“Smuggling? Why Billericay? Hardly seems like a big enough city to support an overland smuggling ring,” Richmond said.
“I have it on good authority that if he’d managed to purchase Blakely Manor, it would have served as a safe place to store large cargos heading north. The cargo could then be broken down into smaller loads that wouldn’t attract any undue attention.”
Richmond rubbed his chin and took a few moments before replying. “You both work for the Crown? I had no idea.”
“That’s the idea. Low profile and all.” Edgerton said.
Alesbury needed the conversation to end before someone else came out on the terrace. “We should discuss this more, but I don’t think we should linger out here any longer.”
Edgerton nodded. “One last thing, you should know the Crown’s requests for assistance come infrequently at best for new recruits. Perhaps you and I can talk more about it in a more private setting.”
“Of course, and I will endeavor to distance myself from Carlisle from now on. Is he here this evening?”
“I’ve not seen him, but it’s a crush in there. He could very well be in attendance,” Alesbury said.
“If I can be of service to you in any way, do not hesitate to ask,” Richmond said over his shoulder as he walked away and reentered the ballroom.
Alesbury watched his friend leave. “Will you recruit him? He could prove useful, especially with what he may hear bandied about at the club.”
“Possibly, but enough spy business tonight. Let us join the ladies and enjoy the dancing.”
Edgerton left, but Alesbury remained on the terrace, trying to reconcile his thoughts about his friend being interested in his ladylove. Would Violet welcome a proposal only a month into the Season? He knew her mother would be most pleased and would encourage the duke’s suit over his. It was the way oftonmarriages—Richmond was a duke and Alesbury was only a viscount. Unless of course, Violet had feelings for him. That would make all the difference in the world, and he needed to find out sooner rather than later.
By the time he claimed Violet for the supper dance, his insides were in knots. “Miss Bainbridge, I thought it wasn’t possible for you to look any more beautiful, but you shine as bright as a star this evening,” he said.
Her breath hitched. “Thank you, my lord. That’s very kind of you to say.”
“Not kind—the truth.”
He led her to the dance floor, and the knot in his insides eased somewhat. This was where she belonged—in his arms. He fell more in love with her each time he saw her. He’d known she was special last fall, and his feelings had only grown over the winter. She was an excellent dance partner while keeping up a lively conversation. When the dance ended and they walked toward the dining room, he asked, “May I call on you tomorrow?”
“Yes. I would like that very much, my lord,” she said. “You must realize I thoroughly enjoy our time together.”
That simple statement gave Alesbury hope that she was indeed developing a tendre for him. “I as well.”
Chapter 9
“WHO’S THE YOUNG LADY WITHEdgerton?” Carlisle asked Ray. They’d slipped into the property from the outer garden gate and were circling the ballroom.
Ray looked across the dance floor. “That’s Edgerton’s younger sister, Violet.”
“Hmmm…Edgerton’s sister, you say? Perhaps an introduction is in order.”
When Edgerton left the ladies alone to talk with another peer, Carlisle walked around the dance floor perimeter until he came upon them. The Dowager Lady Edgerton had momentarily stepped away leaving only Lady Edgerton standing with Violet, and this was his chance for an introduction.
“Lady Edgerton, may I say how lovely you look this evening?” Carlisle said with a bow.
Lady Edgerton startled at Carlisle’s appearance. “My lord,” she said with a quick curtsey.
“And who is this enchanting creature with you this evening?” he asked, looking Violet over from head to toe as if she were a prized horse.
Lady Edgerton slipped her arm in Violet’s. He could tell she didn’t want to introduce him, but it would be beyond rude if she didn’t and she finally relented. “Miss Bainbridge, may I make known to you Lord Carlisle?”
“My lord,” Violet said with a curtsey.
Before Carlisle could ask Miss Bainbridge to dance, Edgerton appeared at his wife’s side. Taking hold of her arm, he turned his back on Carlisle. Lady Edgerton still had ahold of Violet, and all three of them walked away.
Even though Edgerton had given him the cut direct, Carlisle had gotten the introduction he wanted. So, Edgerton had a sister debuting this Season. That could prove very useful.
