“We watched men coming and going from that cave, moving cargo,” Max supplied. He glanced at Harlow.
DeLacey was silent for a moment before speaking. “The Prince Regent’s orders are to get the leader and save the ship and its cargo. This will get dangerous. A lantern will signal the boat, and Pelham will drift close to the coast. His sloop is fast, well armoured, turns easily, and can also easily hug close to the coast. A ruthless woman leads the gang. You already suspect her.”
“The widow Poinz,” Harlow murmured.
“Exactly. She has free rein around here. The villagers help her because they benefit, yet they fear her. Normally, she runs the enterprise from London. According to Michael, a dark-haired, wiry man is her co-conspirator. He wears a strange, curving moustache. I have not seen him, and we have been powerless to catch the widow with her smuggling operation. Your information relating to her recent behaviour confirmed several things we suspected. Lady Poinz turned her late husband’s many holdings into shielding and commerce opportunities for her operation; however, her own carelessness has led us to suspect her. The woman has no consideration for people, and she retaliates at the merest slight.” DeLacey grew silent for a moment. “My sources confirm she has arrived to oversee this attack. The village supports her, as I have said. I believe they are all too frightened for their skins to do otherwise. Even the local vicar blesses their efforts in the fair trade. The six Revenue men who were killed in their cutter off the shore here, lost their lives trying to catch her. The villagers know her and provide cover, and we cannot arrest the whole town. The Prince Regent has made it known he will brand her as a traitor and hang her if we catch her, despite her peerage.”
“We saw her,” Harlow said flatly. His concern for Lilian advanced immeasurably, even though the widow’s attraction to him made no sense. “Lady Poinz appeared, somewhat oddly, in the inn—she was fleeing from the side door as we entered the dining room.”
“Perhaps she wanted you to see her.” DeLacey cleared the sand, wiping all evidence away before he stood up. “You have piqued the widow’s interest. Her accomplice works closely with her. Watch for anyone following you.”
“We will.” Harlow’s feelings for Lilian created a vulnerability he could not deny.
“If that is all, we have another engagement,” Max added dryly as they shook hands and turned for their horses.
“My father is expecting you. Be careful about being followed,” DeLacey repeated to their backs.
“We make it our business to be aware of our surroundings,” Max growled harshly.
“We appreciate your help, Cressey. Do not misjudge our abilities in this operation,” Harlow said in a dangerous tone he had employed on many previous such occasions. “We will meet you at the cave tomorrow.”
DeLacey solemnly acknowledged the point with a slight nod of his head.
“The blighter will be your brother-in-law one day,” Max murmured when they were far enough away.
Harlow said nothing. He was unsure what to say. The two men untied their horses and rode towards Elysium Manor. When they made their way up the drive, a light brown carriage with the Yarstone crest pulled away from the door and headed towards the stables.
“Not much stands between Viscount Yarstone and Lady Lydia DeLacey,” Max quipped, and both men guffawed.
“We should be more surprised not to see him,” added Harlow. “He informed me he plans to offer for Lady Lydia. The DeLacey family left sooner than he had expected, which may have foiled his romantic proposal. While he knows nothing of our operation, he is very attentive, and it could be fortuitous that he is here.”
“I sense your worry about Lady Lilian. Perhaps this visit can allay some concerns,” Max said with sincerity.
“You always read me so well. Yet it continually startles me when you reveal my thoughts so succinctly,” Harlow whispered, adding, “I hope you are right.” They handed their horses to a waiting groom and made their way up the steps.
Chambers greeted them at the door. “Welcome, Lord Harlow; Lord Worsley. Lord Avalon is in his study. He is expecting you,” the retainer offered. He received their outdoor apparel and hung the various items on the coat stand. “Please to follow me.”
The door to the study opened and Cooper walked out, followed by Lilian carrying a book in her lap.
“Thank you, Father,” she was saying. “I…” She stopped when she saw the two men approaching. “This is a surprise,” she said. “I was just going to my room to start a new book.” She motioned down at the tome.
Her puppy, perhaps jealous, jumped into her lap on top of the leather-bound object.
“Cooper, behave,” she commanded. “He has not met Lord Worsley before. I have also observed some rather protective behaviours since we have been home,” she explained.
Both men bowed. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Lilian.”
She held out her hand and Harlow feathered a kiss on the back of it as manners dictated. Warmth suddenly radiated up from his collar when he noticed her father watching them.
“Perhaps you can spare a few minutes to sit in the garden after I meet with Lord Avalon.”
“I would like that. I will be in the parlour,” Lilian replied. “Come along, Cooper, let us be about our business and leave the gentlemen to theirs.” The dog jumped down from her lap and bounded towards the front of the house. Winston appeared out of nowhere and pushed her to the
