Their daughter cleared her throat. “Well, I for one should like to join him. It’s appalling what this dreaded committee has done to our beautiful France.” Suzanne’s lower lip protruded ever so slightly, and Scarlet smiled at her bravado.

Lord Hastings cleared his throat. “Such fine sentiments, and brave ones too.” He leaned nearer to Suzanne, lowering his voice. “I feel the same—all those on the league do—which is why we step in to aid the Pimpernel when we can.” He took hold of her small hand and held it in his own, eyes searching her face until she blushed and stared at her slippers.

Lord Devereaux gestured toward the water. “I will pass along your gratitude to the Pimpernel. Now, if you could hurry and step into this modest conveyance, we have one more passenger, and we will be on our way.”

“One more? But who?” Suzanne craned her neck to see into the trees around them.

Lord Devereaux fell back into the shadows.

Out from the trees stepped Lady Scarlet Cavendish. “Never fear, my dear Lord Devereaux. I am here. Oh yes, my dears! I have arrived!”

Completely transformed, she prayed she looked resplendent, distractingly so, in her latest gown. Her hair was tied back in a modest and simple low bun and her cheeks, no doubt still rosy, the only evidence of her rapid ride through the countryside. All sign of age and dirt wiped from her youthful and glowing face, she hoped she looked to be no more than her true age of five and twenty. She practically glided toward them, hands reaching out to all, greeting each in turn. She allowed Andrew Hastings, a dear member of her league, to help lift her above the water and place her in the dinghy with the others.

“Thank you, my dear Lord Hastings.”

Lord Devereaux came out from the shadows, and he too had transformed, free of mud streaks and grime, dressed in shiny hessians, a jacket, and a tied cravat.

He approached Lord Hastings. “Showing off a bit, are we?” Lord Devereaux muttered. “Tied the oriental?”

Lord Hastings raised his chin to show off his immaculate neckcloth. “At least I’m not wearing my wig. Tut, man! Did you bring the powder as well?”

When both men paused at the same time and eyed Suzanne, who watched their exchange with large open eyes, Lady Scarlet Cavendish smiled in amusement.

Lord Hastings straightened his shoulders.

“Boys, gentlemen. Let us make haste. Our boat awaits!” Lady Cavendish called to them as she pointed out into the darkness, the light from the moon illuminating only the shimmering water to their front. The men jumped in and took up oars, and the jolly boat floated out from shore, making its way into the darkness of open water.

Suzanne said, “Lady Cavendish, it is good to see you again, but I do not understand. You are coming with us?”