He walked toward a gentleman who was looking at a hand drawn map with a deep crease on his brow.His hands were spread on either side, and he seemed to be studying the lines with a calculated method.As focused as he was, he still must have managed to hear Knox’s approach, because he glanced up and straightened.“Hampton.”
“Scarsdale,” Knox greeted Fletcher Clay, the Earl of Scarsdale, and added a respectful incline of his head.He had long admired the earl for his services thus far in the Lion’s Watch.As one of the original founding members, he had proved his worth as a valuable asset in the war, ensuring that missives were carried back and forth between England and France to their network of spies that had dared to infiltrate enemy lines.
Knox knew Scarsdale would have volunteered for much of the wartime effort, but with his dark, penetrating stare and his memorable copper hair, it was decided that he was most valuable giving direction to the new members.He was essential when it came to assigning them a mission that would prove, not just their loyalty, but their abilities in the field.It was much different when under the threat of death, as opposed to thinking they would be riding in guns blazing and coming out the victor without any consequences.They had lost a few good people who failed to remember that important fact.
“Already here to ask for your next assignment?”Scarsdale inquired.
“Not precisely.I am enjoying a few hours of freedom.”
The earl chuckled at that.“You don’t appreciate getting shot at, Your Grace?”
“Not every day,” he returned dryly.
The earl moved toward a more secluded part of the warehouse where many meetings had been held with the utmost discretion.“Brandy?”
When Knox murmured an agreement, two glasses were brought over and one of the crystal tumblers handed to him.
“I daresay,” the earl sighed.“I am grateful for the distraction.I have been trying to pinpoint exactly what turncoat in a position of power in London could be a loyalist to those damned frogs.”
“No luck yet?”
“I wish I could say yes, but the cretin is good at covering his tracks.”He took a steady drink.“Thankfully, I have someone I can put into place who I believe will be a good fit when it comes to infiltrating polite society.”
Knox wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that.Combined with the feeling of apprehension that traveled up his spine, that statement was even more concerning.“Oh?Who did you have in mind?Sophia?Margaret?”
“Someone new.Someone the society is interested in speaking with.”
Bloody hell.“Does this lady have a name?”
Scarsdale gave a light snort.“Using the word lady would be too humble of a word for Miss Astara Smith.She has been known for her daring attempts to gain the attention of our society for quite some time.I’m surprised you have not heard us speak of her in the warehouse.”He sighed.“But I suppose you have been rather preoccupied on various assignments of late.”
He drained his brandy and then set the glass aside as he rose to his feet.Upon walking over to a cabinet, he reached into a pocket and withdrew a key that only the senior agents had access to and opened the cabinet.The single envelope he brought forth would contain various files on possible agents, as well as money and assorted other items that might be needed in the field of intrigue.
The earl tossed the envelope to Knox.Crossing his arms, he said, “In there you will find everything you need to know about the lady in question.”
Knox gripped the envelope and downed his brandy, preparing to leave, when Scarsdale added, “I know that you were likely hoping for a bit of a respite, but I’m afraid that is impossible considering the current state of our nation.”
“I understand my duties,” Knox returned evenly.“I have since the moment my governess rapped me on the knuckles with a ruler for allowing my attention to wander during my Latin instruction.”He smiled tightly.Being a duke was certainly not something he would wish on his worst enemy.Yes, there were benefits that came with having a title, but there was also much responsibility, such as caring for all the land and tenants at his disposal and ensuring that the estate made enough money each year to sustain it just a bit longer.
“I am sure that is true,” the earl murmured.“There were many times I wished I had a common upbringing, able to do whatever I pleased, rather than being forced to attend school and be the man that my father patterned me to be instead of the man I became.”
It had never been truly confirmed, but Knox had heard the rumors that Scarsdale preferred the company of his own sex.However, it had never diminished the other man in his eyes.He was still honorable and loyal, a servant to Crown and country as well as his fellow agents.Knox had no doubt he would sacrifice himself if the situation became that dire.
Before he took his leave, he felt compelled to bring up his latest conflict with Lord Montrose.
“Hmm.That is concerning.”Scarsdale’s frown had returned.“I will inform our other high-ranking colleagues and see if this is something they wish to pursue.During these dark times we do not need a slander upon the society’s good name.We are not a hindrance to the Home Office, which has been made clear on more than one occasion.They are more than happy to relinquish the reins of certain politics for the greater good.”
Knox left feeling a bit more easy regarding Montrose but as he climbed into his coach and instructed his driver to head back to his townhouse, he grasped the envelope and knew this wasn’t just his new orders from his superior, it was also Miss Astara Smith’s first assignment.
ChapterThree
Astara was heading back from the market, chewing on a lovely red strawberry from the handful she’d managed to pilfer along the way, when a coach pulled up alongside her.The door opened and a deep, husky voice proclaimed from inside, “Get in.”
She ignored the stranger.“Not a chance.I?—”
“If you want an opportunity to work for the Lion’s Watch, you should heed the call.”
Her eyes widened and she gathered her gray skirts and headed for the coach without any further hesitation.Once she was inside, the door slammed shut and the gentleman across from her rapped on the roof.Her mouth fell slack when she recognized the raven-haired, enigmatic man whose carriage she had commandeered the day before.She was surprised she hadn’t immediately recognized the black lacquered coach.However, considering she’d been running for her life, she hadn’t bothered to pay such close attention to her escape.Normally, she was quite attuned to such things.It was another reason she believed she’d make a worthy addition to the Lion’s Watch.
