Hastings shook his head. "I am sorry, but I cannot. We would, of course, have to speak with the lady to corroborate your story."
Knowing Katherine, she would probably be only too delighted to visit the War Office. But her stepsister would also have to visit. If it became known, Alex could imagine the glee Lord Templeman would take in relating the damaging tale to the ton. Miss Templeman might never find a suitable husband. He traded his life for hers.
Davis Laughton was watching him, dark eyes thoughtful. Hastings was obviously waiting for him to reply. "Have you nothing to say?" he urged.
Alex squared his shoulders. "Nothing, my lord."
The marquis sighed. "You make things difficult for me, my boy. I will ask you one last time. Knowing that I may have to send you to prison to await trial for treason if you do not answer, where were you and what were you doing during your absence from the Willstencraft ball?"
Alex took a deep breath. "I cannot tell you where I was at the Willstencraft ball, my lord. And that is my final word on the subject."
–
Of course, Katherine insisted on leaving immediately for the War Office. Sir Richard attempted to dissuade her, but she would have none of it.
"We may not know why they accused him," she argued, "but it may have something to do with his shadow. We know more about the fellow than anyone except Lord Borin. At the very least, we can assure them of his lordship's character."
In the end, Sir Richard could only capitulate. Constance and Bixby also indicated their interest in helping, so the four of them hailed a hack and hurried to the War Office.
Getting to see Lord Hastings, however, proved to be more difficult. Katherine was a little surprised to find that her uncle and Bixby were well known to many of the senior staff. They were met with salutes and bows wherever they went. It did not take them long to reach the private suite of the Marquis of Hastings. A young captain in an Oxford blue uniform stood guard before the entrance. He too seemed to know Sir Richard, but he refused to let them pass.
"His lordship is in an important meeting," he explained. "I regret that I have been ordered not to disturb him."
"But we have critical information," Sir Richard began in protest. Katherine half listened as she eyed the loyal captain. He stood as tall as her uncle, with short-cropped raven hair and warm brown eyes. The only thing distinguishing him from any other eager captain was a small gold cross half-hidden by the black leather baldric crossing his chest. She had vowed not to manipulate except in a good cause, and surely this was the best. But not knowing the captain, she was hard-pressed to determine how she might appeal to him.
It was then that she noticed that he too was only half listening to the conversation. His warm smile was all for Constance, who stood at Sir Richard's right elbow. Even more fascinating, however, was the way Constance dimpled at his look of admiration.
Katherine nudged Bixby beside her. Intent on the conversation between Sir Richard and the guard, he started, then turned to her with a frown. She nodded toward the captain and Constance and winked. Bixby followed her gaze, then grinned. She was certain he saw what she did. Katherine nodded again, hoping he would realize that she had a plan and would follow her lead.
The captain continued to offer seemingly sincere apologies. Sir Richard had run out of logic and was blustering, red-faced. Katherine stepped easily beside him, laying a hand on his arm. "Oh, dear," she murmured aloud, "it is such a shame we cannot see Lord Hastings. Now we will have to leave London without saying farewell."
Sir Richard frowned. She nodded toward Constance, who was gazing up at the guard from under her golden lashes. The captain was fiddling with his baldric as if trying to screw up his courage to speak to him. Her uncle's brow cleared.
"Yes," Sir Richard agreed, "a disappointment, to be sure. Constance, I imagine your heart will be broken. Constance?"
Constance's dimple was showing, and she pursed her lips as she too cocked her head. One gloved hand toyed with the cross around her own neck. The guard winked at her.
"Constance?" Katherine repeated. "Will you not be heartbroken if we do not get to see Lord Hastings immediately?"
Constance blinked and focused on her with obvious difficulty, causing the guard to start as well. "Heartbroken?" her stepsister asked with a slight frown.
"Yes," Katherine hissed with determination. "I should think it likely that you might even faint."