“My dear Camilla, I don’t want you putting yourself in harm’s way.”
“I trust you will protect me when I need it.” She stroked his cheek. “I know you will be watching me from afar, so I’ll be protected.”
“You’re right. I will.”
“If you allow me to help you with this, I will be able to get the keys so we can sneak him out.”
Malcolm’s lips twitched into a grin. “Or Broderick can walk out on his own.”
Confused, she wrinkled her forehead. “What do you mean?”
“Think about it. Broderick and the captain are the same height, the same build. They even have the same raven-black hair. After the captain passes out, you can unlock Broderick’s cell, and he will steal Captain Wilkes’s uniform and walk out with you on his arm.” Malcolm shrugged. “The other soldiers will not think any different.”
She laughed and hugged him. “I have faith this will work.”
He kissed her on the mouth. “So do I.”
Chapter Nineteen
Camilla took adeep breath and steadied her shaky limbs.Pretend you are Kat.It shouldn’t be that hard. After all, she had started to portray her sister when she first arrived in Dorchester. But this time was different.
To play the part of her sister, she donned one of Kat’s immodest dresses. And heaven help her, shewouldflirt like she had never done before. The plan must work. Both Broderick and Malcolm’s lives were at stake.
Lifting her chin, she squared her shoulders and walked across the street toward the jail. Wilkes stood outside with four other soldiers. When he spotted her, he moved away from the men and strode toward her, his smile stretching more with each step. She swallowed the lump of fear in her throat and breathed slowly.
“Good day, my dear Mrs. Worthington.” Captain Wilkes stopped in front of her and picked up her hand, running his lips over her wrist. When he met her gaze, his eyes darkened.
I am Kat,Camilla reminded herself, and smiled. “Good day to you, you handsome devil.”
He grinned and took a step closer to her. “Have you missed me, my sweet?”
“Always.” She batted her eyelashes and gave him a pout. “And I cannot go another day without you.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “How do you suggest we solve that problem?”
She glanced around to see if they were out of the others’ earshot. Thankfully, they were, but she lowered her voice nonetheless. “I will meet you tonight, in the jail.”
“In the jail? But why?”
“Shh.” She placed her fingers over his mouth. “We must not be heard.” She grinned. “I have never been there, and… well, I have many wild ideas of what we can accomplish together in such a wicked place.” She nearly gagged on the words, and she prayed she didn’t have to touch him too much tonight. She wasn’t that good of a performer.
His chest shook with silent laughter. Bringing her hand back up to his mouth, he kissed her knuckles again. She shuddered inwardly.
“But you must know there is a prisoner who will see us,” he said.
“Let him watch.” She chuckled. “He might learn a thing or two.”
The captain’s eyes turned dark. “Are you certain?”
“Very.”
“What time should we meet?”
“Late.” While pretending to think about this, she pursed her lips. “How about midnight?”
“You are a naughty woman, but I love your idea.”
“And we must celebrate, so bring lots of spirits.”
