I had no response to that. Such pretty words deserved their own space. So I held his arm and let myself wade deep into his warm eyes, where I remained until we had to say goodbye.

The British are concerned with keeping a strong naval force across the globe and how that will stress their ability to protect New York Harbor.

They suspect General George Washington will want to make an attempt on New York with the French navy.

The French naval commander is named Comte d’Estaing. He is thought to be very capable and clever.

The British have developed a southern strategy. Unclear on this, but it doesn’t depend on naval actions once soldiers have been deployed. I will seek more information.

Someone is negotiating with the British and asking ten thousand pounds for intelligence. I believe it is a spy who uses the name Monk.

Chapter 16: To Be Worthy

With my discoveries written on a paper tucked inside my purse, I set off with Malcolm toward the Sugar House Prison. It felt like an ordinary Wednesday—the firing of the morning gun, the tinkling of the vials in the crate on Malcolm’s shoulder—except today I was delivering my first spying report.

I glanced at Malcolm, wondering if he had the slightest idea, but he seemed deep in his own thoughts, even a little distant. Since our night in Wallabout Bay a week ago, a coolness had settled between us. Though it shouldn’t have mattered to me, it did. Part of what I’d always enjoyed about Wednesdays was his company. Now I almost felt like he wasn’t with me.

As we left the crate of medicines with the guard at the prison, my weekly charity seemed smaller than ever compared to Elizabeth Burgin’s deeds. How many people could claim they’d saved two hundred lives? She had inspired me. Charged me, like Asa Lane had all those years ago. I’d done so much lying and deceiving for my own gain. Years and years of it—and for what? So I could wear silk slippers and eat chocolates imported from Europe? So I could sit while Maggie curled my hair and then attend tea gatherings in the afternoons? I had a comfortable life, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to do something worthy.

As always, Malcolm and I parted at the corner of Smith and Wall Streets, and I rounded the block to Townsend’s store. I found Townsend alone at the counter.

“Good morning,” I said, a bit too cheerfully.

He looked up from his ledger. For the first time ever, he didn’t seem pleased to see me. “Good day, Miss Coates. I have no new volumes for you today, madam. No shipments have come in.”

“Actually, I’m here for paper today. A full quire, please.”