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He straightened, going into the kitchen to stand beside her, looking down at her with shining eyes. “Well, now that you have safely deposited your baked goods in the oven, would you care to join Wellington and I for breakfast?”
Letty grimaced but nodded. “I suppose I must.”
“We would consider it a most singular favor if you would.”
Bertram bowed, offering her his arm. She took it, turning to George. “Why don’t you wait here for Mrs. Haversham? By the time she comes down, I’m sure the cake shall be ready.”
“All right.” He folded his arms on the table and wriggled around on the kitchen bench, legs swinging inches from the ground. Letty smiled at him.
“I shall be back presently.” Blowing him a kiss, she allowed Bertram to lead her from the room.
As they strolled down the corridor he turned to her.
“Good morning.”
She smiled at him, meeting his eyes which were intent on hers. “Good morning to you, Your Grace.”
“How did you sleep?”
“Quite fitfully, Your Grace.”
“Worry?”
“Well, yes. There are assassins about.”
“Well, actually His Grace has some news about that.”
Letty stopped walking. “News?”
“Come. The faster we get to him, the faster you shall know.”
Letty quickened her pace.
* * *
The Duke of Wellington got to his feet as they entered the dining room, a smile gracing his features. He bowed formally to Letty.
“Miss Strange. I trust you slept well.”
She curtsied in return, although with less grace. “Indeed I did, Your Grace.”
Bertram pulled out a chair for her and she sat down, taking hold of a napkin as she looked from one to the other. She clasped her hands together and licked her lips.
“I understand that you have news, Your Grace?”
Bertram hid a smile at her impatience.
“I do, indeed. We were able to follow the two men you pointed out to us yesterday—Mr. Horace Johnson and Sir Bentley. It seems that when they left here, they attended a meeting with one Chevalier Pelletier, whom I understand you are acquainted with.”
Letty nodded. “He is my commanding officer.”
“And present here last evening.”
“Yes.”
“And you did not think to communicate this intelligence to me?”
Letty looked at Bertram, her eyes wide. It was clear she was at a loss of what to say.
