Page 78 of The Unassuming Curator

Emily delivered a shaken Aunt Millward into Mr. Townsend’s care and raced back across the short lawn to where Lord Southbeck was aiding Henry to his feet. The Bow Street runner, Mr. Toole, was standing over Mr. Fernsby, his pistol in hand.

“This is the art copyist, I assume?” Mr. Toole said.

“Amongst other things.” Henry steadied himself, and upon his giving Lord Southbeck a subtle nod, the gentleman released his arm. “His list of crimes has grown significantly over the last twenty-four hours.”

Mr. Toole slid his weapon back into his pocket and exchanged it for a piece of rope. Dropping to his knees beside Mr. Fernsby, he rolled him onto his side and drew his wrists together behind his back. With well-practiced expertise, he wrapped the rope around them and cinched it tight before rising to his feet again.

“Grateful though I am for your assistance,” Lord Southbeck said, “I do not believe we have met.”

“I wouldn’t wish the need of a Bow Street runner on anyone, my lord, so it’s just as well for you that we’re as yet unacquainted.” He bowed. “Hugh Toole at your service. I received a message from someone at the British Museum and arrived whilst Lady Millward was taking the air. She told me a little about what this fellow’s been up to right before he came barreling out from between the bushes.”

Emily stepped forward to stand beside Henry. “Thank you for coming so promptly, Mr. Toole. As usual, your timing is impeccable.”

Mr. Toole hid any surprise he may have harbored at her unexpected presence with his usual calm. “Miss Norton.” He bowed a second time. “Nice to see you again, although I wish it were under slightly better circumstances.”

“As do I.”

At their feet, Mr. Fernsby groaned and shifted slightly.

“He’s coming around,” Lord Southbeck warned.

“Well, that’ll make moving him easier,” Mr. Toole said. He raised a questioning eyebrow at Lord Southbeck. “Where do you want him, my lord?”

“Off my property.”

Mr. Toole inclined his head. “Easy enough. I daresay the warden at Newgate can find room for him while we get things sorted.”

Emily shuddered. Newgate was one place in London that she never wished to see.

“You have my thanks, Toole.” Henry slipped his hand around hers. It was strong and warm and a poignant reminder of how close she had come to losing him. “You know where to find me if you need me.”

“I do, sir.” He paused. “Lady Millward recounted a portion of what you recently endured. I’ll give you a day or two to recover before I come calling.”

“I appreciate it.”

Lord Claridge arrived on the scene, breathing heavily. Behind him, half a dozen more members of the board were crossing the lawn from the side gate.

“What happened, Southbeck?” Lord Claridge asked.

“Buckland brought him down,” Lord Southbeck said.

“Good heavens.” Lord Claridge looked from Henry to the man lying on the ground with his hands bound.

Fernsby’s eyes flickered open. For a moment, he simply stared at the men standing above him, and then awareness of his situation dawned. Fear shone in his eyes, and he tugged at his bindings. “I can explain!” he shouted. “Let me loose. I can explain!”

Henry turned away from him. “Come, Emily,” he said, leading her away. “We’re not needed here any longer.”

Aunt Millward hurried across the grass to meet them. “Henry! I’ve been so worried. Are you all right?”

He gave her a tired smile. “I daresay I will be after about twenty-four hours of solid sleep.”

“Home,” she said firmly. “I do not care what Mr. Toole, Lord Southbeck, or any of these other gentlemen say. I am taking you home right away.”

“If you’d be good enough to drop me off at the townhouse, I’d be most grateful.”

“Nonsense. Neither of your parents is home. I know your housekeeper and valet are fully capable and reliable employees, but they are not family. I could never face your mother again if I simply dropped you off in this state.” She started across the lawn toward the waiting carriage. “Besides,” she added, seemingly as an afterthought, “if you come home with me, you will not have to travel any distance at all to see Emily.”

Chapter 29