Read Online The Amorous Nightingale by Edward Marston - Free Book Online Page A

Majesty.'
        'Well?'
        'You
were pleased with the way that I'd been able to render you some assistance and
you were kind enough to say that you might call upon me again one day.'
        'That
day has arrived, Mr Redmayne.'
        'Then
it comes at an inappropriate time, Your Majesty.'
        'Inappropriate?'
        'I am
heavily preoccupied with my work.'
        'Royal
business takes precedence over your career, however illustrious that may be. I
should warn you that I am not accustomed to being thwarted. This is a matter of
the utmost importance so I'll brook no obstruction.'
        'Christopher
was not being obstructive, Your Majesty,' said Henry.
        'But
you are, sir.'
        'Without
intention.'
        'Hold
your tongue or leave the room!'
        'Of
course, Your Majesty.'
        'I
only wish to hear from your brother.'
        Henry
recoiled from the rebuke and squirmed in silence.
        'Is there
nobody else who could take on this assignment?' asked Christopher. 'Work begins
tomorrow on a house that I have designed. My presence on site is vital.'
        'Not
if the building is delayed.'
        'There's
no reason for that to happen, Your Majesty.'
        'There's
every reason. And before you ask again,' he said, lifting an imperious hand,
'there is nobody else who is so well fitted for the task before us. Great
courage and discretion are required. You possess both qualities in abundance.
        That
is why I turn to you in this emergency.' He detached the spaniel from his
shoulder and dropped it to the floor. 'No other names were even considered. I
must have the two of you.'
        Christopher
was taken aback. 'Henry and I?'
        'No,
not Henry. That is a laughable suggestion. This is way beyond your brother's
meagre capacities.' Henry bit back a protest and writhed afresh. 'The man I
have in mind is that constable.'
        'Jonathan
Bale?'
        'The
very fellow. Surly but solid.'
        'You
have summed him up to perfection, Your Majesty.'
        'The
two of you worked well together.'
        'Give
or take a few disagreements.'
        'Disagreements?'
        'Nothing
of consequence,' said Christopher dismissively, gliding over any mention of
Jonathan Bale's republican sympathies. 'Constable Bale is a dedicated man. A
brave one, too. He saved me from a beating.'
        'You
and he must pick up the trail at once.'
        'The
trail, Your Majesty?'
        'Yes,'
said the King, rising to his feet and scattering the dogs. 'The search must
begin immediately. Thus it stands, Mr Redmayne. Someone very dear to me has
been abducted. Circumstances compel me to pine for her in private. I need
hardly tell you what those circumstances are. On one thing, however, I am
decided. She must be found - alive and well - at the earliest possible
opportunity.'
        'May
I know the lady's name?'
        'All
of London is familiar with it by now.'
        'Indeed?
Then she must be famous.'
        'Deservedly
so.'
        'Who
is the lady?'
        'Mrs
Harriet Gow.'
        Christopher
was stunned. The idea that Harriet Gow was in any kind of peril was a severe
blow. He reeled. Unable to contain himself, Henry let out an exclamation of
horror before clapping a hand over his truant mouth. The King began to pace the
room.
        'This
is a bad business,' he moaned, 'and it must be resolved quickly. A precious
life is at stake - a very precious life. Rescue must be effected.' He stopped
in front of Christopher. 'All mention of me must, of necessity, be absent from
this affair but I wish to be kept informed of any progress that you and
Constable Bale make. Is that understood?'
        'Yes,
Your Majesty,' mumbled Christopher, still trying to absorb the shock of what he
had heard. 'But can this be so? Mrs Gow kidnapped? Who could wish to lay rough
hands on such a beautiful lady?'
        'That
is what you must find out, Mr Redmayne. Harsh punishment will await