Page 135 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“All of these details of Lord Rowe’s movements were conveyed via letters across the Channel?”

“He sent daily letters, but he also sent a summary back with Mr. Roberts.”

“I see. And what were his three completed assignments? We know about the diamonds, and it seems they were delivered to this SR. I assume that is Mr. Roberts?”

“Yes. Do you see what else was delivered to Mr. Roberts?”

“Of course. Three paintings and a girl…You do not think it could be Mrs. Younge?” Darcy looked in wonder at his cousin, his excitement now entirely understandable.

“Etches said the girl’s name was none other than Guillemine Baudains.”

Darcy laughed in surprise. “I could never have guessed the connection. But wait, what is the connection?”

“Miss Guillemine Baudains had a favorite paternal aunt by the name of Nicole Baudains. This Nicole emigrated to England and married very well. She then wished to bring her niece, then seventeen, out of the dangers of France. Her new uncle, Lord John Persing, arranged for her to travel from her home in Rouen to Antwerp, where she could be smuggled to England and reunited with her aunt and her betrothed, one Amice Coutanche.”

“Miss Baudains made it to England, but Minny Bowden never married this Mr. Coutanche, did she? She married Mr. Jeune.”

“You are getting ahead of yourself, Darcy. Remember Mr. Roberts?”

“Er, yes. The agent who was to deliver Miss Baudains to England.”

“Miss Baudains, the paintings, and the diamonds.”

“Of course. Did he give her a few gems on the way?”

“Not likely, but we cannot know. Roberts returned to England and gave three landscape paintings to Etches. He was then expected to take the diamonds to the Bank of England and finally, the girl to the earl, her uncle, Lord Persing. Before he reached the bank, Roberts was killed.”

Darcy stopped his cousin. “So, Roberts delivered the paintings to Etches first and then went to the bank? And the girl was with him this whole time?”

“Yes. Etches said he met her but left her in an anteroom while he conversed with Roberts. Aside from the girl, Etches was the last one to see Roberts alive. He had a case full of diamonds with him then, and Etches informed me he sifted them through his fingers before sending Roberts on his way. The diamonds and the girl were never seen nor heard from again.”

“Because she changed her name to Minny Bowden. But did she not live with her aunt and uncle, the Persings?”

“That is where Etches and his men looked first, but they never found her. Remember the paintings?”

“Yes. What was their purpose?”

“Lord Rowe’s reason for going to the opera that first night in Antwerp was not to entertain his young wife. In fact, with her facility in speaking French being better than his—though his Dutch was useful—she was an asset in helping him gain intelligence. They were there to intercept French plans. Etches said Lord Rowe hid his copy of his daily reports and the military information inside the frame of one of the paintings. The papers Etches recovered that day also proved Lord Persing and his wife were traitors to England, as was Mr. Coutanche. All were working for the French cause. It is possible Miss Baudains was a part of it, as well, but they did not have proof. She may have killed Roberts and stolen the diamonds without contacting her aunt and uncle at all before they were arrested.”

“And Mr. Coutanche, her betrothed?”

“He was captured the day after the girl’s aunt and uncle. All three were hanged for treason, but no trace was found of the girl. Etches said the papers Lord Rowe sent back in the painting also made possible the success of a battle six weeks later that saved the Austrian Netherlands from French occupation.”

Darcy sat in silence for a few minutes, taking in all he had learned. Finally, he asked one of his two burning questions.

“What did Mr. Etches say when you told him you knew who Miss Baudains is?”

Richard laughed. “He told me to have fun and reminded me he is retired.”

Darcy smiled. “I think we will. You did say I could join you to speak with Mrs. Younge, did you not?”

“I did. Her recent stint as your sister’s companion will give us the perfect entry into her company.”

Darcy looked at his cousin to gauge his reaction.

“I also want to visit the duke, Lord Rowe’s relation.”

“The duke is his father, but why visit him?” His cousin appeared skeptical.