Page 6 of The Spy and His Lady Love
Chapter 3
“How was your evening, Your Grace?”Edmond asked as they climbed into the carriage with the Newbury ducal crest painted on the sides.
“Surprisingly amusing.”
His valet cocked a brow. “I would’vethought the young ladies present would beg a headache to get out of dining with you.”
Harry chuckled. “Actually no. Perhaps the other two young ladies in attendance would have if I’d sat next to them or lavished my attentions on them. However, I didn’t pay them any heed. Now, Lady Penelope, she was like a breath of fresh air. She even proved a worthy chess opponent.”
“Truly?”
“My surpriseas well. Perhaps there is more to the young lady than I originally believed. Actually, between the other night and this evening, Idoknow there is more to her. She has none of the false silliness as other young debutants. Nor does she cringe away from hideous me. Neither does she seem jaded because of the circumstances from her birth. She doesn’t hide the fact she’s a bastard at all.”
“Perhaps you have found your duchess?”
Days ago he didn’t believe so. Today Harry hoped he had. Penelope stirred feelings inside him he’d thought dead and gone. Ever since leaving the army, he’d been numb inside. And when he wasn’t numb, he had nightmares that could drive any sane man mad. Thank God he wasn’t any man. And much of his return to sanity he owed to reading scientific textbooks and having studied and learned meditation. Also, his former mistress, Rose helped him. She’d known him since his childhood. Anyhow, some numbness was good. It made him an excellent spy. His feelings didn’t get involved in his cases. He preferred it that way.
If he took Penelope for a wife, would he allow his budding feelings for her to surface? Could he deal with the onslaught of emotions? Hide his nightmares from her? Time would tell. Meanwhile, he’d send a missive to Wentworth asking for an audience. Time for marriage negotiations before some other bloke saw all Penelopehad to offer. Regardless of her birth status, she came from a wealthy, influential, titled family. He needed to sign the betrothal papers before some poor aristocratic gentleman offered for her, spent her dowry, and shipped her off to the countryside to wallow and die. The sudden ache in his chest worried him.
Sittingat hislarge mahogany deskin his study, Harry’s hand cradled a glass of fine scotch whiskey. He’d long since given up on getting any sleep tonight as his mind wouldn’t settle down. Several things worried him. One being the case he was working on. The case of a highly regarded Baron rumored to have worked with Napoleon during the later years of the war. News had him still spying on his own country for the French even now. The prince was beside himself as the Baron had spent many years at court as his confident. Now to hear rumors of his deceit and treason? The Regent wanted to see the Baron hang. Harry wanted to see the man hang for all the soldiers and innocent people who died because of his treasonous crimes. For his own injuries and those of his battalions as they fought valiantly at Waterloo.
Catching the Baron was why he wanted the Runner Smythe’s help. Since Smythe had newly married into the Bridgeton family, he nowhad the opportunity to socializewith the aristocracy. Become acquainted with the Baron in a social setting. Not just at functions, but at clubs such as White’s and Brooks’s. Itwas rumoredthe Baron had a gambling problem, which could be the reason he sold English secrets. Not that Harry cared for the reason. Treason was treason any way one looked at it.
Harry couldn’t go undercover himself. Baron Littleton would recognize him. And he would never believe Harry would go against the Crown. A Runner, one jaded and angry at being demoted, would be perfect. Hence, Smythe.
Harryfoundhimself beingescorted into Smythe’s office on Bow Street in the Covent Garden Neighborhood. Nota big officefor one soimportant and powerful.
“Your Grace.” Smythe bowed and gestured toward a hard wooden chair facing his desk. “Please have a seat and tell me how I may help you today?”
Harry had thought long and hard about approaching Smythe as Hugh Sinclair, but if they were to work together, which he hoped they would, there couldn’t be secrets between them. Even if it put him in a precarious situation, seeing’s how he was friends with the Seabrooks. “I have come for an employment opportunity.”
Clearly, he’d shocked the Runner as he sat down at his desk and looked puzzled. “I don’t understand?” He paused and offered refreshments, for which Harry declined.
“May I be blunt?” Harry said, well…bluntly.
The Runner leaned forward, looking more curious than shocked now. “Yes. Please do.”
“There are rumors I’ve worked for the War Office since the war ended with France.”
“Yes. I heardas such.”
“They are true. And I was hoping, with the head of the War Office’s permission, to offer employment to you.”
Smythe’s jaw dropped. “Pardon, Your Grace, but did you offer me a job? Youdorealize I have one already.”
Harry’s chuckled. “Yes. However, I plan to have you demoted so you will quit and go undercover with me and my men to catch a spy. A spy for France who is at the top of our most treasonous list.”
“Have me demoted? Want me to quit?” Smythe’s eyes widened. “Forgive me if I seem shocked.” He leaned forward. “The truth is, Iam shocked.”
“Rightly so. If I were in your shoes, I’dbe shockedas well. Your name has come up several times at the War Office. You have been in our sights for potential employment for some time now. We,” he cleared his throat, “Ibelieve you would be an exceptional asset to our operation.”
“What if I refuse? Will there be repercussions to my job here?” Smythe asked, looking uncomfortable.
“No. No demotion, no nothing. If you accept the job, thedemotion I speak aboutwould give you a cover story for wanting to commit treason against the Crown. If you decline the offer, nothing changes for you. However, please take some time to think it over. Although the work is dangerous, as your work is now, you would have more free time. I believe you are newly married, and I imagine the long hours of a Runner leave little time for your wife. Working for me is sporadic. The hours are unset and many times work happens out at social events in the evening.”
Harry leaned on his cane to stand. He could not reveal himself until Smythe agreed to work with him. “Send word to me tomorrow, or better still.” He placed his calling card on the Runner’s desk. “Call upon my residence.Good day.”
Once in his black carriage, Harry pondered what the Runner’s answer would be. One moment he looked intrigued and the next shocked and uneasy. His answer was anybody’s guess. Now off to the Duke of Wentworth’s for his offer of marriage to Penelope.
