Relief blossomed inside Archer’s chest, so fast and hard his head spun.
It was going to be all right. He clutched at Ruby’s hand, harder than he meant, and he tried to make himself stop, only—
Penney was going to help them. Archer thought of theSwallowand the cold regret on Penney’s face. He thought, painfully, helplessly:I did the right thing.
Penney was going to aid them. Archer had not thrown his life away for nothing.
“Do you know anyone who might be able to tell us where Verdura’s gone?” Ruby asked. “My father suggested the duke had fled, but did not know his destination.”
Penney drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. “I believe I can put my connections to use to track Verdura, yes.” He looked sharply at Ruby. “What else did your father tell you? Anything we can use to our purposes?”
She shook her head. “Very little.”
“Anything of Verdura’s conspirators? Any persons who might have had a hand in the attack?”
“Nothing of the kind.” Ruby’s lips compressed. “I wish he had.”
“That’s all right,” Penney said. “We’ll figure this out.” He turned to Archer. “You still have your little sloop at the docks?”
“For now,” he said, “yes.”
“Good.” Penney leaned forward again. “If I can work out where the duke’s headed, I can send some of my men—my sailors—with you. I assume you want to track him yourself?”
“Yes,” Archer said instantly. “Of course. I’ll go anywhere.”
But Ruby was shaking her head. “Wait,” she said. “Do you not think that overhasty? Ought we not investigate Verdura’s London residence before we fly off to heaven knows where?”
Penney smiled approvingly at Ruby. “Yes,” he said, “you’re right. I knew my boy would pick a clever woman when he settled down. Of course we should investigate the townhouse. You two prepare Archer’s old tub, and I’ll go there myself.”
“To Verdura’s house?” Ruby asked.
“That’s right.” Penney grinned at Archer, a familiar lopsided flash of mischief. “This damned name of mine ought to be worth something after all these years. I suspect I can persuade the duke’s butler to let me in.”
“Thank you,” Archer said. Relief was still shuddering through him. He’d known. He’dknownPenney would not let them down.
“And you’ll tell us?” Ruby pressed. “If you find anything? You’ll send word before we go?”
“Of course,” Penney said. “With any luck, I’ll turn up your princess and your friend and even that absurd little dog before the two of you break anchor.”
There was a hiccup of silence as Archer’s brain caught on what Penney had just said. Read it back, as if engraved in ink.
With any luck, I’ll turn up your princess and your friend and even that absurd little dog before the two of you break anchor.
Only Archer had not, at any point in his recital, mentioned Zenobia.
Archer made his lips curve up. He schooled his expression in neutrality. It was easy. It was the habit of a lifetime. But his mind galloped ahead, spun, and then raced back again.
What else did your father tell you?Penney had asked.Anything of Verdura’s conspirators?
Archer had taken the words on their face. He had thought Penney meant what he’d said—meant only to help them. But Penney had no reason to know that Zenobia had been taken too.
His head spun. Was it possible thatPenneyhad some involvement in this scheme? His mind—his stupid, foolish heart—wanted to shy away from the notion, and yet—
Penney had got Archer the job at Pomeroy House in the first place. Penneyknewthe Monfalcone royals. When confronted with news of Verdura’s scheme and their determination to track the duke down, Penney’s first thought had been to send them out of the country.
Penney had not even told them where he wanted them to go, and Archer had leapt to do his bidding.
There was some thin panic fluttering in his chest. Some desperate desire not to see—to turn away, to pretend he had not caught the import of Penney’s words.
