Devils Bride (Cynster 1)

"Would Carter recognize the ruffians he followed?"

"Aye-he'll know them again, so he says."

"How long do ships normally remain at the docks?"

"Two, three days at most."

Honoria drew a deep breath. "Have the carriage brought around-the unmarked one."

Sligo blinked. "Ma'am?"

"I presume Carter's well enough to assist us?"

"Assist us?" Sligo's expression blanked.

Honoria frowned. "To identify the men who attacked His Grace should they be at the Anchor's Arms."

"The Anchor's Arms?" Horror replaced Sligo's blankness. "You can't go there, ma'am."

"Why not?"

"You… you simply can't. It's a dockside tavern-not the sort of place you'd feel comfortable."

"At present, my comfort is not of great importance."

Sligo grew desperate. "The Cap'n wouldn't approve."

Honoria transfixed him with a look as baleful as any of his master's. "Sligo, your 'Cap'n' isn't here. He's slipped his leash and taken himself off God knows where. We are presently in receipt of information which, if acted on promptly, might identify his would-be killer. If we wait until your Cap'n deigns to return, our opportunity might have sailed with the evening tide. In His Grace's absence, we-you and I-will accompany Carter to the Anchor's Arms. I trust I've made myself clear?" Sligo opened his mouth-then shut it. Honoria nodded. "The carriage. I'm going to change." Ten minutes later, attired in a deep brown carriage dress, she crossed the gallery. Mrs. Hull was standing by the stairs. "Begging your pardon, ma'am, but I heard as you were planning to visit that inn by the docks. A terrible rough area, it is. You don't think, perhaps, that it would be better to wait…?"

"Mrs. Hull, you can't expect me to allow my husband's would-be murderer to continue to stalk him for want of a little courage. The Anchor's Arms may be all you fear, but I'm sure I'll survive."

Mrs. Hull grimaced. "I'd do the same meself, ma'am-but the master's not going to like it."

Honoria started down the stairs. Webster was waiting on the landing; he fell into step beside her. "I would like to suggest, ma'am, that you permit me to go in your stead. If we discover the blackguards who attacked His Grace, Sligo and I will persuade them to return here and speak with His Grace."

"There!" Mrs. Hull, following on Honoria's heels, leaned forward. "That's another way to scour the pot."

Honoria stopped on the last stair. Sligo stood waiting by the newel post. "Webster, neither you nor Sligo can offer sufficient inducement to secure such men's cooperation. Should we discover them at the Anchor's Arms, it is my intention to offer them a sizeable reward if they will swear to the name of the man who hired them. They will not fear me because I'm a female-they'll consider my proposition. When they ask for the reward, it's my intention to repair to Child's Bank. Mr. Child will assist me in any negotiations." She paused, her gaze touching each concerned face. "While His Grace is unlikely to approve of my involvement, I do not approve of someone trying to kill him. I would rather face His Grace's displeasure than risk His Grace's death." She stepped down from the stair. "I'm taking you into my confidence because I appreciate your concern. I am, however, determined on my course."

After an infinitesimal hesitation, Webster followed her. "Indeed, ma'am. But please-take care."

With a haughty nod, Honoria swept out of the door and down the steps. Sligo had to scurry to open the carriage door because, at that moment, there was not a single footman, or groom, left within St. Ives House.

The hitch in Honoria's plan became apparent the instant they reached the Anchor's Arms, in a mean, narrow street close by the docks. Sulfurous fog, dense and thick, wreathed the inn's low eaves. A rumble of male voices rolled out through the open door, punctuated by occasional female shrieks.

Sligo and Carter had traveled up top; descending nimbly to the cobbles, Sligo glanced around, then eased open the carriage door.

Her face lit by one of the carriage lamps, Honoria raised a brow.

"There's a problem."

"Problem?" Honoria glanced through the door at the inn beyond. The carriage's leather window flaps were down. "What problem?"

"This area's not safe." Sligo scanned the shadows. 'We should have brought more men."

"Why? I'll remain here while you and Carter go in. If the men are there, bring them out to me here."

"Who's going to watch over you while we're in the inn?"