Percy dearly hoped Lady Felicity did not get wind of it. Who knew what she’d think to do about it. The lady washighly unpredictable! And then the duke might be offended too. Perhaps he’d issue a challenge to Hardwick over the slight.
Though, that probably would not be too much of a danger. His father had already explained that the duke had not even bothered to turn up after challenging a Cornwall baron.
He went into the coffee room and found Wiles at a table near the window. He sat down and motioned for a coffee.
“Do you want a newspaper?” Wiles asked.
“God no,” Percy said. “Whatever disasters in the making our government are up to just now, I’d rather not know.”
“It does not serve to stay willfully uninformed.”
Percy did not answer, but was of the opinion that was Wiles’ opinion. “What’s say we have a quiet game of cards instead?”
“Absolutely not,” Wiles said. “I’m already in too deep on the gambling front. I owe you forty pounds and Magnon another twenty.”
Like a bolt of lightning, Percy realized how he would get Wiles to join him inOperation Sadly Hopeless. He’d never really thought Wiles would get round to paying him, and now the fellow could pay him with service, rather than money.
“I tell you what,” Percy said, “I’ll erase the debt if you do me a favor.”
Wiles lowered his newspaper. “What favor?”
“A small favor. Simply join me in escorting Lady Felicity about the town.”
“Why?”
“Well, it’s not my idea, but the lady is intent on having two gentlemen suitors. You know, to make Rustmont burn with envy.”
“What’s in it for you? Isn’t the whole plan to make your father think you are set on having a lady who will not have you?”
Percy had indeed thought through what was in it for him. “Yes, you see, this works perfectly. I’ll make it out as if LadyFelicity is leaning in your direction, but I am determined not to give up.”
“This is a rum situation.”
Percy nodded. “Now you’re on to it—it could not get any rummer. However, I believe I can state with confidence that it is worth forty pounds of debt. Who else would offer you such a ridiculous proposal?”
“Nobody,” Wiles said. “Because nobody else I know would embroil themselves in such a ridiculous situation.”
“Yes, but you know why—I will not be chained!”
Chapter Seven
Mrs. Right wasslowly but surely working Mr. Sykes-Wycliff right out the door. Of course, she did not work alone. The entire staff were enthusiastic participants and the duke played his own part whether he realized it or not.
Now all she need do is stay on course and bring in the final reinforcements.
She’d hurried into Felicity’s room and congenially found all the sisters there, but for Valor, who was still asleep. That was well—Valor did not have a strong stomach for intrigue and she was too young to keep a secret for longer than ten minutes.
“Mrs. Right,” Serenity said, “Felicity was just telling us of Papa leaving our aunt at the candlelight picnic and how she had to run after the carriage.”
“It really was very funny,” Felicity said. “As soon as Papa saw her, he ordered the carriage to speed up. I did feel sorry for her though, so I convinced him to stop and let her in. She was very out of breath, and then when she regained it she gave Papa a rousing what-for. She said he was no better than a toddler. Then he threatened to drop her off at the nearest gin shop, so she finally gave it up.”
“She ought to have known how it would be, though,” Mrs. Right said, shaking her head. “She should have kept her eyes firmly on the duke at all times. Now my girl, how did you get on with defeating Lord Rustmont?”
Felicity nodded. “I have not yet succeeded but I know why and what I will do. I am to have two suitors chasing after me. I should have known right from the start that one gentleman pining over me would not be sufficient. The odious Lady Mary had at least five last evening.”
“She sounds horrible,” Mrs. Right said, perfectly amenable to despising Lady Mary, though she’d never set eyes on the woman and knew not a thing about her.
“I rather think sheishorrible, though I have not been introduced to the lady,” Felicity said. “The important thing is that an elevated individual like Lord Rustmont cannot be overcome with just one supposed suitor. I am only glad I realized it. Mr. Stratton is to bring his friend Mr. Wiles into it.”
