“And a pleasant evening to you.” Phillip motioned to the empty chair. “I have already ordered us the inn’s special for tonight, which they will bring shortly.”
“Splendid.” Broderick patted his belly. “I’m famished.”
Phillip studied him with narrowed eyes for a few silent moments. “There is something different about you tonight.”
“There is?” Broderick arched a brow. “Pray, tell me what is different.” He glanced down at his shirt and waistcoat. “I’m dressed, so that cannot be what is different.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Perhaps it’s because my natural hair color is returning.”
“Yes, your brown color is fading, but it’s not that.” Phillip tilted his head. “What I see different from yesterday is that you are in much better spirits. No longer does your frown scare small children.”
Broderick threw his head back and laughed heartily. “You are very observant. Yes, I’m feeling much better today.”
“Do I dare ask why?”
“Because I’m in love, that’s why.”
“Love?” Phillip chuckled. “When only last night your heart was broken by a fair maiden? I don’t think I’ve seen you move on so quickly, my good man.”
“No, Phillip, I haven’t moved on to another woman. The lady I’m madly in love with is my Emiline. She and I talked last night, and let’s just say we worked out our problems. No longer am I upset with her for hiding her identity from me.”
“That’s wonderful.” Phillip slapped Broderick on the shoulder. “And I must say, you do look much better when you’re in love.”
The barmaid brought their plates out, and another maid carried the drinks. Broderick thanked them and dove into his mutton and potatoes. It was hard to believe, but food tasted better now that he’d finally admitted his true feelings to Emiline.
Phillip took a small bite and, after a couple of chews, leaned closer. “Lieutenant Mercer was spotted in town,” he whispered.
Broderick swallowed hard and nearly choked. His head was still reeling with Emiline’s confession and the visit he’d had with her mother and brother earlier today, making it rather difficult to absorb what Phillip had just said. But now he had to clear his mind and focus on important matters. This was definitely not something he wanted to hear.
“Who told you that?”
Phillip lowered his voice. “One of the crew.”
“Were they certain it was him?”
“Aye.” Phillip lifted his eyebrows. “It’s rather difficult to confuse Mercer with someone else because of his evil eyes.”
“Very true.” Broderick nodded. “But I wonder what he is doing in Brighton.”
Phillip leaned his elbows on the table. “Do you suppose he is still looking for Lady Sarah? You mentioned the other day that you thought he was the one that came looking for her at your uncle’s house.”
Panic grew in Broderick’s chest. Was his darling Emiline in danger, especially now that the truth about her identity was out? “I still believe she might, indeed, be in danger. I just wish I knew why Mercer wants her so badly when the fool is working for her uncle.” He scratched his neck, feeling like a noose was being pulled tighter around his throat.
“Hmm…” Phillip tapped his finger on his chin. “I wonder if Mercer has other ideas in mind.”
“Like what?”
“Perhaps he knows about your relationship with the Cramptons, and since Lady Sarah is staying with them, maybe he wants to get her away from you for fear she might say something about her uncle that you could use.”
Broderick shook his head. “That thought had crossed my mind, but if Mercer really knew I was staying with my uncle, the man would come to getme—not Lady Sarah. Remember, I have been on his kill list for a few years.”
“All of this is so confusing,” Phillip grumbled before taking a bite of his meat.
“Indeed it is.”
A burst of laughter broke out in the far corner, making Broderick jump and reach for his knife. But the boisterous group of men were well into their cups and enjoying themselves too much to be of any bother. Slowly, he glanced around the room, suddenly feeling that danger lurked closely. He silently reminded himself nobody could be trusted.
As Broderick munched on his roll, his mind spun with ideas, none that made sense. He should be used to running from Napoleon’s men, but now he realized he was completely sick of it. Was his crew tired of all this turmoil as well?
“There is only one thing to do to bring this to an end once and for all,” he said before taking a swallow from his cup of wine.
