PP Non-Canon General Regency
A Gentleman's Choice
Sequel to Making Peace
NOTE: Guest...ROFLOL! Thank-you for the laugh...I love the idea of duct tape on Mrs. Philips mouth ROFLOL ROFLOL!
Previously:
Elizabeth, who had been watching the scene unfold, rapidly moved to follow her father, gravely concerned; she had not heard her father use such a sarcastic tone in a very long time. And Mary wasted no time in going over to Mr. Philips and quietly, but firmly, insisted he get his wife to gather her things and leave. Her uncle, who was highly displeased with his wife, did not argue and soon the couple was heading home.
Unknown Man Identified
Ch. 11
Heading home was not on James' mind as he finally arrived at the pool of water and cave where the two corpses had been found. The pool, nestled in a secluded glade, was surrounded by towering trees whose branches formed a natural canopy, casting dappled shadows on the water's surface. The cave entrance, partially obscured by creeping ivy and moss-covered rocks, yawned like a dark mouth, inviting yet foreboding. He was not by himself. No, he had a small group of men, two of whom had been the ones to discover the bodies.
"We were hunting, did not normally come down this way," the first gentleman spoke. "But he…" pointing to his younger companion, "saw something shining off to the left of where we were, so we came down."
"Did you say shining?"
"Yes. So, we came down and found the dead men. We hurried to town, told these two lawmen, and we stayed behind to tell them exactly what we had seen and answer questions."
"Makes sense. Tell me this though, what was it that caught your eye?" James asked the younger man.
"Buttons stuck in rocks and a buckle on a belt."
"You can go now." James watched the two hunters leave and turned to one of the lawmen who was looking more than a bit sheepish. "Mind telling me why I was not told about the buttons or belt buckle?"
"They did not look unusual. Just standard clothing accessories. We thought nothing of it."
"You are highly lacking in judgment. Where are they now?" It was all James could do not to fill the air with unchoice words when told the items had been given to Widow Benson to use on her projects. "Please, for everyone's sake, go find a new profession. You do not give away evidence."
Mr. Hurst waded in the water, its coolness seeping through his boots, hoping the two men had missed something. The water was clear, reflecting the blue sky above, and small fish darted around his legs. He could not believe those two had given away the buttons or belt; it would have made him think those two were covering something up only there had been enough conversation with Mr. Gray and Mr. Hinks that James felt safe in coming to the conclusion there was not enough brain power to pull any crime off. And his gut was shouting the men had committed no heinous act.
"What did you find?" Horace asked as he walked up to the lawmen and squatted down at the edge of the water, near where the body had been.
"Maybe, nothing." James put his hand into the water and reached for an object stuck between two rocks near where the corpse's hand would have been propped against. Pulling it out, he turned it over. "No one saw this? Seriously? I had to come all the way from Netherfield to find it?"
"Sorry? Guess we really do need to find new professions to have missed that." The two young lawmen hung their heads as the duke did his own share of shooting a 'You-have-got-to-be-kidding-me' type of look their way.
"Look, I am sorry, I have just been having a few bad days. Please, simply get more training before attempting to go out into the field, fair enough? Missing such a simple thing as a ring is not funny. And, for crying out loud, do not ever give away things you find around a dead man again; do you know how guilty that makes you look?" James stood up and examined the ring closer.
The signet ring was unmistakably George Wickham's. It bore an intricate family crest of the Wickhams engraved on its gold surface. James doubted John Corby would have worn such a ring. "Where does this Widow Benson live? I need to talk to her."
"We can take you to her place at the market, but I doubt she has those items," the youngest law officer spoke wearily.
"Probably not, still worth a shot."
It was for that reason they were soon at Widow Benson's booth. The marketplace was bustling with activity, a vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, each one brimming with goods ranging from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The air was filled with the scent of baked bread, spices, and the occasional whiff of livestock. Shirley was not surprised to see the lawmen. And the widow was not shocked to hear what Mr. Hurst was asking.
"I could have sold those things for higher than my normal rate."
"Why is that?" James's curiosity was piqued, as was the duke's.
"Well, sirs," Widow Benson began, "I knew they were spy buttons, but I thought they were not needed anymore. I have a cousin who works in the city and deals with all sorts of curiosities. He told me about these buttons once, how they have small compartments in the back for hiding messages. I figured they were just old trinkets left behind."
James and the Duke exchanged glances, their curiosity deepening but without any anger towards the widow.
"How did you come to have them?" James asked.
"The lawmen gave them to me," she replied honestly. "They did not seem to think they were important, and I thought they might be of use in my sewing projects. I did not realize they might still be needed for an investigation."
"Do you still have them?" Duke Walton inquired.
"I am afraid not," Widow Benson said, shaking her head. "I sold them to a traveling merchant who comes by every few months. He deals in antiques and unusual items; people buy that kind of stuff off him all the time. I can give you his description and the direction he was headed. I am sure my intended would be happy to help you track him down; he is selling how wares a few booths down from here"
"That would be very helpful as to the details," James said, noting down the details. "We appreciate your cooperation. However, I do not think we will need your beau's help."
With the information in hand, James and the Duke left the marketplace, their minds racing with the implications of what they had learned.
"This makes no sense," James shook his head. "We cannot confirm anything without those buttons. Call me crazy, but my instincts say George was not into selling state secrets."
"Maybe, not, but it does raise more questions about George's activities."
"There is a man by the name of Liam Jones who, unfortunately, was given a last chance to get his act together and is now sitting in a prison cell over drugs. I think I am going to make a visit because my gut aligns itself with you; Ensign Wickham was not killed over spying or drugs. My vote is it was over money or a woman. You need to see if you cannot get in to see this Lady Shaw, or if she will at least meet you somewhere. She is the cousin of Liam; kicked him off her property over his drug dealing and sent a post to the local law herself. Ten to one he knows the merchant if he sells things like those buttons. That is if you are willing to keep quiet as to the buttons"
"Ouch as to his last change. What kind of woman is this Lady Shaw?"
"Reputation-wise? Big-hearted soul. Kind as they come. But as a backbone ten miles long. And, right or wrong, the lady calls it as she sees it." The men first looked for the traveling merchant. Praise be, when they located the located the man; he still had the items. And, when told why they were needed handed them over- at no charge.
"I will keep quiet on the buttons, but let us hope you find get you some good information on from this Liam or I will have to mention them."
