“I can provide you with a list of people who have crossed the Fancy, never to be seen again,” Wei said tightly.
“And I could have that list before you even dip your pen in an inkwell.”
“I am not questioning your capability, madam, but your understanding of Lady Glory. She is too idealistic and brash, and her desire to help others blinds her to her own vulnerability—”
“I do not care to repeat myself. Glory is my charge, and I will see to it that she has the proper knowledge to make her own choices.”
Wei’s frustration mounted. “She cannot be trusted to put her own welfare before the needs of the case. To help Mrs. Mumford-Mills, Glory would venture alone into the Fancy’s territory—”
“She will never go alone on any mission. Angels work together and look after one another,” Lady Fayne stated. “That is the policy of my society.”
“The Duchess of Hadleigh, Mrs. Cullen, and the Countess of Hawksmoor are out of commission, at least temporarily. The Angels’ instructors, Hawker and Mrs. Peabody, have recently wed and left your service. Who is left to escort Lady Glory?”
Lady Fayne arched her brows. “Rather familiar with my affairs, aren’t you?”
“My intent is not to interfere, my lady.” Wei strove to keep his tone collegial. “Only to ensure the safety of your young pupil. I am speaking as one shifu to another and hope you understand my concern.”
“Hmm. Your interest is purely professional, then?”
Subjected to the lady’s keen perusal, he felt his neck prickle. Guiltily, he recalled his dream, which had been the furthest thing from professional. While he could not control the workings of his sleeping mind, however, he could control his waking actions.
“That is why I am here,” he affirmed.
“Then your concern is without merit. I will see to it that Glory has the proper reinforcement on her missions. Although we are regrettably short of hand, I intend to bring in new recruits soon. Until then, I have hired an experienced agent to assist the Angels on their missions.”
Wei frowned. “Who is this agent? How do you know that he or she can be trusted?”
“He came recommended by Fiona’s husband, the Earl of Hawksmoor.” Lady Fayne’s clipped tone conveyed her displeasure at being questioned. “In point of fact, I’m meeting with him after this, and he ought to have arrived.” She reached for the bell pull. “I’ll have him brought in.”
Moments later, someone rapped on the door. When Lady Fayne gave permission to enter, a gentleman strolled in.
“Hope you don’t mind, Charlie.” The fellow’s cultured accents matched his urbane exterior. “Since I’m to be part of the inner circle, I told Sutton I would let myself…oh, pardon. Didn’t see you there, old chap. Francis Devlin, at your service.”
“Wei Chen.” Wei’s reply was curt.
Lady Fayne’s new hire was the epitome of the man about town. Wearing clothes that had undoubtedly come from Bond Street, the Adonis had gleaming copper curls and blue eyes. The casually complicated cravat beneath his square chin had likely taken his valet hours to perfect. He had the look and manner of a rake, oozing a trail of confidence in his wake.
“In the past, Mr. Chen has been a friend to our society,” Lady Fayne said by way of introduction. “He accompanied Glory on her most recent assignment. Given his knowledge of the Fancy, he came to express his concerns about her continued involvement.”
“I see.” Devlin sauntered over, offering Wei his hand. “Thanks for your efforts on the Angels’ behalf, old boy. But you needn’t worry. I am here to take over the reins.”
“I do not believe the Angels require anyone to ‘take over’.” Wei’s gaze narrowed as he took the other’s hand. “Do you prefer to be called Devlin…or Sutton?”
For a moment, Devlin looked nonplussed. “What gave me away?”
“Your hands.”
“One of which you’re, ahem, crushing.”
Wei loosened his hold. Devlin yanked his hand away, rubbing it.
“That’s quite a grip you’ve got there,” he said with a grimace.
“Master Chen is a practitioner of Chinese fighting arts,” Lady Fayne said.
“I’ve heard of that but never seen it for myself.” Devlin straightened his lapels and smirked. “Involves kicking, does it not? Unsporting, if you ask me.”
“I did not ask.” Wei felt a muscle twitch in his jaw. “What did you say your background was to qualify you for this present position?”
