“What sort of diversion?”
Sophia wrinkled her nose in thought. “As we discussed already, I’ll do something to draw attention. Run into a waiter…” And then with a twinkle in her eye, she said, “Initiate a fight.”
“Good Lord, Sophia, that’s the last thing we need… you being called out. Challenged to meet some blighter at dawn.”
The laughter they shared wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
Sophia was going to do it with her. Rhoda gave into the overwhelming urge to embrace her friend.
“Rhoda, remember, please, I’m not using a wet nurse!” Sophia pushed her away and glanced down at her bosom. Sure enough, two spots of moisture had appeared on the front of her gown.
“Now that would be an interesting diversion.” Sophia looked irate and then they both erupted into another fit of giggles.
When they finally brought themselves under control, they’d decided to set the plan into motion for tomorrow at eleven in the morning. Sophia would send over clothing for Rhoda to wear later today. She’d said so many wardrobes had been left at Prescott House by Dev’s relatives that she’d have no troubles locating two sets of disguises. Rhoda’s task was to perfect Lord Carlisle’s signature. They would place the bet using his Viscount title so that others wouldn’t question him about it. Best the bet remained anonymous for as long as possible.
Tomorrow morning it was to be then.
Rhoda left terrified, but also with a skip in her step. She wondered what Cecily and Emily would think when they discovered Sophia and she had broken into White’s.
A gentleman gave her a curious glance when she giggled out loud as she passed him. Rhoda’s maid likely was scowling as she followed behind her.
Tomorrow!
Rhoda hadn’t slept a wink, various scenarios playing out in her mind not allowing even a moments rest. She wondered if Sophia fared any better.
The night before, Rhoda had used up the remainder of her ink practicing the notation she was to make in the book. Hopefully, nobody knew Lord Carlisle’s secondary title. If anyone caught her forging it, she’d be challenged upon the spot.
She spent the early hours of the morning working on her disguise. She’d first thought to pin her hair atop her head and keep it under the hat but if she were to lose her hat… She realized it could look more natural tied into a simple queue at the nape of her neck. She tucked it under once, hiding the length.
What with the cravat, waistcoat, and jacket, she even managed to hide her other feminine assets. After wrapping a long piece of muslin around her chest, that was.
She wondered how Sophia would manage to hide this sort of preparation from her husband.
When Lucy knocked on her door, Rhoda climbed beneath the covers and pulled it over her head. “I’ve a megrim this morning! I’ve no wish for breakfast or chocolate!” she murmured as though half asleep. She only hoped her mother wouldn’t see fit to check on her.
In truth, she was starting to feel like she might vomit. This had nothing to do with her health, however, but everything to do with her nerves.
What if they were caught?
What if Dev discovered the plan and kept Sophia from assisting her? Would Rhoda have the nerve to undertake it on her own?
She had to!
The alternative was unthinkable! More days, possibly weeks, of fending off advances that had become violent in nature. And even worse, having to relinquish Justin to some other lady.
After Lucy had closed the door behind her, Rhoda wanted to cry. She needed to pull herself together.
And then another knock sounded at the door. “Rhoda?”
It couldn’t be.
She sat up in her bed, momentarily forgetting to stay hidden and called out. “Cecily?”
The door cracked open and sure enough, Cecily peered in with a cheery grin. “Whatever are you doing dressed that way?” She opened the door farther and strode across the carpet, taking in Rhoda’s strange costume with questioning eyes.
“Oh.” Rhoda tugged at her cravat in an attempt at nonchalance. “Sophia and I are sneaking into White’s today. I’m going to place a bet on Carlisle, so he can pay off the bills he’s inherited along with his title.” Might as well come right out with it. Cecily would get it all out of her anyhow. “I thought you were with Emily.”
Cecily waved her hand in the air. “We left her with her husband. She and Lord Blakely had quite the adventure.” She regaled Rhoda with an unbelievable turn of events and then absentmindedly began retying Rhoda’s cravat. “You need a valet, Rhoda. Tell me all about what you have planned because I’m going with you! I can’t allow the two of you to sneak into White’s without me!”
