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

the
malefactors, I can promise you that. I can also promise you and the constable a
sizeable reward.'
        'Saving
the lady would be reward enough in itself.'
        'Nobly
said, sir!'
        'I
had the good fortune to see Mrs Gow in The Maid's Tragedy,' said
Christopher, recalling the effect she had had on him at the theatre. 'A truly
remarkable talent. That song of hers could charm a bird from a tree.'
        'Then
you will understand why I want her prised from the grip of her abductors,' said
Charles, eyes flashing. 'The longer she is at their mercy, the more danger to
her life. Act fast, Mr Redmayne.'
        'Where
will I start, Your Majesty?'
        'That
is up to you, sir.'
        'But
you've given me no firm information.'
        'We
do not have any, beyond the fact that Mrs Gow was travelling in her coach this
morning when it was ambushed in a narrow lane. The coachman was overpowered,
the lady seized and spirited away. A ransom note arrived soon after at the
Palace.' He turned away to hide his consternation. 'What few details we have,
you can learn from Will Chiffinch. Will?'
        'Your
Majesty?' said the other, emerging from a corner.
        'Do
what is needful.' He studied the ruby ring, distressed to think that the person
to whom he gave its twin was in such peril. 'Mrs Gow occupies a special place
in my heart. I'll not sleep a wink until she is safely returned to it. Please
find her - soon!'
        The
King went back to the window and the audience was over. At a signal from
Chiffinch, the Redmayne brothers tripped out of the Drawing Room. Christopher's
mind was ablaze. All his reservations about taking on the assignment now faded
away. Harriet Gow was missing. It was incredible and yet, when he thought about
it, not entirely unexpected. Beauty as rare as hers, allied with talent as
unique, was bound to attract envy and spite. Her enjoyment of royal favours
would create another set of enemies. Which of them had kidnapped her? And how
much were they demanding for her release?
        Will
Chiffinch took a deep breath then indicated some chairs.
        'It
might be better if you both sit down,' he said, marshalling his thoughts. 'What
I am about to tell you is, of course, in the strictest confidence. Never forget
that. You must be discreet. The ransom note, as you will see, warns of dire
consequences if any attempt is made to rescue Mrs Gow. One wrong move could
prove fatal to her.'
        'You
can trust me, Mr Chiffinch,' affirmed Henry with a hand on his breast. 'I am
Discretion itself.'
        'That
is not His Majesty's estimation of you, Mr Redmayne.'
        'Oh?'
        'Hence
the fact that you are relegated to the outer fringes of this inquiry. Remain
there in silence, please. Otherwise, you delay us.'
        'Tell
us about the abduction,' urged Christopher. 'Where exactly did it take place?
How violent were the kidnappers? Was Mrs Gow hurt?'
        'We
hope not.'
        'Yet
the King said the coachman was overpowered.'
        'No question
of that,' said Chiffinch with a sigh.
        'What
do you mean?'
        'Let
the fellow speak for himself.'
        He
crossed to a door in the corner and opened it to admit a big, brawny man of
middle years in a torn coat that was spattered with blood. The coachman's
craggy features were disfigured by bruises, and heavy bandaging encircled his
forehead. A split lip throbbed visibly with pain.
        'This
is Roland Trigg,' introduced Chiffinch. 'He has been Mrs Gow's coachman for
over a year now. His duties include more than simply conveying her from place
to place. Mr Trigg is familiar with her movements and with those in her
intimate circle. But let us return to the abduction itself. Hear it from one
who was actually there. Mr Trigg?'
        Roland
Trigg ran a purple tongue over his swollen lip.
        'She
was took, sirs,' he said with a mixture of sadness and anger. 'Stolen from me
in broad daylight. I fought hard to