Eleanor’s voice came out strangled between disbelief and exhaustion. “Why are you wearing my dress?”
“Because your husband is a lunatic,” Roderick snapped, though he pointed the accusation at James with only half conviction.
James’s jaw tightened. “Do not.”
Roderick took another step down, grimacing. “It should be a crime for women to dress like this.”
Arabella’s tone was delighted. “And yet you endured it. Very gallant.”
Roderick glared. “You are enjoying this far too much.”
“I have been injured,” Arabella said solemnly, then ruined it with a smile. “I deserve entertainment.”
Roderick muttered something under his breath and continued down the stairs, moving with exaggerated caution. Every step made the dress shift in ways it was not meant to on a man, and the absurdity of it made Eleanor’s eyes sting with an unexpected laugh she refused to let out.
James stepped forward, voice hard. “Enough. Tell me what happened.”
Roderick reached the bottom step and stopped, breathing carefully. “Your plan worked. Mostly.”
Eleanor’s brows lifted. “My plan?”
Roderick’s gaze slid to her. “Do not look innocent. You agreed to this.”
Eleanor glanced at James. He was watching Roderick closely, but his hand remained lightly against Eleanor’s back, steadying her in a way that made her pulse shift.
Aunt Frances spoke before Eleanor could. “After breakfast two mornings ago, Roderick exchanged clothes with Eleanor.”
James’s jaw tightened. “I told him it was necessary.”
“It was theatrical,” Roderick corrected. “There is a difference.”
Arabella nodded enthusiastically. “It was extraordinary.”
Eleanor stared. “You wore my clothes all day?”
Roderick grimaced. “Do not remind me. I have never appreciated a waistcoat more in my life.”
Arabella’s eyes shone. “He stood by the window and posed like a tragic heroine.”
“I did not pose,” Roderick snapped.
“You did,” Arabella insisted. “You kept sighing.”
“I did not sigh,” Roderick said.
Aunt Frances lifted a brow. “You did sigh.”
Roderick glared at all of them. “You are all conspiring against me.”
James’s voice cut in. “Roderick.”
Roderick exhaled. “Fine. I stayed. I remained visible enough that any watching eyes would report that the Duchess was home.”
Eleanor’s throat tightened. “And the spy?”
Roderick nodded once, the humor fading. “He came.”
Arabella’s voice quieted, though excitement still flickered beneath it. “We heard movement outside. The sort of careful step a servant thinks no one will question.”
