As the old man slowly moved past, something about him caught her attention. She shook her head and smirked before raising her dagger, then sent it flying across the man’s path and into a large tree next to him. As she expected, he reacted far too quickly as he pulled on the reins, spinning his horse around, a flintlock appearing in his hand.
She laughed, walking her horse out onto the path. “You move far too fast for an old man, Anthony.”
“Lissa! How did you know?” He shook his head as he returned the gun to its hiding place.
“Old men don’t sit straight in the saddle.” She grinned, pleased that she’d recognized him, despite his disguise. She waved toward his clothing. “Does your investigation require such subterfuge?”
He brought his horse up next to hers, so they were face to face. “It does, mainly to keep my real identity from being discovered. I find dressing as a villager makes it easy for me to be overlooked by the gentleman I’m following.”
Though she couldn’t see his mouth well with all the hair, his blue eyes shone with glee. Anthony had always enjoyed surprising others.
“I see you have also disguised yourself.” He held his hand out toward her. “This is the Lissa I remember.”
Relieved that her clothing had done what she’d hoped, reminded him of who she was and their friendship, she shrugged. “It is what I am most comfortable wearing.” She dismounted, holding the reins of her horse. “How fares your investigation?”
His posture slumped, much like it should have when he rode the path. “Not as quickly as I hoped. The man I watch spends far too much time with women.” He dismounted as well andbrought his horse next to hers. “At first, I thought it was to hide his real activities, but now I fear women are his primary goal, while the weapon he came into possession of is merely a distraction. I sincerely hoped it would be the opposite.” His gaze wandered as he appeared to review the many details in his mind.
That concerned her, not only because she knew how much he enjoyed discovering answers, but also because this time it had to do with her friend Dory. “Is the lord’s interest in his ladies not enough for what you need to protect Lady Harewood?”
He returned his gaze to her and shook his head. “I’m afraid much of it would be more damaging to said ladies than to the viscount, so it is of little worth to me.”
That he spoke freely to her of the ladies had her feeling much more confident that their friendship was back to how it had always been. “Then perhaps what I discovered about the weapon may be of help.”
He straightened, immediately focusing his attention on her. “Yes. Tell me what you have found.”
Though she hated to stretch their friendship, survival, as always, remained her first priority. “I do believe one of the two drawings I made will be your weapon. However, I also need help, and I’m hoping you can be of assistance.”
“Of course. You know I would be happy to aid you in whatever it is you need.”
Beyond pleased with his offer, she gave him a smile. “Merci. I knew I could depend upon you. I need your help in finding a very wealthy tradesman or merchant to wed.”
The bushy gray brows lifted. “I was under the impression that you would be coming out in the next Season.”
“That is what is expected, which is why it’s imperative that I find a husband before then. Grand-maman wishes me to wed a peer so she may have a comfortable old age. I cannot fathom being married to an aristocrat.” She placed one hand on her hipand cocked her head. “Truly, can you see me married to a Lord Stiffboard, or worse, Lord Boring?”
Anthony nodded. “I do see your dilemma. But it might not be as bad as all that. There are many good chaps like Lord Blackmore who might be very enjoyable company.”
She just stared at him, waiting for him to come to the same conclusion she had. Though she did need to provide for her grandmother, and she didn’t look for love, since she’d already loved and lost, she couldn’t imagine having to pretend to be an aristocrat for the rest of her life and do nothing but host visitors and make babies.
“What?” He lifted his shoulders. “It’s possible.”
She shook her head, a bit disappointed. “Look at me. This is what makes me happy. Do you see me happy, even with a man like the Captain?”
“But I thought you enjoyed the Belinda School for Curious Ladies and all that you are learning there?”
She hadn’t understood how strong his beliefs in Society were until just now. She sighed. “I thought you, of anyone, would understand.”
His shoulders tensed and he looked about, obviously uncomfortable. “In truth, I suppose I do, far more than you know. I also find the rules of Society tiresome more often than not and do not abide by them. But I am a man.”
Seeing her opportunity, she grabbed his wrist. “Yes. But I cannot do as you. My only chance at a contented life is to find someone who is not anxious to be accepted, but happy in their own right, who doesn’t need a lady wife.” She squeezed, hoping he could understand.
Finally, his arm turned within her grip, and he wrapped his hand around her wrist.
Relief flew through her. It wastheirgrip, a sign of solidarity with each that other they only used when in a crisis.
“I pledge to aid you, even if I’m not completely convinced it’s the right course.”
“Merci, mon ami.” She released his arm, and he did likewise. Now she could freely turn to other matters.
