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Ralph shifted uncomfortably. “No date is set for, alas, I have not the means to support a wife, but as soon as that situation changes, yes, Miss Hazlett and I will be married.”
A warm glow suffused Lissa, even as she knew she couldn’t be the means of standing between Ralph and his rising in the world. She gripped his hand. “You must accept, Ralph. Our time will come.”
The light in Mrs. Crossing’s eye brightened as she leaned farther forward in the cramped parlor. “I believe it is greatly to everyone’s benefit that the two of you have such an understanding.” She smiled her sweet smile at both of them. “Miss Hazlett, your astonishing skill at rendering a likeness with a few rapid strokes of a pencil will be of enormous benefit in the work Sir William is doing. I had not realized there was such a definite understanding between you but this is wonderful.” She hesitated as doubt clouded her brow. “That is, if you are amenable to the proposition I’m about to put to you, speaking as Sir William’s, proxy. Although it is not something he has not yet endorsed I am confident of persuading him of the merits.”
Lissa could feel Ralph’s interest sharpen while her own heart beat harder.
“What proposition?” Ralph’s voice sounded dry and tense.
“As you are well aware, there are a number of dangerous gentlemen—indeed, several who are peers of the realm—who are under suspicion for past misdeeds, including the attempted assassination of Lord Castlereagh. It is thought these same men are involved in a more heinous plot that threatens our country’s sovereignty.”
Lissa felt her hands go clammy.
“Lord Debenham is their principal person of interest, together with a small group of close associates whom the government believes to be involved in a conspiracy with several foreign operatives.” She took a breath and looked at Lissa. “It was your drawing of Lord Debenham in company with Lord Smythe and Mr. Buzby—men who have hitherto denied any close association—that reignited a suspicion long held by Sir William. I do understand you already know this. However, his investigations have, to date, revealed nothing that would result in a conviction. Nevertheless, he is anxious that these men,
and several others with whom they associate, be watched closely.”
Lissa must have revealed her confusion for Mrs. Crossing gave an apologetic laugh. “Sir William would have explained this a great deal better than I am doing, which is why he is the diplomatist.”
Lissa and Ralph waited for her to elucidate.
“As you already know, Sir William wants Lord Debenham watched. Debenham claims Mr. Lamont falsified the sketch in which he was seen in close consultation with Lord Smythe and Mr. Buzby.”
“A good thing Mr. Lamont’s duplicity has finally been revealed,” remarked Lissa before being struck dumb by Mrs. Crossing’s next words.
“Surprisingly, it would appear that Mr. Lamont is now in Lord Debenham’s employ. Furthermore, Lord Debenham had Miss Partington testify that she spent the entire evening with him in his supper room at Vauxhall that evening.”
“Good Lord!” Lissa and Ralph spoke at once, and Lissa went on in shocked tones, “So, he gave her no choice but to elope with him? I gather she’d set her sights on...” She blushed as she turned to Ralph, adding, “Lord Ludbridge who is Mr. Tunley’s eldest brother.”
“Teddy made a lucky escape,” Ralph muttered, rolling his eyes before appealing once more to Mrs. Crossing for more information. “Where am I to be based, if I accept Sir William’s extraordinary offer?”
“Initially you are to remain in Lord Debenham’s employ.” At Ralph’s crestfallen look she added hurriedly, “However, you’d be well remunerated for doing so as you would, in effect, be working for both Debenham and Sir William.”
“A double agent?”
“Oh Ralph, but spying is such an ungentlemanly pursuit,” cried Lissa.
Mrs. Crossing raised one pale, finely arched eyebrow. “Even if it is to safeguard the British people?”
Lissa conceded her point, reluctantly. She felt both nervous and excited for Ralph, yet disappointed, too. Ralph would be sent to the Continent to work for Sir William at some stage and what would become of her?
“Miss Hazlett, you are no longer employed in the Lamont household, I gather. I am fearful of putting this proposition to you, for there could be dangers associated, however, you have already proved yourself both daring and loyal, as well as gifted. Is it possible you could entertain the idea of being installed as governess in the household of a man whom Sir William believes is heavily involved in dealings with Lord Debenham? Dealings that threaten the safety of this country.”
Lissa pressed her lips together in surprise.
Then, at her suddenly interested look, Mrs. Crossing went on, “Lord Beecham has a ward—a young lady who will have her come-out next year. In the interim he is, I understand, looking for a governess to instill in this young lady the...er...graces which her previous half a dozen governesses have failed to do. It is perhaps a position that will not be of long tenure, given Miss Martindale’s hoydenish reputation, but even a few weeks ensconced in his household would give you the opportunity to sketch his associates. The position does not come without danger but it would be well remunerated.”
Lissa turned shining eyes to Ralph and found his were dark with concern.
“If it’s dangerous, I could not possibly consent.”
“How dare you tell me what I can and cannot do when I am not yet your wife!” Lissa cried indignantly, turning back to Mrs. Crossing to say with great determination, “I would be delighted to accept. If Mr. Tunley is to be in any danger in this operation, the least I can do is to show him my support.”
“What, by agreeing to put yourself in danger?”
Ralph shook his head but Lissa leaned over and gripped his wrist. “Please be glad for me, Ralph. If you’re going to be involved in all manner of dangerous havey-cavey affairs, I need to know I’m doing my part. And how could being governess to a little hoyden be more dangerous than being a governess in the Lamont household?”
“Lord, Lissa, but why am I not surprised?” Ralph stared at her, admiringly. “When I dragged you from that carriage accident I thought you a dashing, daring debutante.”
