‘Never fear, Miss Skye, the pain will ease shortly. It looks more like a sprain than anything broken. I have a tincture that will bring you relief—it helps me significantly,’ Lord Harry assured her.
‘You are too kind, sir,’ Grace responded, dejected.
As the carriage moved in the opposite direction of the watchmaker’s shop, Lord Harry turned the conversation elsewhere.
‘How are you finding London?’ he asked.
‘The entertainments are diverting, but I must confess I am not an enthusiast of all the crowds,’ Mrs Merriweather replied.
Grace, still brooding over her failed attempt, forced a smile. ‘I have not yet had the chance to visit all the places I have read about to form an opinion.’
Lord Harry grinned. ‘We must remedy that. Provide me with your list, Miss Skye, and I shall endeavour to fulfil your wishes. I hear Vauxhall Gardens is a favourite among young ladies. Though I daresay Edward would make a better guide—he knows London like the back of his hand.’
Grace’s stomach tightened at the mention of Lord Edward. Was Lord Harry encouraging a match between them? Did he know about Lord Edward’s proposal? A temporary panic gripped her at the thought of spending more time with the prime suspect.
She masked her discomfort. ‘Oh? How so?’
Lord Harry gave her a considering look before answering, ‘I suppose it is due to the businesses he has invested in throughout London.’
Grace feigned polite curiosity. ‘He must have a good mind for investments in such a competitive market.’
‘Indeed. He had excellent connections in Europe, especially France—before the war, of course. Some childhood friends of his used to visit often.’
A prickling unease crawled over Grace’s skin. ‘He kept ties with the French aristocracy even after the Revolution?’
Lord Harry hesitated before nodding. ‘Yes. He has helped quite a few who sought refuge in England.’
Mrs Merriweather pursed her lips. ‘A noble cause, no doubt. But would he not be concerned about spies?’
Lord Harry sighed. ‘That has been one of many areas where we have disagreed, Miss Skye. I have worried about his... associations for quite some time. However, in the past few weeks, I have noticed a change in him. He seems to be distancing himself from his more reckless habits. Perhaps there is hope yet.’
Grace swallowed.
‘I wonder what could have prompted such a transformation.’ Mrs Merriweather stated, and cast Grace a glance. ‘Perhaps a certain someone?’
Grace stiffened but forced an indifferent smile.
Lord Harry’s expression darkened slightly, as though troubled by his own thoughts.
As soon as the carriage reached the Duke’s residence, Grace seized the opportunity to act. The moment they were inside, she pulled Mrs Merriweather aside.
‘Come, we need to leave again immediately!’ Mrs Merriweather was bewildered as she was rushed along.
‘But your ankle—’
‘There is nothing the matter with it, Mrs M, but I needed an excuse to leave.’
Grace and the confused Mrs Merriweather set off at breakneck speed to the watchmaker’s place that Lord Harry recommended on the other end of town. There was still time to make it before the walking party returned from Hyde Park. MrsMerriweather, though grumbling, allowed herself to be dragged into a waiting hackney carriage.
The journey was swift but tense.
‘I do not see why His Grace cannot send someone else on this errand,’ Mrs Merriweather muttered for the fifth time.
Grace rolled her eyes. ‘Because, Mrs M, he cannot trust just anyone with this. And I volunteered,’ she replied smoothly.
Mrs Merriweather huffed. ‘Curious, don’t you think, that Lord Harry mentioned his brother’s French connections? Do you believe it has any link to the smuggling ring at Skye Manor?’
Grace’s jaw tightened. ‘That is precisely what I think.’
