“I do not know how, but it looks as if he has found me. I believe some of his men are outside the house waiting for the right moment to seize me.”
She arched a brow. “But why?”
“To make certain that he is the last remaining Burke heir.”
Gasping, she lifted a hand to her throat. “Surely you jest.”
“Miss,” Peter said, “those men appear very dangerous. They are lurking by the front trees as we speak.”
Maxey switched her attention from Peter back to Nash. “And you think they came tokillyou?”
Nash rolled his eyes heavenward as irritation bubbled inside him. “Have you not been listening to one word I said this evening? It does not matter. To go over it again would be a waste of my time.” Nash turned to Sally asleep on the couch. “Maxey, help me undress the maid.”
“What?” Maxey’s voice rose in panic. “If you think I’m going to—”
“Maxey,” Nash interrupted, “I am not going to argue with you. But don’t fear. I will not take advantage of the poor unconscious woman. I just need to borrow her clothing so I can leave without being noticed. Thankfully, she is tall, and I think I can fit into her dress.”
He prayed this disguise would work. He couldn’t have his uncle find him now.
“Nash, I must protest this insanity.” Maxey leaned over and placed her hand on his fingers while they plucked the buttons of Sally’s dress apart. “What if those men enter after you leave and see my friend lying here without her clothes? They will certainly realize something is amiss.”
Nash exchanged grins with Peter. When Nash met her stare again, he chuckled. “My dear, sweet woman. Those men will not suspect a thing. Half the women at this function tonight are wearing less than this.”
Maxey blinked, and her mouth fell open. It took a few moments before she gasped and lines of anger appeared on her face.
“Nash Burke! Are you suggesting this place is…is…a house of ill repute?”
He wanted to laugh over her innocence, but he refrained. “No, Maxey, but neither is it the social event of the season. You see, the people who came to this party expected to end up in a room sharing a bed with a willing partner for an unforgettable night of pleasure.”
“Oh,” she shrieked, slapping his arm. “I can’t believe I’m in an establishment such as this.”
“Must I remind you”—he returned his focus to Sally and yanked down her skirt—“you two snuck into this party without an invitation. I’m certain you would have known what to expect if you were properly invited.” He glanced over his shoulder at her. The tightness of her mouth and red face let him know how upset she was. “Are you going to assist me or not?”
He realized the news wasn’t to Maxey’s liking, but he couldn’t dwell upon that now. He would do anything to get out of this party alive, and the more time they wasted arguing, the quicker his uncle’s men would find Nash and kill him.
She finally moved beside him and helped undress Sally, leaving the maid in her shift, pantaloons, and stockings. Maxey grabbed the woolen throw off the back of the couch and placed it over the other woman.
Quickly, Nash pulled Sally’s clothes over his own. Maxey watched with a blank expression. Once he’d draped the black scarf over his hair, he donned Sally’s bonnet, using the black netting to cover his facial hair.
“I think you’ll have to shave,” Maxey snapped. “Those men outside will have to be blind not to notice your mustache.”
Pretending to cough, he covered his mouth. “Not if I do this.”
She scowled. “You still don’t look very feminine.”
Nash arched an eyebrow. “And you think Sally does?” He glanced at his friend, who nodded. In an attempt to hide his lack of womanly assets, Nash gathered Maxey’s black lace shawl around his shoulders. “Is this better?”
Maxed folded her arms, scowling. “Yes, but Nash? I have one more question. What will happen to Sally when you leave? I mean, she will need clothing so that we can leave tonight.”
Hesitating, he realized he could not leave Maxey here. If he left her alone, she would run to Constable Lawrence. Nash couldn’t allow that. Not until he had the proof that showed his uncle was the murderer. “Not to worry, dear Maxey. Peter will see that your friend is returned to your place of lodging.”
“And will Peter make certain I return to the inn, as well?”
He grinned. “No.”
She gasped. “What an inconsiderate thing to say,Mr.Burke.”
“Maxey, you won’t be leaving with Sally. You are coming with me.”
