Across the room, Evan bowed. “You have my thanks as well.”

“I am not doing it for you,” Kent said.

I considered the two bristling men in front of me. Would it work? Was it too risky?

“I have an idea,” I said.

Evan smiled. “I never doubted it.”

“Totally insane, I presume,” Mr. Kent added.

“Totally.” I looked across at Evan. “Do you agree you must go? This will be highly dangerous. You know you can hide here as long as you wish.”

“However much I would like to stay here, you are right. I put you all at risk this morning, and my presence here will continue to do so.”

I waved the men forward. “Here, then, is my idea.”

•   •   •

Duffy looked up from carving a slice of roast beef from the cold haunch before him. He sat at the head of the table, of course.

“Ah, good, you are back.” He laid a slice of the meat on a plate and passed it to Miss Grant. “Julia, will you partake too? You do not eat enough.”

“No, thank you, Duffy,” she said, seated at his left. “I am content with tea and a roll.”

She shot an anxious glance at me.

I gave a slight nod: All in hand.

Well, as in hand as it could be, considering my plan and the stakes.

I took a seat beside Julia, where I had a view through the window at the square outside.

Samuel brought over the coffeepot and poured me a cup; Weatherly was otherwise engaged, procuring the necessary props for our plan. Before me was spread one of Cook’s feasts: the cold beef Duffy was carving and a haunch of ham, crisp bacon, fresh rolls, baked eggs, caraway seed cake, toast, a wheel of cheese, and a tureen of the kedgeree. I reached for a bread roll and placed it on my plate, then speared a good slice of ham.

“I came by this morning because Harriet and I are returning to Duffield House today,” Duffy said, cutting a slice of beef. He forked it into his mouth and chewed reflectively.

“Are you going for the assizes?” Julia asked politely.

“Mm, that and other matters,” he said. “But I am here because I received a letter from Lord Deele that was somewhat surprising.”

Opposite me, Miss Grant stiffened slightly but, admirably, continued to eat her slice of seed cake.

“What did he write?” I asked, taking a nonchalant bite of bread and ham.

“He asks me to inquire whether or not you are hiding his sister, Lady Hester, and her companion, Miss Grant, in your house. Apparently Lady Hester is unwell but has absconded from an insane asylum with this woman—a bad influence, he says—and Lord Deele is worried for her safety and health.”

“How extraordinary,” Julia said, focusing upon buttering her bread. Her hand shook slightly. “Why would he think we were hiding them? We have never met Lady Hester, have we, Gus?”