Chapter 4

"Ah good, I wanted a word with you!

Bertie did not immediately recognise the voice and so swung around to face the speaker. It was the one person he wanted to see even less than the dreaded Daphne. Bertie's already depressed expression fell further; right into his muddy boots.

"Mr Holmes I am a little busy at present. Maybe we could introduce ourselves later?"

"That of course is entirely up to you Lord Bertie. However it concerns Lady Daphne and the nefarious Professor. I suppose I can always talk to Lady Elizabeth in the meantime." Said Holmes whimsically.

The young Lord's face turned distinctly grey. "No, no I would not wish to trouble Mamma with such mere trifles. I would however like to take care of my toilette first. Shall we say the Green study in a quarter of an hour?"

"Capital. By all means do freshen up. It has obviously been a productive night?"

Lord Bertie ignored the question, and almost controlled his emotions. It was not quite enough control for Ned to miss his sullen discomfort.

Holmes made his way toward the front right wing of the mansion.

Fortuitously he passed Johns, who directed him to the study. Ned was pleasantly surprised by the room; whilst it was clearly the domain of a younger man it was lined with serious scientific tomes. He reached up and retrieved a copy of Lyell's 'Principles of Geology' and sat comfortably flicking through the pages.

Presently the door opened and Bertie entered the room.

"Well this is a surprise, I had not thought of you as a man of science Mr Holmes."

"I would not be presumptuous enough to think myself one Lord

Bertie. I am just an interested amateur.

"As I shall likely remain," said Bertie, with a hint of regret,

"still... Now how may I assist you Mr Holmes?"

Ned outlined what he knew so far, he only missed alluding to one fact pertinent to the case; that of his feelings for Bertie's sibling. "So you see where it leaves me, and why I wonder if you could help?"

"I am at sea as to how I can help. It is true I was aware of

Alphonso's work whilst I was at Oxford, it would have been hard not to have been. He became quite eminent. As too Lady Daphne; yes of course I know her but only from pleasant social intercourse. I know nothing of the things you surmise."

Ned considered this for a while. "Do you mind if I smoke? I find it gives me clarity."

"Of course not, but my time this morning is limited." Bertie sighed.

Ned puffed clouds of whitish smoke into the air. "Now where was

I? Oh yes. I got the impression from Lady Elizabeth that

Professor Burgabiter was in some way involved in your sending down. Is that not the case?"

"Indirectly yes. After his disappearance I went a little wild.

The bounder stole a lot of money from me Holmes. To my shame I was not man enough to take it on the chin. Too much liquid refreshment, too low a grade. I am not the first, and I shall not be the last."

"So you have no involvement with him now?" Queried Ned.

"Why would I? He has shown his hand, the man is a rogue."

Snarled Bertie.

"I suppose you are right. But it would be better to tell the truth now. Even if the thought of the Illuminati concerns you.

Much better now, than when the police are involved."

"I have no involvement, as I have already stated Mr Holmes. I would also thank you not to threaten me with the police. I am a member of one of this countries greatest families!"

"That does not necessarily rule you out from my investigations

Lord Bertie.Investigations which continue both here and in

London. But I feel I have taken up enough of your time. If you will excuse me."

"I shall excuse you, but be aware that if you attempt to sully the name of Lord Bertram Grey you will pay. Both in the courts of this land and in person."

"Do not worry Lord Grey, if I accuse you - I will have all the evidence I need. Good day."

"Good day Holmes, I trust you will not outstay your welcome here."

"As Lady Elizabeth is most generous by nature, I find that unlikely. One question before I leave?"

"If it is quick man."

"What do you make of Darwin's theories?"

"His observations are accurate, his interpretation flawed. To think that I, or even you, Holmes are created by the same forces as the scum of the land. It is preposterous. Why do you ask?"

"Just idle curiosity which is now satisfied. Good day Lord

Bertram."

Bertie sat at his desk long after the door had closed. For him this day went from bad to worse. His head fell into his scrubbed hands, by the time it raised his expression had changed. Grinning widely Bertie spoke to the four walls that surrounded him. "You may be an investigator, but you are no bridge player. You have shown your hand too soon sir and I shall trump it!"

He leant back and gave a single savage tug on the bell rope.

When Johns appeared the noble barked a question at him. "Has anyone left the mansion this day?"

"Why yes your lordship Mr Holmes's friend Mr Hove."

"Aha! And where was he headed?"

"James took him to the station early this morning..."

An excited Bertie cut the butler off rudely.

"To get the London train. Veni, vici, vidi! I have them."

"I'm sorry sir I don't follow?"

"No matter. Find Lady Daphne and send her to me... And Johns?"

"Yes sir."

"Double step man. No time to lose."

Lady Elizabeth was at that moment being a most accommodating hostess. Lady Catherine's left hand was being most generously accommodated deep within the gasping noble's quim. Simultaneously her eldest and youngest daughters enjoyed the shivers of delight that tonguing the other afforded. Such was the intensity of the desires and spendings that filled the room, none were aware of the couple that entered.

Lady Daphne snorted her derision. "So you see Lord Grey, they still writhe and pulse with the desire my magic imparts. Lost souls just as you are, and soon the Nation."

Richard shuddered, partly from incestuous desire but mostly from suppressed rage. He managed to vent his spleen. "You may have us, but never, never this noble land. Britannia rules supreme."

"Very good. I expect that would get much applause in the house, but not here. Here I am in control. I could ruin you, destroy your family name. I could make you outcasts; social lepers."

"How? It is not so easy. Us Grey's have generations of power behind us. We do not surrender without a fight."

"Oh! But you will. Otherwise the little attractive tableau we see before us will be played out at Lady Jane's ball. For all and sundry to see. You think you could survive that?"