Startled that Ellie had deduced so much so quickly, Lissa hid her surprise. “Why do you suggest that?”
“Simple.” Ellie crossed her arms and raised her chin. “The reason I came to your room was because your spirits have been much higher since you saw Mr. Taylour the other day, and I was going to suggest a dinner party.”
Lissa’s heart warmed at her friend’s thoughtfulness. “I thank you for that. But Mr. Taylour and I are old friends. I have been in good spirits, as you say, because he is the one who will help me find a husband.”
“But how can he do that. Is he a peer?”
She chuckled, relieved that Ellie seemed far less shocked than she’d expected. “No. He served in the military and before that was with the Bow Street Runners. He earns his living and so will be able to introduce me to other men of that class who have a bit more in their pocket than he.” She lowered her voice as if to impart a great secret. “My grandmother expects a comfortable old age.”
Ellie’s forehead furrowed and she dropped her arms. “But why would you not wish to marry a peer?”
And here Lissa was again, trying to explain something she couldn’t, all because her grandmother wanted a peer and would accept nothing less. But Grand-maman was in a townhouse in Bath at the expense of Lord Blackmore and so was not about to say what must be. “I am not comfortable with such status in your country. I do not wish to remember every manner and proper etiquette of a great lady. It is different for you. You have grown up so.”
“Yes, I have, and still I fail at the worst times.” Ellie’s shoulders slumped, her own lack of success during the Season lying heavily on her.
“Do not fear. Some fine lord is bound to see your warm heart and kind demeanor.”
“Thank you. It is my endless hope.”
Ellie’s lack of success did raise the question of whether the school was the right place for her, but since she enjoyed her studies, it was most likely a happy distraction. Unfortunately, there was little Lissa could do to help Ellie, and much the woman could do to help her. “Will you keep my secret?”
“I will, but only if you promise not to put yourself in danger. Being alone with a gentleman could ruin your reputation. Even among the middle classes, I doubt that is acceptable.”
Having been affianced before, Lissa had thoroughly enjoyed showing Etienne how much she loved him both in and out of bed. War put things into perspective, and she would never regret loving him fully before he lost his life. But that was far too removed from Ellie’s sheltered experience. “I promise not to ruin my reputation. I’m quite sure Mr. Taylour would never allow that to happen.”
“Yes, of course, especially if he is a family friend.” Ellie rose. “I would ask one boon of you.”
“Of course. Being my confidante, you have relieved my mind very much.”
Ellie’s cheeks reddened with pleasure as she stepped up to the bed. “Will you share with me whom you meet and what you think of them? I may well have to find someone of equal quality if my next Season is also not successful. I just want someone who is kind and will be happy that I am in his family.”
Lissa’s heart ached for Ellie, and she promised herself she would be sure to remark upon anyone who could appreciate such a loving woman. “I will be pleased to share.”
Ellie reached out and squeezed her hand. “Thank you. Now I should go, as it is almost time to break our fast, and I’m sure your maid will be in presently.”
Lissa let go of Ellie and watched the woman walk to the door, her long, thick red braid swaying back and forth with her purposeful stride.
After the door closed, she returned to the armoire and pulled her three daggers from her male clothing then slipped them beneath the pillow. Her maid was aware she wore a dagger on her thigh, as was Her Grace, but no one was aware of how many she carried. Though she had no need of them at Silver Meadows, it was a habit she was loath to break.
Hopefully, she wouldn’t need to use them while helping Anthony. Maybe the man she eventually found to marry would welcome a wife who came to him well prepared.
*
Anthony stood outsidethe book shop in the village of Esterburn and watched the people going about their daily lives. How simple it was for the average person to get about, each with their own goals for the day. His goals were far more complicated. Today, he waited for Leighhall to emerge from the inn across the road.
Two days ago, he’d discovered whom the viscount was tupping—a Mrs. Anne Boscawen, who was on her way home to visit her family. She was also a laundress and seamstress for Queen Charlotte. That in itself would not have had him taking notice, except for the strange circumstances. It was rare that servants were allowed such time, and then to interrupt her trip for Leighhall had him wondering if they were old friends. Had she worked for the viscount in the past?
Mrs. Boscawen had no relation to Lady Amherst, whom the viscount had spent the last sennight with, nor was there a connection with the widowed baker in Bedford. It truly did seem that the man simply took his pleasure where he would. Still, Anthony kept detailed ciphered notes, so as to catch any pattern. So far, the only change had been the evening Leighhall had met with a man in the woods and accepted the sword breaker.
As the door to the inn opened, Leighhall stepped out alone.
Immediately alert, Anthony did not show it, remaining where he was, leaning against the front of the building in one of his favorite disguises. He looked like an aristocrat a few years older than he was, with black hair, trimmed black beard, and a long, light scar on his right cheek. When he was dressed all in black, people in the street did not engage him, which was exactly as he wished.
Leighhall remained just outside the door, no doubt waiting for his coach. The man was easy to spot. He prided himself on his appearance, so not only were his brown tail coat, tan pantaloons, and top hat of the highest quality, but his blond hair had been cut to show off his classic features in the best way. Women obviously found him attractive, which made the man’s exploits that much easier.
After a moment of perusing the people on the street, Leighhall turned and began walking.
A bit surprised, Anthony remained where he was a little longer, keeping the viscount in sight. Then he began to walk in the same direction, only on his own side of the street. No one made eye contact with him, which suited him perfectly.
