“I’ve found her to be very capable. There are aspects of the training where she bests me.” The passing of messages, for instance. His cheeks still burned at the way he’d bungled that exchange. She’d covered for him well, and he only hoped she had been able to pretend indignation with her friends that would absolve her of any collusion.

“She is gifted in several areas. And soon we may have the opportunity to test a few more. Haverly is hearing rumbles of a possible rally amongst our anarchist friends. He wishes me to attend the rally in disguise and to take Juliette with me, though I think it too soon for her to undertake another mission in disguise. Her last little foray in that direction led to you needing to rescue her from the St. Giles rookery.”

“What is the objective?” The thought of Juliette in such a volatile situation didn’t rest well with Daniel. “Why does Juliette need to go?”

“Haverly wishes me to ascertain how serious the threat is to public safety. To pinpoint who the principal players are and whether they pose a real danger. Jasper Finch was outspoken earlier this month in a room full of aristocrats, espousing his views on class society and industrial progress. If he would be so bold in that setting, would he be even bolder in front of a crowd of discontented people? Juliette is to accompany me because Haverly thinks she could use the training and because more women have been turning up to events like this. She may glean information from one of them that I could not.”

“When is this gathering to take place?”

“It’s uncertain yet. Haverly will give us instructions as he learns more. He would also like you to attend in disguise. You will need to have particular care. If it became known the meeting has been infiltrated by Bow Street, you could find yourself in a tight spot. I’ll be in communication.” They had reached the Stanhope Gate entrance to the park. “I promised to meet Juliette here when the tournament concludes. I left her in the care of Heinrich and Viscount Coatsworth, and they should be here before too long.”

Daniel’s neck muscles tightened. He liked Heinrich, but he hoped the German would be returning to his homeland soon.

Sir Bertrand stepped off the path. “Have you noticed that Coatsworth seems distracted lately? He was stupefied at Almack’s, and whatever is preying upon his mind doesn’t seem to have abated.” He leaned against a tree, still holding the knife he had taken from the robber. “I tried quizzing him about it when I saw him earlier, but he merely blinked and shuffled away. Have you any idea what might be amiss with him?”

Daniel shook his head. “No. I cannot say that Coatsworth and I are particular chums. He seems to have a bee in his bonnet where I’m concerned.”