“Why did he need to know that?”
“He didn’t need all the evidence in order to arrest a few and have them jailed or deported or whatever he intends to do with them. But if enough aren’t taken care of, the plot isn’t eliminated. Do you know what I mean?”
“So you’re saying that they knew about the plot but not all the details of who was involved, and they wanted to make sure they arrested or whatever they’re going to do as many people as possible so that they cannot continue. So that means that they assumed if they only arrested the two they knew were plotting, then others would be able to continue with the plan, is that right?”
“Exactly!” Roderick was filled with pride for the young woman as though she had discovered a new element or something important rather than merely understanding the convoluted plots his brother pursued.
“So what did you learn from that conversation?”
“Where the others, or at least some of them, were waiting until the appropriate time.”
They were finally interrupted by the arrival of the footman with two laden plates and the appropriate cutlery. “Would there be anything else for the two of you this evening, sir?” the footman interrupted politely. “Wine, punch, or lemonade?”
“Oh, wouldn’t lemonade be delightful?” Lucy asked. “Something innocent to wash away the current taste in my mouth.”
Roderick smiled and nodded to the footman. “Two lemonades, please.”
“I’m surprised you would lower yourself to drinking something so tepid,” Lucy said with a teasing smile. Roderick was impressed with her strength. Another lady was more likely to have hysterics over what they had been discussing.
She leaned closer. “So what is to happen with the conspirators? And how long is it likely we might be in danger?”
“Within days they should all be on their way to Botany Bay. Those that aren’t hanged, in any case.”
He shouldn’t have said that last bit. For all her strength, Lucy was still a lady. He watched as she swallowed and blinked in an effort not to give in to her feelings.
“Days, you say,” she finally said, her voice a little fainter than usual but still steady. “So does Gilbert really think there might be some risk to either of us?”
Roderick sighed. “No, my brother is of the opinion they’ll never know about our involvement. He says you were brilliant and I was sufficiently accomplished so that they would never think we could have been the source of the information.” When Rod saw Lucy’s face brighten, he hurried to add his own true thoughts. “But it is I who think you need to be careful. After what I think I saw this afternoon, I would send you out of Town if I had any sort of authority over you. But as it is, I will be sticking to your side until I know Gilbert has dealt with the lot.”
Lucy actually laughed despite the concern she had been displaying just moments before. “You are sure to set the tongues to wagging, Roderick.”
“The gossips can go fly a kite,” Roderick countered immediately. “And really, it shouldn’t harm either of our prospects any, I wouldn’t think. Are you worried about that?”
Lucy shrugged. “I don’t enjoy being the subject of gossip, but it is something that happens all too frequently. I’m not sure it will affect my marriage prospects one way or the other. But it matters little. I’m not sorry I got involved in the matter. If you have suddenly developed an overprotective urge, I will live with that consequence.”
Roderick again felt a flutter of nervous emotion in his midsection. He chose to ignore it. Somehow it was starting to become normal when he was around Lucy and her generous smiles.
“So you will remain home tomorrow until I come to collect you?” Roderick said in a low but insistent tone. He knew he was treading on thin ice to try to tell the determined beauty what to do, but it couldn’t be helped. “I would prefer you not leave your house at all, but we can’t be sure to be private for conversation at home.”
Lucy’s gaze, as it searched his face, was intelligent and knowing. Roderick had to exert his self-control not to squirm under her scrutiny.
“You truly are concerned about our safety, aren’t you?” she asked, no playful coyness in her tone. It was the voice he was used to hearing from her from before her years in Society. It made him want to pull her into his arms for safe keeping. He tried not to sigh over his own idiotic tendencies. He couldn’t expect Lucy Scranton to accept his protection on a permanent basis. She was having a lark, playing at spy craft for Gilbert. Nothing more, nothing less. That was fine. It didn’t make her a bad person. She just had different values and goals than he had. It was fine. He would keep her safe through this experience and then he would bid her farewell and find his bride.
But they needed to act quickly. He needed that property. Finally, he did sigh. He shouldn’t have. Lucy’s expression altered immediately.
“I’m sorry, Roderick. I know this must be a trial for you. You truly believe you’ve allowed me into some sort of danger. But really, it’s my fault. I wanted your advice. That’s why we were on that walk in the first place, when your brother found us and pressed us into service. You shouldn’t have to trouble yourself with any concerns about me. I’m certain I’m safe from any sort of criminal machinations. I absolve you of any need for concern.”
Despite his own worries, Roderick had to laugh. “Machinations, Lucy?” he asked with a lift of his brow. “Be careful, your intelligence is showing.”
To his surprised delight her cheeks turned pink and a sheepish smile spread across her face.
“Machinations is a perfectly regular word. It’s nothing to the sorts of words I’ve heard you and your scholarly friends use. I used to have to consult a dictionary every time I listened to you lot.”
“You don’t have to anymore, do you mean? Is that because you’ve learned all the words or you’ve given up on learning?”
Lucy turned her head to the side, looking out at the other guests dining and milling about. Roderick had chosen a small table in a corner to afford them a degree of privacy. He couldn’t tell what the woman was thinking despite his best efforts to interpret her many expressions.
“I ought to find your friend Mr. Smythe and continue my education,” she said with a tight smile before waving her hand as though to dismiss her words. “Never mind about the convoluted workings of my brain, Roddy. I’m sure I’ll be safe. If it will make you feel better, I can claim a headache and stay home for a day or two. It might not even be a lie,” she added with a small smile as she brought her gaze back to face his own. Roderick could see there was sadness behind her practiced social façade. “You don’t have to trouble yourself with me.”
