‘Mr Percy,’ she said flatly. ‘You are the last person I expected to see.’
He made to kiss her hand, but she tucked them behind her back. He turned the gesture into another bow. ‘I live to entertain you with such delicious surprises.’
‘Delicious? You must be joking. Or are you going to be apprehended by the runners while we stand here? NowthatI would find entertaining.’
Ren looked between the two of them, realising who he was. Ren had been part of the team tailing the man during the Elgin investigation. He slipped his knife back under his jacket. ‘What do you want to do with this cove, miss?’
‘You mean the French spy?’ she said tartly.
Percy grimaced. ‘I hate to correct a lady, but I’m no spy. You see before you a diplomatic envoy to the Court of St James, legitimately accredited. Even in these times of regrettable war, our governments allow some conversation to happen.’
Dora snorted.
‘I’m afraid it is true,ma chérie. England would starve without exports of our grain. You could stand on principle, naturally, but why do so when we have a surplus to sell and you a peasantry to feed?’
‘I can’t believe you are here to negotiate the trade in wheat. Sale of fine art, or erotic paintings, yes.’ Her mind was whirling. They had been wondering about the French involvement in thecomte’s murder and here was a prime candidate for tangling in such intrigue. ‘My joy at your return knows no bounds. When did you arrive,monsieur?’
Percy made a show of dusting himself down. ‘I am fresh off the boat, do you not notice the sea salt?’
They would have to check that. He favoured using his own yacht so he could slip across the Channel on his own timetable. ‘I thought you would be in prison in Paris, or at least in disgrace for the débâcle in May?’
‘Au contraire, that was my triumph! I told you, mademoiselle, that I could explain that all to my people. I stopped Fleury, did I not?’
Dora folded her arms. ‘No, I stopped him.’ Fleury had been Percy’s rival, running his own spy operation in London. He had nearly blown up members of the Elgin circle, and had killed innocent bystanders in his attempt to discredit Percy and find favour in Paris.
‘Details, details.’ Percy fluttered his fingers, dismissing her part in ending the career of the other French spy who had been loose in London. ‘I explained it all most cogently. What is more, I even managed to find a little piece of the Parthenon marbles thanks to my ingenuity– it now sits on display in the Louvre, educating my countrymen about the beauties of the classical age.Tout le monde est content!Apart from Fleury, who is dead.’
‘You are far too pleased with yourself,’ said Dora.
‘If I do not celebrate my achievements, who else will do so?’
She had to smile at that. There was something so audacious about his self-love that she could not help but admire him a little bit.
Ren fidgeted. ‘Do you want me to call a runner, miss? We can get some of these barrow boys to keep hold of him. Just tell them he’s French and they’ll do the rest, probably muddy up that stupid white coat of his.’
‘What a bloodthirsty little man. I approve,’ said Percy.
‘Don’t patronise him,’ said Dora.
‘You mean, don’t talkdownto him?’ Percy hid a smile behind a cough.
‘Not funny.’
‘I thought it was hilarious.’
Dora sighed. She had not forgotten how infuriating he could be. ‘It’s all right, Ren. I think he is speaking the truth when he says he has diplomatic immunity. He is enjoying being able to talk to me in broad daylight far too much for that to be one of his many lies.’
Percy replaced his hat which he had taken off to flourish in his bow. ‘As perceptive as always.’
‘I do not believe you ran after me merely to greet me. What do you want, Mr Percy?’
He clapped his hand to his breast. ‘So many things, but I know your heart is already given to the dear doctor and I must wear the willow. How is he, by the way?’
Recovering from being run over– had Percy been behind that? ‘He is very well, thank you. I’ve no doubt he will be most interested to hear of your return.’
‘Bon!We must get together, a little party of old friends, and discuss what has happened since we last met.’
‘I’m afraid we are very busy.’
