Sensing the doubt on her face, Hugo could do no more than offer her an apologetic smile and carry on regardless.
“The Redcoats are
under orders to start to move into Padstow at five o’clock. They will search every house, and arrest the men we are after. We have arranged for two naval war ships to remain in the Camel Estuary in case anyone tries to make a run for it by sea.” He shot Jemima and Eliza a small smile of reassurance.
“The line of men will work their way down to Padstow harbour, leaving no house unsearched, no cave untouched, no road unmanned. Nobody will be able to get in, or out, of Padstow until everyone, including Scraggan, is behind bars. When the men have been taken to Bodmin to await sentencing, the Redcoats will locate the hidden goods before doing a final sweep, picking up anyone who is hiding. Then, and only then, will they set up camp on the cliffs overlooking Padstow, where they will remain until they receive further instruction. Nobody will remain to fill Scraggan’s boots, believe me.”
“The Redcoats will be a visual deterrent to anyone hiding, and anyone considering resuming smuggling once Scraggan is arrested,” Peter added, impressed with the planning and forethought that had gone into the operation. He felt vastly relieved that his and Dominic’s error would at last be corrected.
“What about the Star Elite?” Eliza queried, enthralled by the complexity of the plans.
Hugo smiled at her. “They will not break cover. They too will be arrested, but won’t go to Bodmin. They will be held back until the perpetrators are taken away, then they will return to London for debriefing before going on to their next job.”
“Don’t they have time off to go home, or anything?” Eliza gasped, wondering at the inhumanity of such a life.
Hugo shook his head. “We are at war, I am afraid, so we cannot rest. The men understood the requirements of the job when they signed up.”
“So why do we have to go to Tintagel?” Peter asked, mentally recounting Hugo’s explanation for anything he had missed.
“Because there is a group of about twelve men on that side of the line who have been told to look out for us and let us pass. We haven’t told all of the men, as we don’t want to risk anyone getting through the line, or news of your presence in the village getting back to Scraggan. The fewer people who know you are here, the better. We have to head toward Tintagel,” the look he gave each person individually was grave, “do you understand? Don’t go anywhere else.”
Edward sighed and raised his brows. “Looks like Tintagel it is. I hope you ladies know where you are going, because I haven’t a clue.”
“When you have passed, the line will close and that will be it: you cannot go back. Padstow will be sealed off. If you do go back, then you are likely to be arrested. It will be brutal, as we fully expect Scraggan’s closest men, even Scraggan himself, to put up a fight. If the officers are in any doubt, they are under instructions to arrest everyone. Several prisoners’ carts are scheduled to arrive mid-morning to begin taking the first of the prisoners away.”
Jemima sat in shocked silence for several moments, feeling slightly sick. Although hearing Hugo explain the details was impressive, it hadn’t really sunk in that this was indeed real. Scraggan was going to be brought to justice.
“Are you sure he is in Padstow?” She couldn’t hide the hint of fear in her voice.
Hugo nodded slowly, hating to frighten her. “He’s there. I had word from Jamie when we arrived here. He was down at the pub this evening, making plans with his cronies for the night’s smuggling. Unfortunately, he doesn’t realise that the captain of the frigate that is due to drop anchor just after midnight, is a Navy officer, there to witness who removes the cargo. The French spy due to land has already been offloaded.”
“Good heavens,” Eliza gasped, “you are certainly very thorough.” She shot her sister a look, not failing to miss her pale cheeks and the fear lurking in her eyes.
“Don’t worry, Jemima, please believe me when I say that Scraggan is definitely going to meet justice.” The promise in Hugo’s voice rang out loud and clear.
If only I could be so confident, Jemima thought dolefully. She was glad that Peter was sitting beside her, and reached out for his hand.
Despite their distance, he didn’t hesitate to offer her reassurance, clasping her cold fingers warmly in his large hand. The physical contact immediately made her feel more secure, but could do little to chase away the nerves that loomed.
“I will be so glad when this is over,” she whispered quietly.
“It will be soon darling, not long to go now,” Peter murmured, sliding an arm around her.
“All you two need to do, is keep the ladies together and get them into Padstow as quickly as possible,” Hugo’s matter-of-fact declaration made the task seem so simple. In reality, it was going to be anything but. “I’ll meet you at Harriett’s”
“What do we do if Harriett won’t come?” Eliza asked, shooting Edward a searching glance.
Edward snorted. “Don’t worry. Believe me, she is most definitely coming with us.”
Peter fought a laugh, knowing that Edward would probably bundle the woman up, despite her screams, and throw her over his shoulder.
Jemima glanced at Eliza, not convinced.
“There is something you need to know about Harriett,” Eliza shifted uncomfortably.
Silence settled over the men as they waited. Jemima shared a long look with Eliza and gently shrugged her shoulders.
“She has someone else with her. Someone who is going to put up a fight.” Jemima chose her words carefully. She knew what she was about to say sounded ridiculous, but the threat was very real.