“Like my old self?” Her lips curled upward. “There’s no rest for the wicked—not with so much Evil afoot in the world.”
The earl matched her smile. “Well, then we had better get to work.”
As Saybrook headed off, Arianna plucked a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing footman and hurried to join her friend.
As she approached, Sophia laughed at something Prescott said. Her cheeks were flushed with a rosy hue and her eyes alight.
Was it the sparkling wine, or the presence of a handsome flirt?wondered Arianna. Sophia kept her emotions well-guarded, but she sensed that her friend’s heart had been badly bruised by Grentham’s recent behavior, leaving her achingly vulnerable.
Quickening her steps, she came up beside Sophia, forcing Prescott to make room for her.
“Lady Saybrook, how nice to see you again.” If Prescott felt any irritation, he hid it well as he inclined a polite bow.
“Major Prescott was just telling us a very humorous anecdote about attempting to teach the Prussian officers on General Platov’s staff how to play cricket,” said Sophia.
“I’m afraid their idea of sport is one that involves blood.” He smiled. “They prefer hunting and shooting as a means of relaxation.”
“Far too much blood has been shed over the interminable years of war,” replied Arianna. “Now that we finally have peace, let us hope that harmony shall prevail over the jockeying for power and prestige that has caused so much misery.”
“A noble sentiment,” he said.
“Diplomacy is an important part of ensuring peace,” observed Sophia. “Your work as a liaison officer with our Allies assures that we all are working together to achieve common goals.”
“I am merely a junior adjutant, but I do hope that my efforts will help change things for the better.”
A cryptic—and clever—statement, thought Arianna.
Deciding the look of admiration that flickered beneath Sophia’s lashes was dangerous, she took her friend’s arm. “That’s very laudable, Major, but enough talk of politics and the troubles in the world. We ladies find it a rather depressing subject, so I’m sure you’ll excuse us.”
A smile, just as false as his. “I wish to show Miss Kirtland the delightful display ofRosa spinosissimain your aunt’s rose garden.”
Sophia hesitated, but a quick squeeze silenced any protest.
“My aunt’s roses are much talked about in Society, so I’m sure Miss Kirtland will enjoy seeing them.” Prescott stepped back. “I regret the loss of your company.” His gaze fixed on Sophia. “But I look forward to continuing our conversation.”
Arianna gave a wordless nod and drew her friend to one of the side walkways leading into the rear of the gardens.
“Roses? What fustian,” murmured Sophia. “I take it you’ve discovered something.”
“Yes, but I fear you’re not going to like it.” She waited until a turn drew them deeper into the foliage before recounting what she had overheard between Prescott and his Russian co-conspirator.
“Y-You are sure—” Sophie caught herself and expelled a sigh. “What an idiotic question. Of course you are sure.”
“I’m sorry,” said Arianna. “I sense you like him, and with good reason. He’s charming and attentive. But to be successful in the world of intrigue and treachery, one must possess a silver tongue.”
“And I—a spinster—make a perfect target,” muttered her friend.
“Spinsterhood has nothing to do with it,” she chided. “His Russian cohort warned him of your martial skills, along with your friendship with Wellington, and suggested that you’re clearly clever enough to be involved in espionage. It’s me he thinks of as a flighty female, too weak to be a threat.”
Arianna narrowed her eyes. “Be assured I mean to prove him wrong on that.”
“Does that mean you’ve decided to undertake the journey to St. Petersburg?”
She nodded. “Saybrook sent our coachman to summon Grentham to a late-night meeting at our townhouse, where I shall inform him of what I’ve just learned, and tell him of my decision.”
“I’m coming.”
“Very well. You can ride with us in a hackney back—”
