His first mate took a step closer. “I’m sure you were surprised to learn the lord chancellor’s niece was staying with your aunt and uncle,” he said, lowering his voice.
“Very much so.” Broderick dropped his tone as well. “Apparently her father is acquainted with my uncle. However, my uncle doesn’t want others to know who her uncle is. While she is here, she is just the earl’s daughter.”
“How very interesting.” Phillip arched an eyebrow. “This is something we could use to our advantage.”
“Believe me, I have already thought of that. I’m not going to let this matter rest. I plan on finding what the woman knows about her uncle’s plans.”
“Is that why you took her outside earlier?” Phillip scratched his chin. “Or was it the normal reasons you take a woman out under the moonlit sky?”
Broderick rolled his eyes. “Trust me, I donothave plans to seduce Lady Sarah.”
Phillip chuckled. “If you say so.”
“I do,” Broderick snapped, not appreciating that his friend jumped to conclusions.
“Very well, I shall leave you to Lady Sarah. I had thought to woo her tonight, yet she was always dancing with other men. I ended up dancing with your cousin, Miss Rebecca, and getting to know her.”
“I’m sure she loved your attention as well as your company.”
“As did I. I found her delightful.”
Holding back a laugh, Broderick bit his lip. Was his friend addled? Rebecca was exactly opposite of that. “I suspect she was putting on a grand performance if you found her delightful. Most of the time she is more like…” He scratched his chin. “A shrew.”
“Oh, come now, Worthington. Your cousin was very pleasant.”
“I’m glad you think so.” Broderick folded his arms and glanced around the room again. “So tell me, did the rest of the crew go into hiding as I instructed?”
“Indeed they did. They were all looking forward to the much-needed rest.”
Broderick felt more at ease. “I wish I knew how long we need, but for now, at least two months.”
“Aye, captain.”
Broderick glared at Phillip. “Keep your voice down, man. We do not need others hearing.”
“What others?” Phillip snickered.
“Servants have ears, too,” Broderick clipped out. Taking a deep breath, he stepped away from his first mate and, in a louder voice, said, “It was good to see you, Mr. Daughtery. I hope we can meet up again soon.”
“As do I.”
“In case I need to contact you, where are you staying?”
“Joseph and Mildred Caldwells’. They live just down the lane from the mill.”
Broderick nodded. “I’m sure my uncle will be able to direct me in their path if I cannot locate them.”
“I’m sure he can.”
After the men shook hands, Phillip quit the ballroom and the house. Broderick scrubbed his hands over his face. Exhaustion set in, and he couldn’t wait to rest. Making his way to his room, he realized he might not sleep tonight anyway. Not with his mind occupied with the passionate kiss he had shared with Emmie.
*
Broderick rose earlyin the morning and quickly dressed in his riding clothes, preparing to spend a leisurely afternoon doing nothing but enjoying his solitude in the countryside. It had been two weeks since he came to stay with his uncle, and boredom had begun to consume Broderick’s mind. He had led a busy life of spying these past few years, and time for leisure was rarely heard of.
After flying down the stairs, he hurried across the wooden floor and made his way to the front door. When he neared his uncle’s study, Broderick slowed and trod softly, hoping Henry wouldn’t see him. This was one time he didnotwant to be bothered. Unfortunately, as Broderick passed the room, his uncle looked up from behind his desk and motioned with his hand.
“Broderick? I would like a word, please.”
