Cass ignored Jane. “But Lucy, as the duke pointed out yesterday, you’re not a proper chaperone.”
Lucy shrugged. “That’s not about to stop me. And at any rate, we’ll be accompanied by your footman. Your mother isn’t planning to attend, is she?”
Cass shook her head jerkily. “No. I rather think she’s happy to see us go off alone. Shameless, really.”
Lucy crossed her arms over her chest and smiled to herself. “His Gracedidn’t seem particularly interested in listening to what I had to say last time. This time I’ll give him no choice. If he intends to outlast me in this game of ours, he doesn’t know with whom he is dealing.”
Jane raised an eyebrow. “Are you both quite certain this is wise? I doubt the duke will like it very much if you’re there, Lucy.”
Lucy allowed a wide smile to spread across her face like summer jam on bread. “I know the duke won’t like it. That is the very best part.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
When Collin Hunt came strolling into Derek’s study, Derek immediately saw the hint of a smile on the younger man’s face.
“Your Grace,” he intoned, bowing.
Derek stood, rolling his eyes. “Enough of that.”
“What, did you think I wouldn’t show the proper respect due your new illustrious title?” Collin laughed.
Derek took two long strides over to him and clapped his brother on the shoulder. “For someone who used to share a tiny bedchamber with me and another person, I think we can leave off with the formalities.”
Collin’s grin widened. “If you say so, Your Grace.”
Derek shook his head. “I do.”
Derek offered him a seat, and Collin made his way over to the leather chairs in front of the desk and sat down. His face turned sober. “I have some bad news, Derek.”
Derek returned to his seat behind the desk. His gaze snapped to his brother’s face. “What is it?”
“It’s Adam.”
Derek folded his hands on the desk in front of him. “What about him?”
“He was with them, Derek.”
Derek narrowed his eyes. “With them?”
“Yes, on the mission. It was his first.”
Derek slammed his fist against the desk. “Who the hell authorized that?”
“Apparently, General Markham thought it was a fine idea. Thought Rafe and Swifdon needed backup.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“I can’t say I disagree, but you know how persuasive Adam can be.”
Yes, they both knew how persuasive their youngest brother could be. Adam had never taken no for an answer in his life. He’d been training to become a spy, but in Derek’s well-known opinion, he hadn’t been ready yet to be tested in the field. Apparently, Markham had believed otherwise, or had been convinced of it by Adam.
“They’re all missing. All three of them? Is that it?” Derek asked.
“Yes. They had orders to spy on Napoleon’s base. They haven’t been seen since before the battle. I’m leaving tomorrow to search for them.”
Derek clenched his jaw and nodded. “I cannot tell you how much I want to go with you.”
Collin nodded back. “I know you do, Derek. But you have your orders.”
