Betrayal at Lisson Grove - Anne Perry [128]
‘Someone at Lisson Grove?’ Croxdale said.
‘No, sir,’ Stoker answered without a flicker in his face. ‘Not as far as I can see.’
Croxdale’s eyes narrowed. ‘Then who? Who else would be able to do that?’
Stoker did not hesitate. ‘Looks like it could be someone at Mr Narraway’s bank, sir. I dare say one time and another he’s made some enemies. Or it could just be someone willing to be paid. Nice to think that wouldn’t happen, but maybe a bit innocent. There’d be those with enough money to buy most things.’
‘I suppose so,’ Croxdale replied. ‘Perhaps Narraway found out already? That would explain a great deal. What other news have you from Ireland?’
Stoker told him about Narraway’s connections, who he had spoken to and their reactions, the confrontation with O’Neil at the concert. Never once did he mention Charlotte. At least some of what he described was so unlike Narraway – panicky and protective – that it seemed as if his whole character had fallen apart.
Pitt listened with disbelief and mounting anger at what he felt had to be a betrayal.
‘Thank you, Stoker,’ Croxdale said sadly. ‘A tragic end to what was a fine career. Give your report on Ireland to Mr Pitt.’
‘Yes, sir.’
Stoker left, and Croxdale turned to Pitt. ‘I think that makes the picture clearer. Gower was the traitor, which I admit I still find hard to credit, but what you say makes it impossible to deny.We may have the disaster contained, but we can’t take it for granted. Investigate as fully as you can, Pitt, and report to me. Keep an eye to what’s going on in Europe, and if there is anything we should inform the French about, then we’ll do so. In the meantime there’s plenty of other political trouble to keep us busy, but I’m sure you know that.’ He rose to his feet, extending his hand. ‘Take care of yourself, Pitt. You have a difficult and dangerous job, and your country needs you more than it will ever appreciate.’
Pitt shook his hand and thanked him, going out into the night without any awareness of the sudden chill. The coldness was already inside him. Narraway arrested for murder – it seemed unbelievable! What Stoker had said of Narraway’s bank betraying him could be true, although he did not believe it. The rest seemed a curious set of exaggerations and lies. Pitt could not accept that Narraway had fallen apart so completely, either to steal anything in the first place, or to so lose the fundamental values of his past as to behave in the way Stoker had described. And surely Stoker must at the very least have noticed Charlotte?
Or was Stoker the traitor at Lisson Grove?
He was floundering, like a man in quicksand. None of his judgements was sound. He had trusted Stoker, he had even liked Gower. Narraway he would have sworn his own life on . . . He admitted, he still would do.
Croxdale’s carriage was waiting to take him home. He half saw the shadow of a man on the pavement who moved towards him, but he ignored it. The coachman opened the door for him and he climbed in, sitting miserable and shivering all the way back to Keppel Street. He was glad it was late. He did not want to make the intense effort it would cost to hide his disillusion from Daniel and Jemima. If he were fortunate, even Minnie Maude would be asleep.
In the morning he was halfway to Lisson Grove when he changed his mind and went instead to see Vespasia. It was too early for any kind of social call, but if he had to wait until she rose, then he was willing to. His need to speak with her was so urgent he was prepared to break all the rules of etiquette, even of consideration, trusting she would see his purpose beyond his discourtesy.
In fact she was already up and taking breakfast. He accepted tea, but he had no need to eat.
‘Is your new maid feeding you properly?’Vespasia asked with a touch of concern.
‘Yes,’ he answered, his own surprise coming through his voice.