Charles nodded. “Noted. Remain alert and watch for tails. Inform me if you notice anything suspicious.”
“Yes, sir,” Mary and Gabe said in unison.
Charles moved to stand, but Mary reached toward him, halting his movement.
“My pardon, Hydra, but I must speak to you about a young lady I met at Kerr House.”
Charles waited for her to continue.
“She acted as my lady’s maid while we were in attendance. She is smart, capable, young, eager to learn, and in desperate need of rescuing. Lord Kerr and his cronies do unspeakable things—”
Charles raised his hand. He knew what she was going to say and he did not wish to hear it. It was a pitiful state for many young maids under their masters’ control. “Can you vouch for this young lady, Mary?”
“I can, Hydra. I will. Her name is Eleanor Mable.”
He nodded. “Is she receptive to our position in the Secret Service?”
Mary worried her bottom lip. “She does not yet know, sir.”
“Very well.” Charles understood and respected her desire to get the young woman out of such a circumstance. “I’ll arrange for her withdrawal and transport. She can make a decision when she comes to London.”
“Of course, sir.” Mary beamed at him.
“Send a messenger ‘round the town house when she arrives.”
Mary clasped her hands together at her chest. “Oh, I will! Thank you, Hydra!”
“Not at all, Mary. Now, I must bid you both farewell.” He placed his hat upon his head and nodded toward the door leading into the next room toward the main tavern. “I have a miniature Mary to have a talk with. We’ll see if the lass has a future in the Secret Service, as well. If so, I’ll send her to Hermes at the school.”
Gabriel grinned. “But when you do, Hydra, refer to him as Colonel Kieran Richards, if you will. No need to frighten the waif.”
Charles laughed. “Indeed.” With that, he turned on his heel and quietly left the room.
