“May I ask why?”
“Isn’t it obvious? It’s time to tell you your mission. I received the information from your last mission, by the by.”
“I’m glad to hear it. But I thought my new mission was to watch the Viscount Spy. Ensure he remains loyal to the Crown.”
“That’s not the mission. I trust Rafe Cavendish with my life. He’s as loyal a subject to the Crown as you’ll ever meet.”
“Then why in thenom de dieudo you have me trussed up in gowns, traipsing around a town house in Mayfair, pretending to be a lady’s maid of all things?Maudit!”
“Such language.” He tsked. “It’s unbecoming of a lady.”
She eyed him carefully. “You know I’m no lady.”
“Yes, it’s particularly amusing to me that this latest mission of yours involves being a lady’s maid. I’d pay a pretty penny to see you plaiting braids and sticking pins in a coiffure.”
“I’ve learned my trade well. You’ve nothing to worry about.”
Grimaldi knew she’d spent the last fortnight being trained by one of London’s best lady’s maids, one paid well enough to keep her mouth shut and ask no questions.
“I’ve no doubt. I’ve never seen you not fully committed to any task you’ve undertaken,” Grimaldi replied.
“No more delays, General. What’s the mission? I need to get back. My lady is attending a ball tonight and she’ll miss me before long.”
He sighed and the smile dissipated from his face. “Very well. Point taken.”
There was no file. No words. Nothing written. It was the way this branch of the Home Office worked. They weren’t even having this conversation. She’d be tortured and killed before she admitted she so much as knew Mark Grimaldi’s name, let alone his identity as chancellor of this nonexistent office.
“The subject isn’t Rafe Cavendish at all,” Grimaldi said.
Danielle’s brow furrowed. “Don’t tell me it’s Lady Daphne?”
“No. The Swift family has been nothing but loyal to the Crown.”
“Then who?” Danielle furrowed her brow.
“It’s the brother. Mr. Cavendish.”
“Cade,” she breathed.
“You’ve met him?”
“Last night.”
“And?”
“He seems like a rogue and a charmer but not dangerous. Except…” She tapped her cheek.
Grimaldi raised a brow. “Except what?”
“Except he did get into a fight with someone.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know. He came home foxed with a bloody fist.”
“Hmm. See if you can find out more about that.”
“His brother seemed to think the man has a penchant for getting into drunken fights.”
