothel in London last year. I bring it up to show there is some justice for wayward peers. Even though it was hushed up in the papers.”

“Good to know.”

Actually, he had heard that an earl had been removed from the House of Lords, had it happened already? Must have, lunatics, cannot serve, as they say.

“Since Foxmont is on the way,” Gideon said, changing the subject. “We will stop briefly to inform the ladies of our plan, and to show you the rooms Whinstone emptied and to hear the servants’ version of what occurred.”

Rainer nodded. “The stop must be brief, for the sooner we catch up to the duke, the better. I can acquire detailed information from the servants later, Your Grace.”

They no sooner arrived, and Olivia ran to his arms. Blast it all, he didn’t care if everyone watched their embrace, including the staff. Gideon held her close to his heart and smoothed her hair.

“All is well. We have a location thanks to Billy and the Galway Agency.” After kissing Olivia’s forehead, Gideon made quick introductions.

Henderson mentioned the man who had struck him at Whinstone’s behest. Then Gideon showed the chief the bare walls and the empty drawing room. Then the library.

“I’ve seen and heard enough for now,” Rainer stated. “We had best be on our way. Catch him before he escapes. We can take it from here, Your Grace.”

“Not a chance, Rainer. I am coming with you. Ladies, I would take you, but the carriage is full as it is,” Gideon said. “And we have to bring back Whinstone and his accomplices. I would leave Archie, but I need him to point out this Billy person. And we may need the extra hands.”

“In other words, male hands,” Olivia huffed, clearly disappointed.

“Yes, love. Strength is needed in this instance. I am sure Althea would concur.”

“Reluctantly. Yes. Go with the duke, Archie. And mind what he says,” Althea replied.

After the farewells, they were on the road toward South Benfleet.

Once past the town, they found the inn in question, The Anchor and Swan. Over to the side of the building, parked under a shelter, were two wagons covered with tarps. Gideon and one of the constables stealthily made their way to the wagons. Lifting the tarp, the constable held his lit bullseye lamp high so they could see.

Gideon recognized the furniture and wall hangings from the drawing room and dining room. He turned toward the chief and nodded.

A young man stepped out of the shadows.

Archie moved forward to stand next to Gideon. “It’s Billy, Your Grace,” he whispered.

Gideon held out his hand to Billy. “Well done,” he said in a quiet voice.

The young man nodded, took his hand, and shook it.

What happened next could almost be farcical theater, or that is how Gideon recalled it later.

After entering the inn, they questioned the innkeeper about what room the man who owned the wagons stayed in. The men started up the stairs. A woman—a decidedly pregnant one—screamed at the top of her lungs as soon as she spotted the uniformed constables.