There was plenty of company at the Sun that evening, but whoever else was kept waiting for his dinner, the landlord saw to it that Lethbridge was served instantly. When the covers were withdrawn, and only the wine left on the table, he came himself to ask whether my lord required anything else, and closed the shutters with his own hand. He set more candles on the table, assured his lordship that he would find his sheets well aired, and bowed himself out. He had just told one of the abigails to be sure not to forget to take a warming-pan up presently, when his wife called to him from the doorway: “Cattermole, here’s my lord driven up!”
“My lord,” in Maidenhead, could only mean one person, and Mr Cattermole sped forth at once to welcome this honoured guest. He opened his eyes rather at the sight of the racing curricle, but shouted to an ostler to come to the horses’ heads, and himself hurried up all bows and smiles.
The Earl leaned over to speak to him. “Good evening, Cattermole. Can you tell me if Lord Lethbridge’s chaise changed horses here rather more than an hour ago?”
“Lord Lethbridge, my lord? Why, his lordship is putting up here for the night!” said Cattermole.
“How very fortunate!” said the Earl, and climbed down from the curricle, flexing the fingers of his left hand. “And where shall I find his lordship?”
“In the oak-parlour, my lord, just finished his dinner. I will escort your lordship.”
“No, you need not do that,” replied the Earl, walking into the inn. “I know my way.” At the foot of the shallow stairs he paused, and said softly over his shoulder: “By the way, Cattermole, my business with his lordship is private. I feel sure I can rely on you to see that we are not disturbed.”
Mr Cattermole shot him a quick, shrewd glance. There was going to be trouble, was there? Not good for the house, no, not good for the house, but still worse for it to offend my Lord Rule. He bowed, his face a plump, discreet mask. “Certainly, my lord,” he said, and drew back.
Lord Lethbridge was still sitting over his wine, still meditating over the events of the day, when he heard the door open. He looked up, and stiffened. For a moment they faced one another, Lethbridge rigid in his chair, the Earl standing silent in the doorway, looking across at him. Lethbridge read that look in an instant. He got up. “So Crosby did visit you?” he said. He put his hand in his pocket and drew out the brooch. “Is that what you came for, my lord?”
The Earl shut the door, and turned the key in the lock. “That is what I came for,” he said. “That, and one other thing, Lethbridge.”