“If I take the position, why would anyone spill secrets to a former Runner against the Crown.”
“As I explained at our first meeting, we will create a scandal having you demoted. Which in turn you will quit and swear vengeance on the Crown. It will only be a matter of time before the unsavory contact you with offers of allegiance to the under belly of England. Which no doubt will bring forth those loyal to France.”
“What if you are wrong?”
Harry shrugged one shoulder. Pretending calm when he was anything but. “Then we will come up with another plan.”
“May I tell my wife?”
“Since I find myself in a precarious situation with my upcoming marriage and dealing with two identities, one which will be hard to remain hidden in the bedchamber, I will allow it.”
For the first time the Runner let his emotions slip. He sighed and relaxed against the back of the chair. “Then my answer is yes. If you don’t mind, I’ll take that brandy now, Your Grace.”
Standing, Newbury poured both of them a generous portion. Smythe downed half his glass, then sipped the rest. “Thank you. The only time I’ve tasted brandy this good was from Wentworth.”
“Then you can thank him as he sent me a case.” Harry didn’t dare take a sip; the smell alone had his stomach rolling. He placed the glass untouched on his desk. “Please, only call me by my title when we encounter each other out in society. Otherwise, Harry will do. Unless I’m dressed as Hugh. Then Hugh, please. My code name within the War Office is Nighthawk. I believe Gunslinger is quite apt for you. Any objections?”
“None at all.”
“Good.” Now that business was concluded, Harry had some personal questions for Smythe.
“You do know I’m marrying Wentworth’s sister, Penelope, in just a little over a fortnight?”
“Yes. I do. We have been invited.”
“Good. I’ve a major dilemma, and since you are in the inner circle of friends with the Seabrooks, I’ve a personal question to ask of you.”
Smythe’s hand tightened on the glass as he took a sip of the amber liquid. The only telltale sign he was uncomfortable. “I’ll answer depending on the question? I won’t divulge anything to do with the times they have hired me.”
“Not asking you to. It has to do with Lady Penelope and the fact she’s marrying one person who has two personas.” He paused and dared a sip of his drink. “I’m torn between telling her before the wedding or afterwards.”
“Definitely a delicate issue. Lady Penelope is a strong woman. If you want a meek and dutiful wife, you have chosen quite the opposite.”
“Exactly why I have chosen her. I never expected to inherit the dukedom. I grew up on a farm, planned to stay in the army for life. She comes from rather less than stellar beginnings, not that I hold that against her, in fact, it works to my advantage. I rather like the idea of marrying into the Seabrook family and within it their circle of close friends. Never would’ve happened if she’d been legitimate. Wentworth would have found someone more suitable for a gently bred girl. However, I do not want to anger Wentworth or my soon-to-be-wife.”
“I’m afraid I’m at a loss for advice.”
Harry stood, concluding the meeting. “I was testing you. Welcome to the War Office. After my wedding, the events of your demotion will take place. For the time being I will create rumors of you taking bribes and payouts down in St. Giles. No one will doubt it since that’s where you come from and lived until recently. Please inform your wife soon. I don’t want to cause undo problems within your marriage. As for informing her brother, Spencer, I will think on it.”
Once alone, Harry’s thoughts turned to Penelope and the intimacy they’d shared the night of the opera, making him think it was time to send her a message.
