“This is my Occurrence Book, missy. There are plenty of coves would like to get their dabblers on it, I can tell you. There’s things in this book as’ll send a good few to the Nubbing Cheat one day,” said Mr Stubbs darkly.
“Oh,” said Eustacie, wishing that Nye would come, and wondering how to lure Mr Stubbs away from the stairs. If only Ludovic had not injured his shoulder he might have climbed out of a window, she thought, but with one arm in a sling that was out of the question.
Mr Stubbs, finding his place in his Occurrence Book, said: “Here we are, now. Has there been a young cove here, missy, with blue eyes, light hair, features aquiline, height about five feet ten inches—”
Eustacie interrupted this recital. “But yes, you describe to me Sir Hugh Thane, only he is taller, I think, and me, I should say that he has grey eyes.”
“The cove this here description fits is a cove by the name of Loodervic Lavenham,” said Mr Stubbs.
Eustacie at once executed a start. “But are you mad? Ludovic Lavenham is my cousin, enfin! ”
Mr Stubbs stared at her fixedly. “You say this Loodervic Lavenham’s your cousin, miss?” he said, his voice pregnant with suspicion.
“Of course he is!” replied Eustacie. “He is a very wicked creature who has brought disgrace to us, and we do not speak of him even. Why have you come to look for him? He went away from England two years ago!”
Mr Stubbs caressed his chin, still keeping his eyes on Eustacie’s face. “Oh!” he said slowly. “He wouldn’t happen to be staying in this inn right now, I suppose?”
“Staying here?” gasped Eustacie. “In the same place with me? No! I tell you, he is in disgrace—quite cast-off!”