The Formidable Earl (Diamonds in the Rough #6) - Sophie Barnes Page 0,102

piece of white paper. “I need you to deliver a message to the chief magistrate. Do not hand it over to anyone else. It’s imperative that it be placed in the man’s own hand.”

“You have my word that I’ll see it done, my lord.”

Simon dipped the nib of his quill in ink and wrote then blotted the page, folded it shut, and sealed it with wax. He handed it to Winthorp, who immediately departed. Simon glanced at the clock. It was almost six. He thought of Ida and wished he had time to go back and see her, but if his plan was to work, he needed to gather as much reinforcement as possible to back up his case.

Basing his decision on necessity rather than desire, Simon quit Fielding House and headed back to Bedford Street. He’d collect all the notes and newspaper articles he and Ida had uncovered during the course of the last month. Tonight he’d review it all again. This time from an entirely different perspective.

Chapter Twenty

It was just after ten o’clock when Simon made his way to Huntley House. He hadn’t slept, and he’d had enough coffee by now for his heart to feel like it had been struck by lightning. In his jacket pocket was the additional piece of evidence he’d finally found against Mr. St. John a couple of hours earlier. It wasn’t enough on its own, but Simon hoped it would serve as extra ammunition.

Simon studied Fletcher, who sat across from him in the carriage. The man looked like he was being suffocated. “Try to relax. And remember to breathe. I won’t let Mr. St. John harm you in any way. Understood?”

Fletcher took a few breaths and nodded, but his anxiety was clear.

“Were you able to ensure the attendance of all the men you invited?” Simon asked Huntley once he and Fletcher had been shown into the parlor at Huntley House a short while later. A tea tray arrived, as did a coffee pot. Simon dismissed both for fear that his pulse would start vibrating faster than the plucked string of a violin. He took a sandwich instead, glad for the food since he’d not taken time to eat any breakfast.

“All have responded in the affirmative. Including Mr. St. John.”

Simon breathed a sigh of relief. “Excellent.”

“And the chief magistrate?’ Huntley inquired.

“He sent word that he would be here by eleven thirty,” Simon said. He offered the plate of sandwiches to Fletcher. Maybe focusing on the food would help him relax.

“Thank you.” Fletcher selected not only one sandwich but two.

Simon nodded. “You’re welcome.”

“I bet you’re anxious to have this over with,” Huntley murmured.

Simon met his solemn gaze. “You’ve no idea how pleased I’ll be once all of this is behind us and Ida is safe.”

The Huntley butler announced Guthrie’s arrival. The duke entered with the confidence of a man who’d taken charge of his own fate. “Good morning, gentlemen.” He dropped into a vacant armchair and looked at Simon. “You’ll be happy to know that I managed to encourage six men who’ve been witness to one or two dubious things at the Shadwell Gun Works to speak up. One even claims to have overheard Mr. St. John’s meeting with Baker.”

Simon blinked. “That’s excellent news.”

“The others insist Baker feared for his life.” Guthrie poured himself a cup of coffee. “I suspect Baker made the mistake of trying to get more money for the seals he made by blackmailing Mr. St. John with threats.”

“And these men are willing to come forward and make the claims official?” Simon couldn’t quite believe it.

“In exchange for payment of course.” Setting his cup to his lips, Guthrie took a long sip.

Simon waited until he’d returned the cup to his saucer before he said, “I’ll have to reimburse you.”

“Absolutely not.” Guthrie’s eyebrows drew together. His forehead creased. “I pledged myself to Ida’s cause after I learned of her plight, and I swore I’d do everything in my power to help and protect her. So consider this me doing my part.”

“Very well.” Simon wouldn’t argue. “Thank you. All of you. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”

“Think nothing of it,” Huntley murmured.

On the contrary, Simon thought a great deal of the lengths these men were going to on his and Ida’s behalf. They weren’t related, he and Huntley hadn’t even been speaking with each other until recently, and yet here they were, eager to move both heaven and earth in order to help. It just went to show that people