Griffith did not think they were here for the ale. He positioned himself in front of the lady in an unconscious need to protect her. Was she wanted by the authorities? Was that why she was here, attempting to hide out?

In which case, perhaps he might want to know why she was looking for him in particular. And if that was one of her secrets.

Today was far more interesting than he’d suspected it would be.

“Captain Davies!” one of the policemen said, sweeping his gaze over the pub’s occupants. “We need to locate Captain Davies.”

“You wish to speak to me?” Griffith said, his tone skeptical. Because while he suspected they weren’t here to drink, he hadn’t thought they might want him. But perhaps this was the day when everyone came to this pub looking for the former viscount/current ship captain.

Maybe Queen Victoria herself would show up eventually. And he’d have a word with her about ensuring there was enough beer on board her ships. Not to mention discussing what proper procedure should be.

Two of the men went to either side of him, taking his arms. They did not want him for a polite conversation, then, unless they were determined to have his full attention. For that he could have told them a full pitcher of beer, a large soft chair, and the company of a beautiful, spirited lady could have done just as well.

He glanced from one to the other, considering whether he should shake them off. He could do it, but it would likely just be postponing the inevitable. And he’d hate to wake up Clark, just for something like this.

The man who’d spoken pushed through to step in front of Griffith, his face blanching as he looked up. “You’re Captain Davies?”

Griffith bowed, at least as much as he was able to, given that his arms were being held. “At your service. What’s this about?”

“You’re being arrested by the authority of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. If you’ll come with me?”

“As though I have a choice,” Griffith muttered. His improper procedure must have drawn the ire of Her Majesty’s Navy. He’d like to have a word with Her Majesty even more. It was unfortunate the queen wasn’t waltzing into disreputable pubs brandishing hat pins.

He glanced toward the lady who had done just that, nodding in her direction. “We’ll have to schedule another time to speak, my lady. As you can see, I am somewhat busy at the moment.” He winked as she glanced from him to the officers and back again, a frustrated expression on her face.