She still found it hard to believe that she was about to become embroiled in the same affair…
“As I said, she will be occupying Lord Huntington’s box.” Her brother’s instructions still rang clearly. “The reason she is essential to our case is because her former paramour was the captain of theEvening Swan. As they did not part on good terms, it’s doubtful she would harbor any loyalty and can thus be possibly swayed to divulge whatever information she carries.”
“Information such as…?” Triana had prompted.
Travell had explained. “We learned from our Bow Street traitor, thanks to much… persuasion, that the vessel in question is much more than the typical, merchant ship it appears to be.” Triana must have shown her perplexity over this, for he had elaborated. “You see, with the current conflict in America, as well as the war with Napoleon, smuggling has become a real issue. There’s an area in France near Gravelines that is referred to as the Smugglers’ City. Prisoners of war, gold, and English newspapers are traded for French textiles, brandy, and gin, but the Crown sees none of the profits. It’s threatening to hurt our economy if we don’t put a stop to it, and with the need for coin to finance our military the timing is crucial. While we can’t do anything about it on enemy territory, at least, for the moment, the first step is putting an end to the two largest ships that are transporting the goods. We know who the main conspirator is behind it all, but we don’t have enough evidence to prove it, because we think there may be a French spy aiding them on English soil. We need to find out who that is.”
Naturally, with so much riding on her success, Triana could only pray her acting skills came through tonight.
“My lady?” Genevieve’s voice intruded on her reverie, causing her to start. “Lord Eastbury has arrived.”
Triana’s heart began to beat faster, although she pasted a confident smile on her face, lest her reservations show. “I’m ready.”
Chapter Thirteen
By the time the lights dimmed to signify the opera was about to begin, Triana had already spotted her objective from Eastbury’s box. She’d prepared herself to find a woman similar to Millicent in looks and personality, but Madame Corressa looked nothing at all like a typical courtesan. In truth, she was more like a debutante in her demure gown of ivory satin, and actually quite young, perhaps no more than two and twenty. She wore very little rouge or lip color, and her strawberry blond hair was arranged in neat ringlets around her face. She held herself like any regal lady of the peerage, which Triana found admirable, although perhaps a bit more intimidating for her quest.
Triana turned to her companion and hoped her voice sounded casual as she said, “I see Lord Huntington is here tonight. Isn’t he a friend of yours?”
The earl settled himself in his seat. “Indeed, he is.”
“Perhaps we should pay our respects during intermission,” she suggested as she sat down, all the while trying to keep her anticipation from showing.
Eastbury eyed her curiously. “I wasn’t aware you knew Huntington so well.”
This was where she had to be extremely careful. “’Tis true I haven’t spoken to him in ages, but he was once a dear friend of my father’s.” With a demure smile, she hoped she didn’t choke on her words when she added, “Besides, as we are soon to be married, should I not reacquaint myself with him, considering your association?”
Eastbury seemed to accept her statement, and in fact, appeared pleased by it. “What a capital idea, my dear, and quite thoughtful.” He patted her on the knee, but thankfully did no more as the curtain was raised.
At leastthe firststep is complete.
As the first act of the opera began to unfold, Triana did her best to appear as if she were enjoying it, but she kept thinking of the confrontation to come, feeling as though she were balancing on the edge of a sword’s blade, her nerves were so tightly strung.
She hoped a silent perusal of the packed auditorium would keep her mind occupied until intermission. As she lifted her opera glass to her eye, it finally dawned on her that only half of the spectators in attendance were actually watching the players on the stage. While a few smug stares and fluttering fans were being cast toward her and Eastbury, it seemed most were staring in disapproval at Lord Huntington’s box. However, the man under such scrutiny seemed oblivious to anything but the entertainment and his lovely companion.
As this brought a twitch to her lips, an unexpected noise behind Triana caused her to jump slightly, although it took only a moment for her to pinpoint the sound.
She glanced back at the source and saw Lady Davenport — their chaperone for the evening — had already slumped down in her chair; the bright orange, ostrich plume in her turban fluttering lightly with each breath she took. Triana rolled her eyes, but she had to admit that Travell had certainly held up his end of the bargain. Lady Davenport was one of their mother’s friends, and considering the fact her vision wasn’t as good as it used to be and her hearing was quickly following suit, it gave Triana the perfect opportunity to meet with Madame Corressa without any impediment that she might gain from her mother.
After what seemed to be an interminable wait, the lights in the theatre were being lit as intermission was upon them. She accepted Eastbury’s arm, as the earl led her over to Lord Huntington’s box. It felt as though she was walking through mud the closer she got, although her footsteps never faltered and she forced a bright smile when they entered.
“Huntington!” Alfred’s enthusiastic voice carried over to the other man, a bit younger and taller than himself, but still rather thin on top and somewhat paunchy.
“Eastbury!” The greeting was returned just as enthusiastically. “I trust you’re enjoyingL’inganno felice?”
“Italian has never been my forte, as you well know, but my dear bride-to-be wished to attend and I could not deny her simple request.” Triana had to bite back a retort, for the idea of attending tonight’s performance had been at her mother’s insistence.
Huntington turned to Triana, giving her a brief bow before replying blandly, “I can well understand the power of a woman’s persuasion.” Triana knew that comment was, no doubt, a double entendre for her benefit, although she remained silent and merely inclined her head in reply. In turn, he gestured to his companion and announced, “Shall I present Miss Constance Freewater?”
This is it.Triana thought anxiously as Alfred kissed the other woman’s hand and pleasantries were exchanged. When it came time for Eastbury to introduce her, Triana stepped forward with a bright smile. “How do you do, Miss Freewater?”
“I’m well, my lady, thank you.” Her face was expressionless as she returned the polite greeting.
Oh, dear. This doesn’t bode well. She tried again, hoping that she might win the woman over with kindness. “Please, call me Triana.”
“Of course.” Constance murmured.
Triana held her breath when the other woman turned to her escort. “Lord Huntington,” she smoothly interjected when there was a break in his conversation with the earl, “would you and Lord Eastbury be so kind as to fetch Triana and me some punch?”
