A Victorian Tale Part 2

Chapter Two (Ronnie K) Judging by the faint upturn at the corners of her lips, Miss Prince had experienced this reaction to her appearance before. What she hadn't experienced before was how quickly he recovered himself. Admirable, to say the least. But this was of little import at the moment as Lord Wayne again addressed the Captain. "You realize, of course, that I will have an active part in this investigation." It was not a question. Though merely an Earl, Wayne was known for demanding--no, expecting--that others of lesser rank accede to his whims. Despite knowing this, the statement still managed to startle the poor captain. Kent could see his face begin to color and wondered if the man was going to have an apoplectic fit here in his own office. "I say! That is not at all proper! One does not merely decide to involve ones self in an investigation--" "No, 'one' does not, Captain. 'I', however, do." "But--" "Captain!" Wayne raised his voice only slightly, but in the small office it seemed a shout. "I am a peer of the realm and I can do whatever I wish under the constraints of the law. Is this not so?" 'Yes, yes, but surely--" "And is there a law on your books at present which prevents me from involving myself in a matter of great consequence to myself and Miss Prince?" "No, no, of course--" "Quite! Then it's settled." Turning towards the inspector, who had been watching the conversation with little bemusement, "Kent, report to Wayne Manor at 10am sharp, please". A quick glance at Miss Prince told Kent that Wayne was not the only one determined to 'involve himself' in this matter. Her jaw was set, he had to admit in a most fetching manner, but the message was clear that she, too, would not merely await the results of an investigation. The captain did not get an opportunity to determine how the investigation would proceed, so it was up to Kent. "Lord Wayne, while I--" With an audible sigh and clearly on the brink of losing his temper, Wayne began to interrupt but to his surprise was cut off. "No, please, my lord, allow me to finish." Despite himself, the brooding earl's teeth snapped shut, his jaw tightly clenched as if to burst. "I understand your desire to find the dastards who would threaten Miss Prince, but as a lawful agent of the queen I must respectfully remind you that I am not under your authority. While I will, of course, value your assistance, I will be responsible for how this matter proceeds. That IS a law on our books, which I would be glad to show you if necessary." Knowing full well that Kent was right, the earl ceded this defeat with a slight nod of his magnificently coiffed head. Mentally, he saluted the inspector. At least he found a man to look into this instead of some fawning commoner. His anger was slightly offset by a modicum of respect. Yet through his still clenched teeth, he growled "And when would Mr. Kent like to begin, pray tell?" The imperturbable Kent calmly responded, "It's Inspector Kent, if you please, my lord, and 10am at Wayne Manor would be quite appropriate. Until then, sir?" Flummoxed yet again at being summarily dismissed by the inspector, Wayne gave his arm to Miss Prince while still locked into Kent's gaze. Only when he noticed that Diana hadn't taken his arm did he turn. "Our business here is done for now. We shall leave." Still not taking his arm, she merely stared at him with an expression that showed she was most definitely affronted. After a brief pause, he managed to recover himself. "Miss Prince, our business is concluded, shall we depart?" With that concession, she took his arm and they turned to go. As they left the office Miss Prince turned to eye the stubborn inspector again, this time with a most approving expression. Captain and inspector were still staring at the office door as they heard their carriage drive away.