Six Degrees of Scandal by Caroline Linden Page B

onboard, though.
    â€œThere was a good bit of free trading in this area during the war,” Hick said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I expect you know that. It ain’t nothing to what went on decades ago, before the Riding Officers started patrolling. Anyone who partakes of that needs a good man ashore to help cover his tracks, aye? Charters might’ve been one such man. I can’t swear to it, but I wouldn’t doubt it, either. It’s hard to believe he’d sell his practice to any other sort, but I know nothing directly about Armand.”
    That fit with the picture coming together in Jamie’s mind. “Did you ever know of a family called Townsend, from Rochester?”
    Hicks frowned in thought. “Nay, can’t say I do.”
    He hadn’t really expected Hicks to say yes, but it was worth asking. “I’m also interested in knowing if a certain man has been in Gravesend, at any time in the last several years but especially in the last few months. He’s an aristocrat and looks it. About my height, around forty years of age. Darkhair, pale skin, a prominent nose. He’d be seeking Charters as well, most likely, and someone called Townsend.”
    â€œI’ve not noticed him about town, but I can ask,” said Hicks. “His name?”
    This time Jamie hesitated, but it was too important to know if Clary had traced Olivia this far. “I don’t want you asking for him by name. Don’t mention it unless strictly necessary.”
    â€œI won’t, sir.” Hicks grinned. “I expect the lieutenant told you I can be trusted to hold my tongue.”
    â€œThat’s why I’m here.” Jamie grinned back. “The man’s name is Simon Clary—Viscount Clary. He’s a dangerous fellow and is likely to be desperate.”
    â€œGot it.” Hicks’s eyes gleamed. “Are you chasing him or running from him?”
    â€œAvoiding him at all costs. If you chance to hear anything of him, or any man who fits his description, I’d like to know it.”
    Hicks nodded. “Where shall I report, sir?”
    â€œI’ll come tomorrow morning for the horse and carriage.” He pulled a purse from his pocket and set it on the table. “I hope that’s adequate.”
    Hicks picked it up and peered inside. For a moment his lips moved as he counted, then he jerked up his head in astonishment. “’Tis several times adequate!”
    â€œFor your inconvenience.” Jamie got to his feet. “And your discretion.”
    â€œEntirely yours, sir,” said Hicks fervently. “Thank ’ee dearly.”
    Jamie picked up his hat, then paused. “I expect to leave town tomorrow, but if you should hearanything after that, about Clary or anyone called Townsend, would you write to your lieutenant and tell him? He’ll get word to me.”
    â€œI will indeed, sir. But what if I need to contact you before?”
    â€œI’m staying at the Stag and Hound tonight,” said James. “Under the name Daniel Crawford.”
    Hicks started, then a slight smile touched his face. “I’ll not forget that name.”
    Tucking his muffler higher around his neck, James said farewell and went back out into the cold. Now that supplies and transportation were arranged, he went to the inn. Olivia had told him to wait for two hours; she explained the solicitor had made her wait for hours the previous day. Not liking the idea of her sitting docilely in the very spot where Clary might seek her first, Jamie argued against that. Finally they had agreed on one hour, which gave him just enough time now to shave and change his shirt.
    He crossed the busy yard and jogged up the stairs two at a time to his room. The Stag and Hound was the biggest inn in Gravesend, allowing him to come and go without much notice. The fire in his room was nothing but ash, as expected, and it was cold, but not as cold as it was