Page 35 of Charity

The other man heaved a heavy sigh. “I’ve been away from England for many years now, in India for business, and I’ve lost track of my family. I was hoping to search the orphanage’s records for any information they might contain concerning their whereabouts.”

Oscar stopped, frowning. “The orphanage is a relatively new venture. When was the last you heard of them?”

“Ten years ago, now, it would be. The youngest pair, my brother and sister, would be four and twenty and six and twenty by now.”

Oscar smiled apologetically. “Then I’m very much afraid I cannot be of help to you. The place was established just last year, and the children are all aged under eleven years, I believe.”

Beside him, the other man swore. The colorful oaths that burst from Randall’s mouth surprised Oscar for their complexity and venom. Although he was sure none were directed at him, he started walking again. Randall hurried to catch up but held his tongue. He was no doubt deeply disappointed by Oscar’s news. Poor fellow. “It must be dreadful to lose one’s family,” he said. “I’m deeply sorry I couldn’t be of help.”

As they reached the center of the square, Oscar stopped and turned around. The fellow had stopped a few steps back so he called out. “Randall?”

The other man looked up and nodded.

“You aren’t by chance one of the Romsey Randalls?”

The other man’s gaze grew wary. “I am a cousin to the current duke,” he admitted slowly.

Oscar smiled. “Well, that is a spot of good news. I had heard there was some vigorous debate about the duchy’s succession. Lord Carmichael, at one time, petitioned for guardianship of the duke, but met with resistance. You should present yourself to him forthwith so he may be easy again. I know there will be great relief when word spreads that another Randall has been found.” Oscar looked about him to see if he could spot another peer nearby to pass along the good news.

Leopold Randall took a step back. “If I might ask you not to inform anyone of my whereabouts at this time, I would be grateful beyond belief.”

“Why the hell would I do that?”

Randall glanced about nervously. “Because I believe the former Dukes of Romsey were responsible for the disappearance of my siblings. I want to find my family first, well before I make my existence known to the current duke, and anyone else closely associated with the duchy.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Astonished by the statement, Oscar scrubbed his hand across his chin. “He’s just a child. A drooling infant, if I remember correctly.”

Randall still glanced around them nervously. “Still, it pays to be cautious.”

A memory of a whispered conversation at his club flitted through Oscar’s mind. It had been well known that the old Duke of Romsey had not been a man to cross. Randall’s statement, and the fact that the succession for the duchy was unclear due to the disappearance of all other Randall relations, made Oscar inclined to believe him. “Yet you approached me. Why?”

The other man met his gaze directly. “While I might have little faith in the benevolence of the aristocracy, I have had some dealings with Mr. Thomas Birkenstock, a fellow businessman living here in London, in this very square. Over the course of our dealings, he’s mentioned some of his connections, and you by name once or twice. I called on him earlier, but was informed that he was away from home. I was invited to contact him as soon as I returned from India. He thought he could be of help to me.”

Ah, so Birkenstock was the reason for this approach. If Birkenstock admitted this man was a friend, then Oscar would have some faith that Randall spoke the truth about his identity. “I believe he’s attending to his business interests in Winchester.”

The other man nodded. “Thank you for that. I shall have to assume that he will not return to Town for some time.” Randall squared his shoulders. “I must be going. Thank you, my lord, for your trouble.”

Randall tipped his hat and made to leave.

“Wait,” Oscar called.

Randall turned and Oscar approached him. “I may be able to help you in Birkenstock’s absence. If you would care to join me for luncheon, you could provide me with more particulars. I have friends I can approach, decent men of particular discretion, who have a wide range of interests across London.” When Randall shook his head, Oscar rushed to add, “It cannot hurt to try. You do not need to confide your directions to me.”

After a long moment, Randall nodded. “That is very good of you, my lord. But I should not like to put you out.”

Oscar smiled, feeling his spirits lift as a surge of anticipation filled him at the distraction. “Nonsense. I am happy to help in any way I can to see your family returned to you.” It would be good to be useful. Oscar could engage runners on Randall’s behalf and keep his whereabouts secret. Feeling the nightmare of the past dim at last, Oscar led Randall inside his home and through to his bookroom. He slid the orphanage accounts to the side of his table.

Randall looked about him with an amused grin. “I hadn’t realized you lived next door to Birkenstock. No wonder he mentioned you with such fondness.”

Oscar smiled, but didn’t elaborate on why Birkenstock might think fondly of him. “Would you care for a brandy?”

Randall nodded and set himself down before Oscar’s tidy desk.

Unused to such silence in his companions, Oscar poured drinks and settled behind his desk, drawing out his little pocketbook and pen to make notes. “When did you see your siblings last?”

“Christmas of eighteen-three.” Randall sipped another mouthful of brandy, but his face had darkened with emotion. “I had returned home from school to spend the holiday season with my family at Romsey.”