Thea gazed pleadingly at her. “I have complete trust in Grainger.”
Grandmama gazed doubtfully at Grainger. “Before I agree, my lord, why are you deserving of such trust?”
Grainger nodded. “You might ask my grandfather. He believes me to be a trustworthy fellow. I’m sure Viscount Sidmouth would also speak for me.”
“You have dealings with the home secretary?” Grandmama’s eyes widened. “I require a glass of Madeira!” She waved her hand toward the drinks tray.
Grainger stood. “Thea?”
“Yes, please. Does this mean you work for the home secretary?” she asked to his back as he stood at the sideboard.
“This matter is of no interest to the crown,” he said, neatly sidestepping her question. He turned, holding two glasses. “I am sure I can rely on your discretion, Lady Trentham.” He handed her the glass. “It would be unwise to alert Farnborough before the time is right.”
“I am flattered by your faith in me.” She took the glass from him. “The rogue would have to use torture to tear it from my lips.” She smiled wryly. “I shall not speak to Tothill. Yet.”
Grainger smiled. “Thank you.” He handed Thea her drink and picked up his own, returning to the sofa.
Thea took a deep sip of the sweet wine, which tasted of caramel, orange peel, and burnt sugar, her gaze riveted on his noble profile. Did this mean he was an agent for the crown? She had heard of men who worked secretly for the government. And she’d always suspected there was more to Grainger: a toughness, a coolness, and deliberation as to how he dealt with adversity, which was entirely different from any other gentlemen she had met. Except for Baron Reade. He had the same qualities. If Grainger worked for Whitehall, he might, too, and that explained a lot.
She refused to give up her chance to accompany Grainger to Middlesex. Her grandmother appeared to be wavering. “Grandmama, surely this must convince you?”
“It shouldn’t.” She raised her eyebrows. “It should alarm me, but somehow it doesn’t. I must admit to a desire for a little excitement in my life when I was your age. Women are so closeted, involved with their families, they have little time, or indeed the freedom to discover what avenue they might have liked to pursue.”
Thea grinned. “You would have made an excellent spy.”
“Don’t flatter me, child,” she said crossly. “I am painfully aware that you are more than a little like me. Now, Grainger, tell us what you wish us to do.”
“We will visitMrs. Tyler’s school at Ponder’s End on our way to Meadows. And your presence will assist us greatly,” Ash said. “But of course, if you’d rather not be involved in a kidnapping, as this will surely be perceived, no one will see you in the coach.”
Lady Trentham inclined her head. “Leave Mrs. Tyler to me. With the promise of more genteel pupils at my recommendation, she’ll be eager to serve us. She will suspect nothing untoward.”
Grainger chuckled. “I removed the immediate threat to Julia last night, the fellow sent by Farnborough to abduct her is now in a Bow Street cell. But it would not be wise to delay. Is it possible to leave first thing in the morning? I’m aware bringing the trip forward will be of great inconvenience to you.”
“Name the time,” Grandmama said with a firm nod.
“Nine o’clock?” Grainger put down his glass and stood. “I am grateful to have two such intrepid ladies in my life.” He smiled at Thea. “I couldn’t wish for a better partner in crime.”
Pleased with such praise from Ash, Thea’s cheeks warmed when he kissed first her grandmother’s hand and then hers.
“I am to visit a lady who is extremely knowledgeable about the beau monde. My Great-Aunt Clara, Duchess of Clement.”
“Oh, my goodness, yes,” Grandmama said. “I should think if anyone knows, it would be Clara.”
He bowed. “Tomorrow, ladies.”
Thea’s lovely green eyes looked into his with silent encouragement. He left the house smiling, so pleased with their support it raised his spirits. The sense of being part of a family, apart from Grandfather, had been absent from his life since the accident. He hadn’t expected it to be so appealing. He wanted his grandfather to remarry, but to no avail. Ash worried constantly that he might be lonely.
A while later, he pulled up his horses in Chelsea. The butler showed him into the overheated drawing room where his aunt sat close to a crackling coal fire. Ash tugged at his cravat. The sun streamed in through the window.
“You visit me again, Ashton? And within a matter of days. How extraordinary.” She held out her hands for him to kiss. “But I shall not complain. I have wanted to congratulate you on your engagement. Your news surprised and delighted me. Tothill’s youngest gel, isn’t it?”
He nodded. “Theodosia.”
“Were you swept off your feet? I believed you to be a determined bachelor, at least for a few years.”
He smiled. “You will like her, Aunt.”
“I look forward to meeting her. I am well-acquainted with her grandmother, Lady Trentham. We came out together too many years ago to admit to. I regret not having seen her for ages. Please bring Theodosia to see me.”
