A gust of air blew at the tendrils of hair sticking out from beneath her mobcap as the stone fireplace swung out like a door on hinges.
“Mary!” Hydra stepped aside to allow her to pass him into his study. “You know you may come in through my front door.”
“That may have been the case when it was just spies in residence, sir, but with your wife’s family and their servants returned, I believe it would be prudent of me to observe the traditional roles of a downstairs maid.”
He nodded. “Quite right, Mary. Quite right. And your prudence is appreciated.” He closed the hidden passageway with a quietwhooshthen returned to stand before his leather chair behind a great oak desk. “As a matter of fact, I am glad you came. I have a small matter to discuss with you.”
He gestured to the chair across from him and Mary gratefully took a seat before he took his own. She had anticipated that he would wish to speak with her for, beginning tomorrow, her cover position as an actress would be put on hiatus. And as the war with Bonaparte was still very much active, the need for her sort of intelligence was imperative.
Mary’s gaze travelled over the furnishings while she waited for Hydra to speak. His study was rather ordinary; bookshelves with books lined two of the four walls, dark wooden panels covered the others. A tantalus with glinting glass bottles of liquor stood in one corner, and a settee and two armchairs rested before the fireplace. Small trinkets and vases ornamented the two small round side tables and the fireplace mantle, and a large painting of men on the hunt, proudly mounted on their horses while hounds bound before them, hung on the wall behind the grand desk. The two tall windows on either side of the painting allowed the sun to brighten the darkly appointed room, lending it warmth.
The room smelled of leather book bindings and sandalwood soap.
“I have an opportunity for you to take on a new role,” Hydra’s deep voice shook her from her observations. “There have been reports from some of our men of suspected traitorous activity among our past marks. I must confess, after first learning of this, I was hesitant to send any men out to investigate, particularly after the leak of information, and subsequent attacks.”
“But the parties responsible were—”
“I know, Mary.” Hydra raked his fingers through his hair. “They were all dealt with, and our identities protected. It was merely a residual fear, I assure you. Our duties must now return to normal, and that means new assignments.
“There will be a briefing for you tomorrow at first light.”
A new role. Could this be for a position as actress, or would she get to practice her infiltration? She very much wished to know. But regardless of the position, Mary was anxious for something to do.
“I will be there, thank you,” she said. “As you must know, tonight is the last performance ofLovers’ Vowsbefore rehearsals for my next role inThe Devil to Pay.” She clasped her hands together in her lap. As many times as she had asked this question, she always felt a mite uncomfortable at its significance. “Is there a mark you wish me to seek out this evening?”
He cleared his throat. “As a matter of fact, yes. I have it under good authority that the Earl of Reddington will be attending tonight’s performance…”
“Consider it done, sir.” She moved to rise, but Hydra stopped her.
“One more thing, Mary.”
She looked at him expectantly.
“This task is unique, yet crucial to your next assignment.”
Mary nodded, intrigued.
“You are to obtain an invitation to a house party that your mark is attending at Kerr House in a fortnight. I hate to ask it of you, Mary, but youmustacquire that invitation, whatever it takes.”
She’d never had to exert much effort in obtaining information from men, but garnering an invitation posed a challenge that she was eager to conquer.
“I will do all that I can, sir,” Mary said.
“I have every confidence that you will. Though as this assignment is time sensitive, I will require the result before the morrow.” He raised a hand in a placating gesture. “Rest assured, you needn’t make the short journey to me; I will come to you. Our signal will remain the same.”
Mary nodded, another lock of her auburn hair falling from beneath her mobcap. “Very good. I shall expect you.”
