“Has there been anyone new to add to the list in your recent observations?”Blackton asked.
“I am sure Scarsdale mentioned Lord Montrose,” Knox noted.
“He did.”
“Other than Midvale, I can think of no one else who could still be engaging with the French on a business level that might have easily turned traitorous.”
“Hmm.Yes.”The marquess nodded as he sipped from his glass.“I know I do not have to stress how much is at stake.Not only has the abolition of the Slave Trade Act created further chaos with French colonies but Napoleon is starting to spread his power over the continent.These are perilous times, which is why we need successes more than ever before.”He paused to breathe out a heavy sigh.“I believe another battle is soon at hand as the emperor advances into Prussia.”
Knox stared into the dark liquid in his glass with a pensive thought.“If Russia is overtaken, it could be detrimental to the Fourth Coalition, leading to further French dominance in all of Europe.They could be rendered unstoppable.”
“We must prevent that from happening.Atanycost.”
Knox did not have to ask what that meant.More soldiers would likely lose their lives, more expense paid on a war that should have never become a serious threat, and a country that Knox had always known in threat of becoming changed—perhaps forever.It was unfathomable to consider the ramifications if that were to come to pass.“I will leave for Prussia right now.Just say the word.”
“Scarsdale has already done so.He left last night.”
Downing the rest of his drink, Knox almost wished that he’d asked for something stronger after all.But not French brandy.He vowed to be done with anything to do with that vile country, determined to start enjoying a stout Scottish whisky.“I would say I am surprised, but knowing Fletcher as I do, I am not.”
“I had not expected him to wait this long, actually.But now you know why I called this meeting.I am your acting superior while he is absent.I want any progress from Miss Smith sent directly to me.”
“Of course.”
Blackton downed his drink and set it to the side.“We should return to the assemblage to see how your cousin is faring.”He tilted his head to the side.“What are your considerations thus far?Do you think she has what it takes to make it in the Lion’s Watch?”
Knox took a moment to reply, choosing to weigh his words carefully.“I do think she has definite prospect, but whether or not she can keep a sensible head remains to be seen.”
* * *
A quick scanof the ballroom proved that her escort was nowhere to be found.Granted, Astara could not effectively scan the crowd when their faces were mostly blurred from being swung about the floor but she was anxious to tell the duke that she had been fortunate enough to make contact with one of his suspects on her way to find the refreshment table.In her limited experience by listening to various servants’ chatter within her hearing, that was where most of the gossip was discovered and then promptly discussed downstairs with the rest of the staff.
Luck interceded before that as a gentleman was practically shoved in her direction, causing him to apologize and offer to dance by way of an apology.When she found out he was Viscount Midvale she had nearly crowed with her victory.However, since nothing of import would likely be discussed during a single meeting, her goal was to be enchanting enough for a second interaction.While he was a far cry from being as appealing as Hampton, he was handsome enough and he seemed as though he would be good company.When he mentioned riding the next morning in the park, as was his usual habit, she gave a small pout.“It is too bad that I do not have my mount with me in London.Reginald stayed behind in the country.I am certain he is happily munching on some hay while I am in abject misery in society, forced to endure my cousin’s overbearing presence in order to attract a husband.”She rolled her eyes.“Why must I give up such a pleasant sport just to be married?”
He fell right into her trap.“It is quite reprehensible what any society lady must endure when it comes to good stock.”He sniffed, as if affronted on her behalf and that of every other woman in London.“I would be honored if you would join me tomorrow.I will see that one of my most docile mares is prepared for your use.”
She made a show of fluttering her lashes and gazing at him as though he had hung the very moon shining outside.“Do you mean it, my lord?Oh, please say you are not teasing me!”
“On my honor,” he said firmly.“Shall we say ten o’clock?Or would that be too early for you?”
“Ten is absolutely perfect.”She added a grand smile and could see him further falling under her false spell.Although Astara had not had much experience with men, she had observed women who had and watched various interactions.It was readily apparent that other than their own brand of flattery, men preferred to be championed as a hero.They were all quite ready to come to a lady’s aid, sword drawn and prepared to fight the menacing dragon.
This whole intrigue thing really was quite simple.
Once the dance concluded, Astara was intent on finding the duke.But her arm was quickly caught as soon as the viscount departed her side.She glanced down at the hand restraining her.“Excuse me, sir.I was just heading for the ladies’ retiring room.”
“Surely you will not deny another one of your admirers a brief audience.”
She expected the owner of the firm tone to lead her back to the floor for another dance, but instead they headed for the open terrace doors.She yearned to dig in her heels.She did not want to be alone with this man, and yet, he was not appearing to give her much choice.
“Sir, I must protest—” She made the attempt to be affronted.
“I do not believe that you are in any position to do so,” he snapped in return.“Because I have known the duke for years and do not recall any country cousin.Certainly not one as comely as you.”
Astara could feel warning prickles crawling up her spine.While Midvale seemed perfectly harmless, this man was anything but that.She tried to remember his features for future reference when she recounted the interaction to Hampton.
He released her when they were outside, and she glared at him with what she hoped was a mutinous gleam in her eyes.“Then you are not very well informed, Lord…?”She allowed the question to hang in the air where he easily dismissed it.
“You would like me and the rest of society to believe that, would you not, you little pretender?My curiosity wonders for what purpose would you wish to infiltrate society in such a brazen manner?”
