Scarlet pouted. “I was just right there earlier today. Are you certain you don’t see it?” More movement followed but no response. Scarlet shook her head. “Would you mind if I take a look myself? It was a gift from a dear friend, you see.” She moved toward the curtains, ready to pull them aside.

A voice squeaked, “No!”

Simon pulled the fabric aside. “Lady Cavendish. How pleasant to see you this evening. Might I introduce to you the lovely Penelope Finkle?”

Scarlet raised one eyebrow and her lips formed a delicate O.

A hand pulled aside more of the curtain, and a pair of eyes glanced at her and then found the floor. The lovely dress finally revealed itself, and a pair of knees must have curtsied beneath billowing skirts, which lowered in folds to the ground. “Pleased to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She moved as swiftly as she could from the room.

“Really, Simon, you are too much. She may never look me in the eyes again, poor dear.” She watched him for a moment. “And where is Franny?”

“Penelope will recover. She is a frequent visitor to the curtains in libraries, I am told, innocent-looking eyes or no. And Franny, of whom I thought you disapproved, is home with her mother this evening—seems to have caught a fever of some sort.”

“After meeting Penelope, Franny is growing on me. Now Simon. Let us be quick about this.” She gestured for him to follow her over to the fireplace, where they stood in the corner, respectably, in case they were discovered.

Simon began immediately. “Two families at risk—neighbors of the Durands’. Slated for execution in less than one week’s time. Already in prison; children as well. We just received news through Suzanne tonight. An express came as the family was leaving for the ball, and Suzanne, not knowing what else to do, confided in Andrew.”

“We must leave tonight, of course. You know what to do.”

Simon nodded gravely. “I am uneasy. I sense a trap. More is going on here than is apparent at the surface. We must tread carefully.”

Scarlet nodded. “With the utmost care.”

Simon hesitated. “And secrecy. It would be best if Matteo remained unaware.”

A rush of irritation disturbed her, and she knew her eyes flashed. “I will make sure of it. But, Simon, it is not out of distrust that I do so. I wish to spare his life. The moment he sets foot on French shores, they will put him on the scaffolding.”

“You coddle him. He could be a valuable part of the team, with his inside knowledge and bravery, were he to be trusted.”

“What are you saying?”

“I have my own reservations about him, you must know. His loyalties. Can we be sure he would not be swayed? He is suspect in my mind, with families close to his own estate being named traitors so soon after his departure.”