"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to have my fortune told," Percy protested. "Besides, I didn't miss anything important. 'Twas just an etiquette class."
The irony struck them both at once. Exchanging a look, they chuckled.
"Now that you've set your cap for Viscount Portland, I thought you meant to reform your ways," Charity said, her lips still twitching. "Ruining yourself is hardly the way to win his affection."
"You're right, of course." Percy sighed. "Writing the familyisthe wisest option."
"If all goes smoothly, they'll be back in a few weeks," the other said in encouraging tones. "'Tis best for you to wait and carry on as usual so you don't compromise your brother's situation."
Waiting was one of Percy'sleastfavorite activities. "How am I supposed to attend parties and the like knowing that Paul might be in danger? What if Hunt searches him out?"
Worry pinched the other girl's waifish features. For years, Percy had suspected that her chum nursed a secrettendrefor Paul—but Charity, being Charity, would never admit to such a thing. And much as Percy loved them both, she could not imagine a pair more opposite than her dashing, feckless brother and her unassuming, responsible friend.
"I doubt Mr. Hunt would think to look for your brother at his current location."
"But Paul will have to remain in hiding. By himself and in that horrid place. I daren't visit him again for fear of leading the fox to the chicken coop."
"You think Mr. Hunt is monitoring your movements?" Charity said, sounding aghast.
"I wouldn't put it past the man." With a shiver, Percy recalled his parting threat."I wish I could at least bring Paul some supplies. Foodstuffs, shaving implements, that sort of thing."
After a moment, Charity said, "I could do it. Mr. Hunt doesn't know about me."
"You? But Paul is inSpitalfields.Your papa would never allow it."
Charity's father owned an exclusive jewelry shop frequented by King George IV himself—a fact that garnered prestige, if not the prompt paying of accounts. The only thing Mr. Sparkler guarded more zealously than his business was his only child. Though Charity spent most of her time working at the store, she never complained about the long hours or her parent's strict rules.
"I wouldn't tell my father," Charity said, causing Percy's brows to climb. "I could say I was going to worship. The groom and my maid are sweet on each other, so they'd be happy to wait outside while I go inside the church. They won't even notice I'm gone. I could leave by the back door and hire a hackney—"
So much forherrubbing off onme."Goodness, I am a bad influence on you, aren't I?" Percy said. "But I wouldn't want you to risk—"
"I want to do this.Pleaselet me do this."
Percy blinked at Charity's fierce tone and the resolute set of her slim shoulders, as if she were ready to march into battle. "Um, if you are absolutely certain..."
"I am," the other said with a vehement nod.
"You'd have to be very cautious," Percy warned. "To make sure no one is following you."
"I will take every precaution. Just tell me what to do, and I will do it."
Percy studied her friend. "My brother is deuced lucky, and he doesn't even know it."
A flush stole over Charity's pale cheeks.
"All right, then," Percy continued briskly. "I liked your plan about the switch up at the church. I have a few additional suggestions, however..."
6
Hands steepled,Gavin sat at his desk as John Magnus gave the report. Leaning heavily on his cane, the old man looked out with one rheumy eye; the other was covered by a black patch. As usual, Magnus' wild grey mane was uncombed and his garb patched and tattered, lending him a disheveled air.
"You've searched everywhere?" Gavin said, frowning.
"The likely places a gent like Fines would hide. I'll start on the less likely." Magnus paused, stroking his straggly beard. "It'd help if you told me why you want the cove."
"I told you. He owes me money."
"With the coin you're paying me to find him, his debt must be worth its weight in gold. You're certain there are no other details you can give me?" Magnus said shrewdly.
