Wolverstone inclined his head, and the butler moved to throw open the door to their left.
Declan waved Wolverstone, Melville, and Robert through; as Declan started to follow, Robert heard the butler ask, Should I inform her ladyship, sir?
Without hesitation, Declan replied, Please.
Sinking into one of the numerous armchairs spread around the cozy room, Robert was surprised that Declan hadnt even paused before summoning his wife to attend what was clearly destined to be a business meetingalthough of what business, Robert couldnt guess.
Declan had barely had a chance to offer his guests refreshmentswhich they all declinedbefore the door opened and Edwina swept in, bringing all four men to their feet.
Fetchingly gowned in cornflower-blue-and-white-striped silk, she looked happy and delightedglowing with an uncomplicated enthusiasm for life. Although her first smile was for Declan, in the next breath, she turned her radiance on Robert and opened her arms. Robert!
He couldnt help but smile widely in return and allow her the liberty of an embrace. Edwina. Hed met her several times, both at his parents home as well as at her familys, and he thoroughly approved of her; from the first, hed seen her as precisely the right lady for Declan. He returned her hug and dutifully bussed the smooth cheek she tipped up to him.
Drawing back, she met his eyes. Im utterly delighted to see you! Did Declan tell you we planned to make this our London base?
She barely paused for his answerand his quick look at Declanbefore she inquired about The Trident and his immediate plans for the day. After he told her of his ships position and his lack of any plans, she informed him that he would be staying for luncheon and also to dine.
Then she turned to greet Wolverstone and Melville. The ease she displayed toward them made it clear she was already acquainted with them both.
At Edwinas gracious wave, they resettled in the armchairs and sofa, and the next minutes went in general converse, led, of course, by Edwina.
Noting the quick smiling looks she shared with Declan, and noting his brothers response, Robert felt a distinct pang of envy. Not that he coveted Edwina; he liked her, but she was too forceful a personality for his taste. Declan needed a lady like her to balance his own character, but Roberts character was quite different.
He was the diplomat of the family, careful and cautious, while his three brothers were reckless hellions.
Well, then. Apparently satisfied with what Wolverstone had deigned to share about his familys health, Edwina clasped her hands in her lap. Given you gentlemen are here, I expect Declan and I had better tell Robert about how weve spent the last five weeksabout the mission and what we discovered in Freetown.
Mission? Freetown? Robert had thought that, while hed been on the other side of the Atlantic, Declan and Edwina had remained in London. Apparently not.
Edwina arched a brow at Wolverstone.
His expression impassive, he inclined his head. I daresay that will be fastest.
Robert didnt miss the resignation in Wolverstones tone.
He felt sure Edwina didnt either, but she merely smiled approvingly at Wolverstone, then transferred her bright gaze to Declan. Perhaps you had better start.
Entirely sober, Declan looked at Robert and did.
Between them, Declan and Edwina related a tale that kept Robert transfixed.
That Edwina had stowed away and joined Declan on his run south wasnt really that much of a surprise. But the puzzling situation in Freetownand the consequent danger that had stalked them and, beyond anyones ability to predict, had reached out and touched Edwinawas a tale guaranteed to capture and hold his attention.
By the time Edwina concluded with a reassurance that shed taken no lasting harm from the events of their last night in Freetown, Robert no longer had any doubt as to why Wolverstone and Melville had been waiting on the doorstep to waylay him.
Melville huffed and promptly confirmed Roberts assumption. As you can see, Captain Frobisher, we are in desperate need of someone with similar capabilities as your brother to travel to Freetown as fast as may be and continue our investigation.
Robert glanced at Declan. I take it this falls under our...customary association with the government?
Wolverstone stirred. Indeed. He met Roberts eyes. There are precious few others who could do the job, and no one else with a fast ship in harbor.
After a second of holding Wolverstones dark gaze, Robert nodded. Very well. This was a far cry from his usual voyages ferrying diplomatsor diplomatic secrets of whatever sortback and forth, but he could see the need, could appreciate the urgency. And hed sailed into Freetown before.
He looked at Declan. Is this why there were no orders waiting for me at the office? Hed been surprised to learn that; the demand for his services was usually so great that The Trident was rarely free for more than a few days, and Royd and his Corsair often had to take on the overload.
Declan nodded. Wolverstone informed Royd the government would most likely need to call on another of us once The Cormorant got back, and fortuitously, you were due in. I received a missive from Royd, and theres one waiting for you in the librarywere free of our usual business and are to devote our services to the Crown.
Robert dipped his head in acknowledgment. He tapped his fingers on the chairs arm as he sifted through all Declan and Edwina had revealed, adding in Wolverstones dry comments and Melvilles few utterances. He narrowed his eyes, in his mind studying the jigsaw-like picture hed assembled from the facts. All right. Lets see if I have this straight. Four serving officers have gone missing, one after another, along with at least four young women and an unknown number of other men. These disappearances occurred over a period of four months or more, and the few instances known to have been discussed with Governor Holbrook, he dismissed as due to those involved having gone off to seek their fortune in the jungle or elsewhere. Some such excuse. In addition, seventeen children from the slums are also missing, apparently disappearing over much the same period, with Holbrook brushing their vanishing aside as children running offnothing more nefarious.
Currently, there is nothing to say if Holbrook is trying to suppress all interest in this spate of missing people because hes involved, or whether his attitude springs from some other entirely noncriminal belief. Regardless, Lady Holbrook has proved to be definitely involved, and its doubtful shell still be in the settlement, but you would like me to verify whether Holbrook himself is still at his post. If he is, then we presume him innocentor at least unaware of whatever is driving these kidnappings. Robert arched a brow at Wolverstone. Correct?
Wolverstone nodded. I havent met Holbrook, but from what Ive been able to learn, he doesnt seem the type to be involved. However, he might well be the type of official who will refuse to react until the unpalatable truth is staring him in the faceuntil circumstances force him to it.
Robert added that shading to his mental jigsaw. To continue, in the case of the missing adults, there are reasonable grounds on which to believe that theyre being selected in some way and that attendance at the local priest Obo Undotos services in some way facilitates that. We know nothing about how the children are taken, other than that its not through any connection with Undotos services.
Declan shifted. We cant even be sure the missing children are being taken by the same people or for the same reason as the missing adults.
But given that young women have been taken as well as men, Edwina put in, there has to be a possibility that all the missing, children as well as adults, are being...used in the same way. Her chin firmed. By the same villains.
Robert paused, then said, Regardless of whether the children are going to the same place, given the priestesss claimsnone of which have yet proven unfounded, so lets assume she spoke trueUndoto and his services are clearly the obvious place to look for the beginnings of a trail.
No one argued. After a second of considering the picture taking shape in his mind, Robert went on, If Ive understood correctly, the vodun priestess Lashoria, Reverend Hardwicke, and even more his wife, an old sailor named Sampson, and Charles Babington are people youhe glanced at Declan and Edwinaconsider safe sources.
Both nodded. Declan stated, Theyre potential allies and might well be willing to play an active hand in helping you learn more. He met Roberts eyes. Babington especially. I believe he has a personal interest in one of the young women who has gone missing, but I didnt get a chance to pursue that or him further. But he can command resources within the settlement that might prove useful.
Melville cleared his throat. Theres also Vice-Admiral Decker. We have no reason to imagine he has any involvement in whatever heinous crime is under way in the settlement. He all but glowered at Declan. I gave your brother a letter enabling him to call on Deckers support. I believe I worded it generally, so it will apply to you as it would have to him.
Declan dipped his head. Decker wasnt in port while I was there. I still have the letterIll give it to you.
Robert wasnt fooled by Declans noncommittal tone; he wouldnt be tripping over his toes to ask any favors of Decker, either. Indeed, he hoped the vice-admiral remained at sea throughout his visit to the settlement.
Regardless, Wolverstone said, I cannot stress enough how critical it is that whatever occurs while youre on this mission, you must not at any point do anything to alert the perpetrators to any level of official interest. We must protect the lives of those takensending in a rescue team who find only dead bodies isnt something any of us wish to even contemplate. Given that we cannot be certain who of those in authority in the settlement is involved, and conversely who is safe to trust, every action you take must remain covert.
Robert nodded curtly. The more he heardthe more he dwelled on all hed learnedremaining covert first to last seemed his wisest choice.
So, Captain, Melville said bracingly, we need you to go into Freetown, follow the trail your brother has identified, and learn all the details of this nefarious scheme.
Melvilles expression was a blend of belligerence and something much closer to pleading. Robert recognized the signs of a politician facing a threat beyond his control.
Before he could respond, Wolverstone softly said, Actually, no. Wolverstone caught Roberts gaze. We cannot ask you to learn all the details.
From the corner of his eye, Robert saw Melvilles face fall as he stared at Wolverstone, who, in this matter, was effectively his mentor.
As if unaware of the angst he was causing, Wolverstone smoothly went on, From what your brother has said, and from all Ive learned from others over recent days, given that those effecting the kidnappings are slave traders, then I gather that in Freetown, as generally in that region, the slave traders will be operating out of a camp. They will hold their captives at that camp until they have a sufficient number to take to whoever theyre supplying. Further, the camp will almost certainly be outside the settlements borders, somewhere in the jungle, possibly some distance away.
Wolverstone glanced at Declan, who, his expression impassive, nodded.
Imperturbably, Wolverstone continued, his gaze returning to Roberts face, Consequently, this mission is highly unlikely to be accomplished in only two stages. There will be however many stages we require to learn what we need to know, all without alerting the villains involved. Your brotherhe paused, then inclined his head to Edwinaand Lady Edwina got us the first vital clues. They identified Undotos services as being a part of the scheme and gave us the connection to the slave traders. They also confirmed that those in high places in the settlement are involved, something we must strive never to forget. If Lady Holbrook was suborned, almost certainly others will have been as well.
Wolverstones gaze cut to Melville, but although he looked dejected and, indeed, disgruntled, the First Lord made no attempt to interrupt.
Therefore, Wolverstone continued, your mission must be to confirm the slave traders connection to Undoto and, by following the slavers, to identify the location of their camp. Your orders are specifically that. Locate the slavers camp, then return and report. You must not follow the trail further, no matter the temptation.
Wolverstone paused, then added, I appreciate that, very likely, that will not be an easy directive to followits not one I take joy in giving. But in order to mount a rescue of all those taken, its imperative we learn of the location of that camp. If you go further and are captured yourself...put simply, all those missing cant afford that. If you are taken, we wont know until your crew return to tell us. And once they do, well be no further forward than we are nowno nearer the point of knowing enough to effectively rescue those taken.
Wolverstone glanced at Melville; when he looked back at Robert, his features had hardened. Running a mission in successive stages may seem like a slow way forward, but it is a sure way forward, and those taken deserve our best attempts to successfully free them.
Robert met Wolverstones gaze; two seconds ticked past, then he nodded. Ill locate the slavers camp and bring the information back.
Simple. Straightforward. He saw no reason to argue. If he had to sail to Freetown and do this mission, he was glad enough that it should have such a definite and definable endpoint.
Wolverstone inclined his head. Thank you. He looked at Melville. Well leave you to prepare.
Melville rose, as did everyone; he offered Robert his hand. How long before you and your ship will be ready to depart?
Robert gripped Melvilles hand. A few days. As hands were shaken all around and they moved toward the door, Robert thought through the logistics. He halted at the doorway and spoke to all. Ill send The Trident to Southampton to provision from the stores there. I imagine Ill be able to set sail in three days.
Melville humphed, but said no more. From his expression, Robert surmised that the First Lord was even more deeply troubled by the situation in Freetown than Wolverstone.
Then again, Wolverstone had no real responsibility to shoulder in this instance, while Melville...as Robert understood it, as First Lord, Melville had his neck metaphorically on the block, at least politically, and possibly even socially.
Robert returned to the armchair opposite the sofa. While Declan and Edwina farewelled their unexpected guests, he swiftly reviewed all hed been told.
When Declan and Edwina reentered the drawing room and resumed their seats, he looked from one to the other. All right. Now tell me all.