Read Lady Brittany's Love for Free Online Page B

Many of the holes in the case were now being filled. Unfortunately, more gaps presented themselves. The primary one, the ringleader of the slave traders still remained shrouded in mystery.
    He leaned back in his chair evaluating what he’d learned. Over the course of the next several days, the more he studied the Hersey book the gaps would be slowly filled in. Soon, he prayed the full picture would emerge. The one reward he hadn’t expected, spending pleasant time with Brittany.
    One thing still mystified him. Why and how had this particular book been made available for sale? Wouldn’t Hersey have taken better care to ensure its safety?
    Was it possible someone within the Hersey household wanted the evidence made public? Then, why had the book ended up at Mr. Winterbottom’s Book Emporium? Had Brittany’s purchase of this particular copy a stroke of luck on her part? These questions needed answered. He suspected there would be more attempts to steal the tome. The next time Brittany and her parents might not be so lucky.
    From the middle drawer of the desk he brought out the decree which had started this hunt. Again, he read over the directive and received no hint as to how the Crown had learned of the reemergence of slave trading. All they told him, it was centered along the west coast of Africa around Nigeria.
    Even this didn’t help as many English had settled the area and its ships traversed the waters. Samuel knew Hersey couldn’t be the leader as he’d never left England to the best of his knowledge. This Samuel gathered from what little he’d read in the tome. All the information the man had presented could easily have been gleaned from previous books. And how soon would Brittany realize that fact as well. According to her, she’d only had a little time to look over the book before he’d arrived.
    “Yes, I’ll let her continue with her study and publish her work which will damn Hersey for the fraud he is. When that’s accomplished, he’ll gladly give up the name of his superior,” Samuel muttered.
    After returning all the pages to the desk drawer he locked it then pushed back from the desk as Stanley entered.
    “M’ lord, time is getting on. Your bath water awaits you.”
    With a nod he stood and started for the door then stopped, returned to the desk and collected the velvet box.
    “Wouldn’t be good if I didn’t arrive with this little gift in hand. I fear a certain lady would never forgive me,” he said, with a grin.
    “Very true, m’ lord.”
    Bathed and properly attired for the evening, with the case containing the necklace in hand, Samuel descended the stairs to the ground floor. Assisted into his matching cape he stepped outside and into the Bemming coach.
    Walking up the stairs to the Sexton townhouse he saw the front door open with the butler waiting for him.
    “The Earl and Countess of Bemming along with Lady Brittany are expecting me,” he told the man, handing over his cape.
    “Yes, m’ lord. They’re awaiting your arrival in the family sitting room. If you’ll please follow me,” John told him.
    After being announced he stepped in wondering if something had occurred preventing Lady Wallace and Cole from making an appearance. Bowing to the ladies, he accepted a drink from Eli with a smile and nod.
    “Lord Samuel, Lady Wallace, and her son will be here shortly,” Barbara informed him.
    “Thank you,” he replied, before turning to Brittany. “Have you been able to look through more of the book?”
    “Yes, I have. If you don’t mind, I’d rather discuss what I have found tomorrow, when you return. What I discovered, and father will agree, is better shown than explained. All I can say, I’m greatly disturbed by my findings.”
    Samuel glanced over to Eli, who nodded his confirmation. Turning back to her, Samuel requested to arrive earlier than scheduled so they could discuss the issues.
    “I think that would be best and if you don’t mind we can postpone the outing for