Unsavory sorts. Yes, he supposed the likes of Barneywereunsavory sorts. He’d been an unsavory sort himself, though he never really took to it.
But surely these ladies did not think a person could stroll into a rookery and casually request a pickpocket for a certain day and time?
“We would like one of those unsavory sorts to steal a handkerchief from Rosalind,” Lady Cordelia said.
“We understand that whoever you are able to contact about this will expect to be paid,” Lady Viola said.
“We’ve pooled all our pin money together and can pay ten pounds,” Lady Rosalind said.
“Ten pounds!” Shrimps said, in more of a squeak than a voice. A diver might steal sixty or seventy handkerchiefs to come out with ten pounds.
Maybe Barney would be satisfied with ten pounds and agree to go away. Barney had told him he better think of a new idea and so far he had none. Maybe this was the idea?
Then another thought occurred to him. What use was ten pounds when a duke had collared a person and turned him over to the magistrate?
“You can find someone, Shrimps?” Lady Rosalind asked.
Shrimps shook his head sadly. “Nobody will agree to it. It’s fine money but nobody will allow themselves to be caught like that.”
“Oh, he will not be caught!” Lady Rosalind said.
“Goodness, we have no intention of the fellow being caught,” Viola said.
“You see, all of my sisters will be there with me,” Lady Rosalind said. “They, and Miss Mayton too, will create a terrible confusion, giving the person ample time to get away.”
“Rosalind doesn’t require that Conbatten catch anybody,” Lady Viola said, “just that he makes the attempt.”
“And then catchesmewhen I swoon in his arms,” Lady Rosalind said nodding.
Shrimps mulled it over. It was the strangest plan he’d ever heard. On the other hand, it was the only plan anywhere near him just now.
And wasn’t it better than Lord Van Doren’s house getting robbed? He must think so.
“Well, I do know a fellow who has been looking for some employment,” Shrimps said slowly.
“And you think he’d be good at it?” Lady Rosalind asked.
Shrimps nodded. Barney wasverygood at stealing handkerchiefs.
“Excellent,” Lady Rosalind said. “I will wear a light blue spencer with small pockets and I will have my handkerchief hanging out of one of them. Your fellow will know me by my straw bonnet. The hat will display three red silk roses on the brim.”
“Be certain that your pickpocket ascertains that the duke is nearby,” Viola said. “He is very tall.”
“Though, Rosalind, I think you need a signal,” Lady Cordelia said. “After all, what if a second very tall man was to turn up?”
“Excellent thought, Cordelia,” Lady Rosalind said. “I know, I will tug on the brim of my bonnet. That shall be the signal.”
Shrimps took it all in—light blue spencer, handkerchief hanging from pocket, bonnet with three red roses. A pull on the brim was the signal.
“Oh, and the charity picnic is to take place at two o’clock in the north-west enclosure, nearby the keeper’s lodge,” Lady Rosalind said.
“And since we will be dealing with someone in the criminal way,” Lady Juliet said, “he shan’t be paid until the job is done.”
“Quite right, sister,” Lady Rosalind said. She handed Shrimps a small purse. “All the money is there, keep it safe until your fellow has stolen my handkerchief.”
Shrimps’ hands shook as he took the purse. He had never held such a fortune. He just prayed he did not get robbed while crossing the street. Once he got it safely into the house, he would hide it under his mattress.
Then, all he had to do was convince Barney to take a job as a hired pickpocket.
