Lord Ashford's Wager by Marjorie Farrell Page B

“The magistrates’ hearing is in a few days’ time. I can stand it until then. Indeed, it feels like fit punishment,” he added.
    “For what?”
    “For letting Ned down…for wasting what little money I had. For not loving Claudia. I feel that most strongly of all. That somehow I am responsible for her death. That had she not met me, she would still be alive.”
    “That is nonsense, Tony. She was probably killed by an intruder.”
    “Oh, I know it makes no logical sense, Jo. But knowing that doesn’t change my feelings.” Tony stood up. “Now, you must leave before your parents discover what you’ve been up to. I am sure I will be released at the hearing. After all, there is no real evidence against me.”
    “But even if they let you go, Tony, you are ruined unless someone finds the real killer.”
    Tony looked at her, his eyes devoid of emotion. “Yes, I suppose I am. But I find I don’t care. All that I care about is gone…Ned, Claudia…Ashford. I intend to go home and continue the fight for Ashford Ned’s way. Maybe that will make up for some of this.”
    Joanna looked stricken. “And what of our friendship, Tony? Does that count for nothing?”
    “My dearest Jo, it is so much a part of my life that I assumed you would take the importance for granted,” he said softly.
    “No one likes to be taken for granted, Tony.”
    “You are quite right. I would offer you my hand, Jo, but I am filthy and my clothes smell and I don’t want to come close. But I am so very grateful to you for coming. Your visit will get me through the next few days.”
    Tony opened the door and summoned the gatesman. “I will wait here. Please go with Lady Joanna and summon her a cab home. Here.” Tony reached into his pocket and pulled out enough money to pay both the turnkey and the cabdriver. Joanna protested, but he insisted. “It is the least I can do, Jo, to repay your generosity.”
    But when Joanna was asked her destination by the cab-driver, instead of giving him her address, she directed him to Bow Street. And when her abigail gasped, she only said, “Hush, Sally, and I’ll give you an extra allowance this month.”
     

Chapter 17
     
    When they arrived at the Bow Street Court, Joanna went straight to the magistrate’s clerk, who looked shocked to see a lady in the building.
    “I understand it is possible for a private citizen to hire a Runner?”
    “Yes, my lady.”
    “Well, that is what I wish to do, then. What is the usual fee?”
    “A guinea a week, my lady, plus expenses.”
    “And do you have any recommendations?”
    The clerk looked nonplussed for a moment. “Uh, what sort of investigation are you talking about, ma’am?”
    “Murder,” Joanna replied bluntly.
    The clerk’s eyes opened wide. He had not thought it more than a case of a philandering husband. Although, come to think about it, the lady wore no wedding ring.
    “Murder, is it? Well, then McManus or Naylor is your man. Except McManus is in Kent, so…”
    “Naylor it is?” said Joanna with a touch of dry humor in her voice. “And where would I find Mr. Naylor?”
    “At this time of day, he is usually at the Garrick’s Head having a pint.”
    Joanna’s face fell. It was one thing to come to Bow Street. It was quite another to enter a public house. And she could hardly send Sally. She should have brought a footman with her instead.
    The clerk saw her consternation. “Don’t you worry, my lady. I can send someone over for you. Let me show you into a quiet room, and I will send Naylor in to you.”
    Joanna gave him a grateful smile, and pulling at the long-suffering Sally, followed the clerk down the hall.
    “Well, this is better than the visitors’ quarters at Newgate,” she said with a laugh.
    “Never tell me you were there, my lady,” the clerk said, horrified.
    “We just came from there. And my errand is urgent.”
    “Yes, yes. I will send Jake over right away. Just you wait here.”
    “Your parents would die, my lady, did