The Amorous Nightingale

    'Oh, well, yes, naturally, if that's what-'

    'Completely quiet,' insisted the King, quelling him with a stare before turning his attention to Christopher. 'We have met before, Mr Redmayne. You rendered sterling service on that occasion.'

    'As did my brother,' reminded Christopher.

    'He is of no account here. You are, sir. That is why I sent for you, by means of a go-between.' Henry winced at the insult but wisely held his peace. 'Do you recall what I said at our last meeting?'

    'I believe that I do, Your Majesty.'

    'Well?'

    'You were pleased with the way that I'd been able to render you some assistance and you were kind enough to say that you might call upon me again one day.'

    'That day has arrived, Mr Redmayne.'

    'Then it comes at an inappropriate time, Your Majesty.'

    'Inappropriate?'

    'I am heavily preoccupied with my work.'

    'Royal business takes precedence over your career, however illustrious that may be. I should warn you that I am not accustomed to being thwarted. This is a matter of the utmost importance so I'll brook no obstruction.'

    'Christopher was not being obstructive, Your Majesty,' said Henry.

    'But you are, sir.'

    'Without intention.'

    'Hold your tongue or leave the room!'

    'Of course, Your Majesty.'

    'I only wish to hear from your brother.'

    Henry recoiled from the rebuke and squirmed in silence.

    'Is there nobody else who could take on this assignment?' asked Christopher. 'Work begins tomorrow on a house that I have designed. My presence on site is vital.'

    'Not if the building is delayed.'

    'There's no reason for that to happen, Your Majesty.'

    'There's every reason. And before you ask again,' he said, lifting an imperious hand, 'there is nobody else who is so well fitted for the task before us. Great courage and discretion are required. You possess both qualities in abundance.

    That is why I turn to you in this emergency.' He detached the spaniel from his shoulder and dropped it to the floor. 'No other names were even considered. I must have the two of you.'

    Christopher was taken aback. 'Henry and I?'

    'No, not Henry. That is a laughable suggestion. This is way beyond your brother's meagre capacities.' Henry bit back a protest and writhed afresh. 'The man I have in mind is that constable.'

    'Jonathan Bale?'

    'The very fellow. Surly but solid.'

    'You have summed him up to perfection, Your Majesty.'

    'The two of you worked well together.'

    'Give or take a few disagreements.'

    'Disagreements?'

    'Nothing of consequence,' said Christopher dismissively, gliding over any mention of Jonathan Bale's republican sympathies. 'Constable Bale is a dedicated man. A brave one, too. He saved me from a beating.'

    'You and he must pick up the trail at once.'

    'The trail, Your Majesty?'

    'Yes,' said the King, rising to his feet and scattering the dogs. 'The search must begin immediately. Thus it stands, Mr Redmayne. Someone very dear to me has been abducted. Circumstances compel me to pine for her in private. I need hardly tell you what those circumstances are. On one thing, however, I am decided. She must be found - alive and well - at the earliest possible opportunity.'

    'May I know the lady's name?'

    'All of London is familiar with it by now.'

    'Indeed? Then she must be famous.'

    'Deservedly so.'

    'Who is the lady?'

    'Mrs Harriet Gow.'

    Christopher was stunned. The idea that Harriet Gow was in any kind of peril was a severe blow. He reeled. Unable to contain himself, Henry let out an exclamation of horror before clapping a hand over his truant mouth. The King began to pace the room.

    'This is a bad business,' he moaned, 'and it must be resolved quickly. A precious life is at stake - a very precious life. Rescue must be effected.' He stopped in front of Christopher. 'All mention of me must, of necessity, be absent from this affair but I wish to be kept informed of any progress that you and Constable Bale make. Is that understood?'

    'Yes, Your Majesty,' mumbled Christopher, still trying to absorb the shock of what he had heard. 'But can this be so? Mrs Gow kidnapped? Who could wish to lay rough hands on such a beautiful lady?'

    'That is what you must find out, Mr Redmayne. Harsh punishment will await the malefactors, I can promise you that. I can also promise you and the constable a sizeable reward.'

    'Saving the lady would be reward enough in itself.'

    'Nobly said, sir!'

    'I had the good fortune to see Mrs Gow in The Maid's Tragedy,' said Christopher, recalling the effect she had had on him at the theatre. 'A truly remarkable talent. That song of hers could charm a bird from a tree.'

    'Then you will understand why I want her prised from the grip of her abductors,' said Charles, eyes flashing. 'The longer she is at their mercy, the more danger to her life. Act fast, Mr Redmayne.'

    'Where will I start, Your Majesty?'

    'That is up to you, sir.'

    'But you've given me no firm information.'

    'We do not have any, beyond the fact that Mrs Gow was travelling in her coach this morning when it was ambushed in a narrow lane. The coachman was overpowered, the lady seized and spirited away. A ransom note arrived soon after at the Palace.' He turned away to hide his consternation. 'What few details we have, you can learn from Will Chiffinch. Will?'

    'Your Majesty?' said the other, emerging from a corner.

    'Do what is needful.' He studied the ruby ring, distressed to think that the person to whom he gave its twin was in such peril. 'Mrs Gow occupies a special place in my heart. I'll not sleep a wink until she is safely returned to it. Please find her - soon!'

    The King went back to the window and the audience was over. At a signal from Chiffinch, the Redmayne brothers tripped out of the Drawing Room. Christopher's mind was ablaze. All his reservations about taking on the assignment now faded away. Harriet Gow was missing. It was incredible and yet, when he thought about it, not entirely unexpected. Beauty as rare as hers, allied with talent as unique, was bound to attract envy and spite. Her enjoyment of royal favours would create another set of enemies. Which of them had kidnapped her? And how much were they demanding for her release?

    Will Chiffinch took a deep breath then indicated some chairs.

    'It might be better if you both sit down,' he said, marshalling his thoughts. 'What I am about to tell you is, of course, in the strictest confidence. Never forget that. You must be discreet. The ransom note, as you will see, warns of dire consequences if any attempt is made to rescue Mrs Gow. One wrong move could prove fatal to her.'

    'You can trust me, Mr Chiffinch,' affirmed Henry with a hand on his breast. 'I am Discretion itself.'

    'That is not His Majesty's estimation of you, Mr Redmayne.'

    'Oh?'