Page 54 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

“No. We arranged to meet him, with Her Grace, and exchange her for money and the freedom to board a ship sailing to America. We all went to the dock where the meeting was to take place. It was during the exchange that we recaptured him.”

She had no doubt he was still leaving out facts, but she would have to be content with the few more details he had provided. “And he was killed.”

“Yes.”

She nodded. “I’d like to hear more about Lord Campbell.”

The relief was evident in Hawk’s demeanor. “As I said, he has managed to dodge the marriage-minded mamas and their daughters for a while now. He claims he will not marry for years.”

“And he is a marquess.”

“Yes. His estate is near the Scotland border, but he spends very little time there since he is quite active in Parliament. He has sponsored several bills to assist veterans and their families.”

“That is quite noble of him. He must be a very nice person. Especially if he is willing to take in a strange woman who is in danger.”

Hawk laughed. “Cam loves the dangerous part of life. I thought after Boney was defeated he would stay in his majesty’s service, but since his father passed while we were fighting Napoleon, it was his duty to return home and take care of estate matters. Bedford was the only one who remained.”

“Yet, you are still in service to the Crown.”

“Not officially. I have been called upon a few times to make some discreet inquiries about people the Home Office is interested in speaking with.”

“Like me.”

“Yes. Like you.” He stood and drew her up. “Time to go, sweeting. The sooner we are settled in London, the sooner we can clear this all up.”

…

Early evening two days later, the carriage drew up in front of Lord Hawkins’s townhouse. The plan was for them to enter his townhouse and then change their clothing into something resembling servants’ attire.

Once it grew dark, they would leave through the back door and secure a hackney to ride to Lord Campbell’s house, where they would use the servants’ entrance. Lord Campbell had written to Hawk that his staff was aware of their arrival, and he certainly paid them wel

l enough to keep their mouths closed about their incognito guests.

In the meantime, Lord Campbell had put it out that he was suffering from the ague and would not be accepting invitations. From what Hawk had told her, Lord Campbell was eager to assist them in any way he could.

Lizzie and Hawk made their way up the steps. “Good evening, my lord, my lady. Welcome home, my lord.” The butler reminded her of all front door butlers. They must all attend the same school. Staunchly staid and formal.

“Thank you, Martin. It is good to be home. Although we aren’t staying.”

“My lord?”

“A satchel should have arrived for me a day or two ago from Lord Campbell.”

“Yes, sir. It is in your bedchamber.”

“Thank you. We would like a light supper, please, and then we will depart. Once we are settled, I will let you know what is planned.”

“Very well, my lord.”

Hawk turned to Lizzie. “Are you ready to play the part of a maid?”

Lizzie grinned. “Why not? I was a governess for two years. How much more difficult could it be to dust a few candelabras?”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Hawk reached out and tugged the mop cap Lizzie wore so it covered more of her hair. “There, now you look like a scullery maid.”

Lizzie grinned. “Ah, a step down from my last employment.”