The Crimson Cavaliers

by Mary Andrea Clarke

  “That hardly seems necessary,” said Georgiana, the barest hint of an edge in her tone.

  With her hand still sore from the escapade of two evenings earlier, breakfast was a slow affair. Although James’s assistance made matters easier, Georgiana felt the indignity of having her toast buttered for her. The awkwardness of lifting her cup with her left hand gradually became less of a trial, and Georgiana was relieved Selina was sleeping late, freeing her from further fuss. As she perused a letter from an aunt over her second cup of tea, her butler appeared in the dining room.

  “Mr Grey has called, miss.”

  “Oh, bother!” said Georgiana instinctively. What was Edward doing here at this hour? She knew it would be pointless to deny him; Edward was a law unto himself. Nonetheless, the prospect of a brotherly talk over the breakfast table was not one Georgiana found inviting.

  “Very well, Horton. Show him in.”

  Since Mr Edward Grey, apparently in no doubt of his welcome, had already reached the threshold of the room, this instruction proved unnecessary. Georgiana ordered a fresh pot of tea and turned to her brother as the door closed behind Horton.

  The resemblance between brother and sister was detectable but not striking. While attentive observers would note an occasional similarity of expression or mannerism, the blood tie between them seemed more distinguished by their differences than any strong likenesses. Edward Grey’s light brown hair bore no relation to the stunningly rich auburn locks which made his sister stand out wherever she went. Neither did his pale green eyes offer the sparkle and depth of jewel-like colour which radiated from Georgiana’s. Nonetheless, he carried himself well, if a little stiffly, and not the most exacting tailor could fault the cut of his coat.

  “Good morning, Edward,” Georgiana said as he kissed her cheek.

  “Where is Selina?” he inquired.

  “Sleeping late. She was rather tired.”

  Edward’s eyes drifted towards his sister’s left hand.

  “What have you done?” he asked.

  “Oh, the silliest thing,” she brushed it off. “I knocked over a tea cup. It’s nothing.”

  He studied the bandage. “Have you consulted a physician?”

  “No,” she said. “Really, Edward, there’s no need. Don’t fuss so. Do you want some breakfast?”

  “No, thank you. I’ve already breakfasted, at Brooks’s.”

  “Oh.” That seemed unusual. However, Edward’s movements were not Georgiana’s concern. Instead, she turned her attention to the tea brought in by the parlourmaid.

  “I’d better pour this. You’re obviously not fit to hold it,” said Edward, taking charge of the teapot.

  “Very amusing,” said Georgiana. “What is it you want, Edward?”

  “You have a very suspicious streak, Georgiana. Why should you assume I want something?”

  “Because it’s very often the case that you do. What were you doing at Brooks’s at this hour, anyway? Did you abandon Amanda at the breakfast table to feast with your cronies?”

  “No, of course not. What a question!” Edward responded hotly, the faintest hint of a flush appearing on his face.

  Georgiana smiled as she raised her teacup to her lips. It had never been difficult to rouse her brother to righteous indignation. “I’m only teasing, Edward. I know what an upright citizen you are. How are Amanda and the children?”

  Slightly mollified, Edward returned his sister’s smile with a degree of genuine warmth. “Very well. You must come and stay with us soon. The children are always asking for you.”

  “Yes, I should like that,” she responded vaguely, her mind drifting back to her own problem.

  “As a matter of fact, I have some news for you.”

  “Oh?” No doubt another tale of how Cecily could brush her own hair or how clever young Edward was at Latin.

  “You know Sir Robert Foster, don’t you?”

  His words gave Georgiana a jolt. She moistened her lips, taking a sip of tea before she spoke. Looking across at Edward, she adopted a suitably interested tone, hoping it was sufficiently casual.

  “Yes, though not very well. What about him? Has he made an offer for my hand?”

  “This is no time for levity, Georgiana. Sir Robert Foster has been murdered.”

  Georgiana set down her cup, her expression a picture of stunned disbelief. It was a moment or two before she spoke again.

  “Murdered? Why, he was here only two nights ago.”

  “Really?” said Edward in some surprise.

  “Yes. It seemed he had been out with friends and they’d been held up by a highwayman. It must have been two o’clock in the morning when they roused the household.” She paused, looking thoughtful. “Poor man. What happened? How did you come to learn of it?”

  “I’ve been with some of the magistrates. They think the Crimson Cavalier killed him.”

  Georgiana gave her brother a measured look. It was better to know the worst now. “Is that likely? Sir Robert and his friends seemed to think the Crimson Cavalier held up their coach the previous night. Would he choose the same victim two nights in a row?”

  Edward shrugged. “Sir Robert was found on the Bath Road between the outskirts of London and Hounslow Heath. The Crimson Cavalier has been seen there several times.”

  “Yes, but that does not mean –”

  “A highwayman was seen running away from Sir Robert’s body,” Edward interrupted, oblivious to Georgiana’s having spoken. “There were some people in a coach returning from some party or other.”

  “But, Edward, it could be any highwayman,” she objected.

  “These people seemed very sure. They even gave chase, but he escaped. Still, he’ll be caught. The reward’s been raised to fifty pounds.”

  A cold, uneasy feeling began to take hold of Georgiana. Why was Edward so concerned with this? She smiled. “So you called to tell me about Sir Robert.”

  “Well, yes, partly,” he said, his embarrassed manner ill-concealing an escaping shaft of pride. “You see, Sir Robert’s death has left a vacancy on the magistrates’ bench which I may be asked to fill. My help may be needed in capturing the Crimson Cavalier.”

  “You?”

  Georgiana’s involuntary exclamation triggered an expression of deep offence on Edward’s countenance.

  “I beg your pardon, Edward, but how can you possibly go about such a thing?”

  “I am acquainted with a Bow Street Runner.”

  “You – you are acquainted with a Bow Street Runner?” she uttered in strangled accents. “How did that happen?”

  “I reported the matter when you and Selina were held up by that highwayman.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes. Opportunities have occasionally arisen to offer help to the magistrates. Perhaps that’s why they’ve suggested me for the vacancy,” he said proudly. “I’m sure this Runner will be glad to help.”

  “No doubt.”

  This was all Georgiana needed to hear to brighten her day. Her own brother aiming to bring her to the gallows with the aid of a Bow Street Runner. If Edward only knew … Georgiana could picture the look on his face, and despite her own troubles, found it almost impossible to suppress a smile.

  Miss Knatchbull’s entrance gave Georgiana an opportunity to school her features. Edward rose, moving to pull out a chair for their cousin, who seemed flustered at entering while they were in the middle of a conversation.

  “I could not believe the time,” she said in apologetic tones. “I do wish you had sent someone to wake me, Georgiana.”

  “I thought you needed the rest,” said Georgiana. “After being disturbed the other night, you still rose early yesterday morning.”

  “Indeed, but nevertheless…” Selina turned to Edward. “I expect your sister has told you about our excitement the other night.”

  “She has,” said Edward, “though she didn’t describe it quite like that.”

  “Poor Sir Robert,” said Selina. “It must have been a drea
dful experience. I recall how frightened I was when that highwayman held up our carriage.”

  “Yes,” said Georgiana, “though he was quite harmless, even polite, once we had handed over our jewels.”

  “That is true,” said Selina. “Although it was no less distressing for that. I still can’t believe we got the jewels back. I never could understand how you contrived it.”

  “It’s easy enough to advertise for the return of such items,” said Edward, to Georgiana’s relief. “Quite common, in fact, as long as a reward is offered.”

  Georgiana waited for him to mention Sir Robert’s death, but it did not happen. Clearly he intended his sister to give Selina the news.

  “Incidentally,” he said, “Amanda wanted me to ask you both to dinner on Friday. You will come, won’t you?”

  Miss Knatchbull clasped her hands together, clearly enchanted by the prospect. Georgiana felt less enthusiastic. There was something irritating about Edward’s casual assumption, and it was typical of him to imagine she had nothing else to do. “I don’t know, Edward. I expect to be rather busy this week.”

  “But, Georgiana … ” interpolated Miss Knatchbull.

  “Nonsense, Georgiana. What can you possibly be doing? You must come.”

  Georgiana looked at her brother with sudden suspicion. “Must, Edward? Why?”

  “Georgiana, really! What a question. Is it so abnormal for members of a family to have dinner together?”

  “Indeed, no,” said Selina. “It sounds quite delightful.”

  Georgiana was still watching Edward. “Every time you invite me to dinner it is with the intention of introducing some eligible suitor or other. Who is it this time?”

  “Really, Georgiana!”

  “Who?” she demanded.

  “Well … ” Edward looked towards his sister, as if considering how to respond to her accusation. “Amanda’s cousin Bartholomew is paying us a visit.”

  “Bartholomew Parker?”

  “Yes.”

  “No, Edward, absolutely not. I have no wish to offend Amanda’s relatives, but no!”

  Selina gave a shocked gasp. Edward persevered.

  “Don’t be absurd, Georgiana. He’s perfectly respectable and would be very glad to see you.”

  “I daresay, but I should not be glad to see him. Honestly, Edward, why must you and Amanda persist in trying to marry me off?”

  “I’ve often thought Lord Bartholomew seems quite amiable,” said Selina, trying to keep the peace.

  “Then you marry him,” Georgiana retorted.

  “Really, Georgiana! I can’t see why you are so opposed to marriage,” said Edward.

  “I’m not particularly opposed to it. I just don’t consider it necessary to my comfort. Uncle George left me very generously provided for, as you well know, so I have no need to marry for money. I have a fine home, our cousin for company, excellent servants and am my own mistress. I find that a perfectly satisfactory arrangement.”

  “But you’re three-and-twenty.”

  “I have no need of you to tell me my age, Edward.” She paused. “It’s always bothered you, hasn’t it, Uncle George leaving me this house and a legacy?”

  “You’re being absurd, Georgiana. Granted, the man was always eccentric, but why should it bother me?”

  “Perhaps because it gave me the chance to be independent and set up my own establishment? Do you imagine I don’t know you tried to move heaven and earth to break his will?”

  Selina looked from one to the other, desperately anxious to calm the situation.

  Edward’s colour had heightened, though whether from anger or embarrassment was difficult to tell. “Nonsense.”

  Georgiana looked at him sceptically. She shook her head. “You’ve never liked me making my own decisions.”

  “Perhaps if you weren’t so wilful –”

  “No, it isn’t that. You’d just prefer me to defer to your brotherly wisdom a little more often. Now, fascinating though this conversation is, I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse me. I have a rather busy day ahead.” Georgiana rose from the table. “Forgive me if I don’t see you out. Ah, James,” she said to the approaching footman as she left the dining room, Selina and Edward in her wake. “My brother is just leaving. Would you be good enough to fetch his hat and cane? Then send Emily to my room, please, and order the carriage. I’m going out for a while.”

  “Yes, miss.”

  “Where are you going?” demanded Edward as James departed to carry out his instructions.

  “That needn’t concern you, Edward.”

  “Nonsense. I can take you wherever you need to go.”

  “That seems an excellent plan,” said Selina. “I shall just fetch my bonnet and pelisse.”

  “Goodbye, big brother.” Georgiana stood on tiptoe to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for calling. Do give my love to Amanda and the children.”

  “What about Friday?”

  Georgiana paused on the stairs and gave him a despairing look.

  “Don’t expect me, though Selina may go if she wishes.” She turned to go up the stairs, leaving her two relatives staring after her.

  Emily was waiting as Georgiana closed the door of her bedroom and leaned back against it, taking a deep breath.

  “What is it, Miss Georgiana?”

  “We have a difficulty, Emily. My brother had some news for me.”

  “Oh?” Emily’s expression was wary.

  “It appears Sir Robert’s death has left a vacancy on the magistrates’ bench, a vacancy which my brother expects to fill.”

  “But … ”

  “Exactly,” nodded Georgiana. “My elder brother will be trying to bring me to the gallows. It’s as I thought. As far as the authorities are concerned, the Crimson Cavalier is guilty of the murder. It only remains to find him and Edward has a Bow Street Runner to help.”

  “Lord save us.”

  “They’ve even raised the reward.”

  “What are you going to do, miss?”

  “There’s only one thing I can do,” said Georgiana. “Find out for myself who killed Sir Robert Foster.”

  3

  Emily’s mouth dropped open. She looked at Georgiana as though fearing her mistress had taken leave of her senses. It was a full minute before she spoke.

  “You’re not serious?”

  “Of course. You don’t think I’d joke about a thing like this, do you?”

  Emily blinked. “But trying to find the killer yourself?”

  “What else can I do?” said Georgiana. “The authorities have already made up their minds. It’s unlikely they’ll look for anyone but the Crimson Cavalier. The verdict will be settled before the trial. I can’t wait here sewing samplers and paying morning calls until that Bow Street Runner knocks at my door.” Georgiana shook her head. “You of all people should know that. I have to make a push to save my neck. You’ve said yourself often enough, some stroke of ill luck might prompt someone to recognise me. If that happens, I won’t have a prayer, and the real killer will melt away somewhere.”

  “I know,” said Emily, a furrow between her brows. “But this is just as dangerous, maybe more. If someone has killed once … ”

  “Yes,” said Georgiana, who had been trying to ignore that aspect.

  “In any case,” continued Emily, “what can you do? How can you find out anything? You can’t go wandering about unescorted asking questions. Even if your cousin were to accompany you…”

  “This is no time to worry about social niceties,” said Georgiana. She glanced towards her maid, aware her tone sounded irritable. “I haven’t quite decided how to go about it … Sir Robert must have had enemies,” she continued thoughtfully.

  “Certainly one enemy,” commented Emily.

  “Yes,” said Georgiana. “The sentences he administered on the bench would win him few friends. As for the way he treated his tenants … ”

  “There’s not many’ll be sorry to see him gone.”

  Georgi
ana stood frowning. “I can’t imagine someone of the road had anything to do with his death.”

  Emily gave a short laugh. “Being one yerself, Miss Grey.”

  “No, seriously, it doesn’t make sense. He had nothing of value. I checked. I grant you, he may have been robbed, but there would be no reason to shoot if he handed over everything.”

  “Maybe he resisted,” offered Emily. “Held up by a highwayman two nights in a row could have been too much for him. He complained the night you stopped his coach, didn’t he?”

  Georgiana smiled and shook her head. “Yes, but it doesn’t seem likely. He was full of noise and bluster, perhaps even something of a bully, but the Sir Robert I held up was not particularly brave. I’ve seen a blancmange shake less.”

  “Well, I expect some shoot just for the sake of it.”

  Georgiana looked at her maid and considered the point dispassionately. It was a possibility, but rare among highway robbers. She shrugged.

  “You could be right. I’d better have a word with Harry. I can’t do that before nightfall.” Glancing across at Emily, she asked, “Does that coachman of Sir Robert’s still want to take you out?”

  Emily nodded, with a slight grimace.

  “When are you supposed to be meeting him?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon,” replied Emily. She hesitated. “Though if the household is in mourning … ”

  “I don’t imagine he’ll change his plans,” observed Georgiana. “Sir Robert was not an individual one would expect to inspire devotion in his staff. The man may be glad of an excuse to sneak away.”

  “Perhaps,” said Emily doubtfully.

  “You know what to do?” inquired Georgiana.

  “Oh, yes,” said Emily. “Though keeping him at arm’s length could be tricky.”

  “I know. I’m sorry to put you through this, Emily.” She paused, looking thoughtfully at her maid. “If you’d rather not … ”

  “Oh, I can handle any man.” Emily gave a shrug of resignation, smiling slightly. “Don’t worry, miss. I’ll survive.”

  “The main thing is to learn as much as you can about Sir Robert.”

  “What about you, miss?”

  “I’m going to visit Lady Winters and her daughter,” said Georgiana. “Fetch my bonnet and pelisse, would you?”