A dangerous occupation considering the nature of Lord Milroy. Mr. Whitmore was, indeed, far stauncher than I had thought. Even so, maintaining surveillance upon an alleged spy did not grant amnesty regarding the other activities of the club. “Did you know about the women being murdered in that dreadful room downstairs?”

Mr. Whitmore sat up straighter. “I swear I did not. I have never been down there. It is for particular members only. I attend the club only to watch Milroy and his associates.” He could see my distrust and placed his hand upon his chest. “I swear upon my honor, Lady Augusta.”

“So that is why you have come to us dressed as a tinker,” Julia said. “You think Milroy knows we are connected with Lord Evan and you cannot risk being seen here, visiting us.”

Mr. Whitmore nodded, a wry smile upon his small mouth. “Lord Evan and Mr. Kent told me you were both clever.”

Julia sat forward. “You are in contact with them? Are they well?”

“They are both well and safe. And mention of them brings me to the favor. The events in Lancashire have made it quite urgent that they disappear from England for some time for their own safety. As it happens, the Alien Office has an important mission in France that needs attention. Lord Evan and Mr. Kent have agreed to discharge this mission.”

“What?” Julia said, her hands clasping in agitation. “You are sending them to France? Into the war?”

“They have elected to go. Since Mr. Kent can no longer work as a Bow Street agent and is clearly a man of worth, I have offered him a position in the Alien Office. He has accepted and so now works for me. In Lord Evan’s case, he has been offered a pardon on the successful completion of the mission, although I rather think he would have accepted it without the reward.”

“A pardon?” I echoed.

“A full royal pardon,” Whitmore replied.

Good God, a royal pardon. All past deeds undone. The slate wiped clean. With such an acquittal, Evan could live once more in society.

I sat forward. “What is the favor you ask of me, Mr. Whitmore?”

Whatever he asked, I would do. Anything to secure that pardon.

“You are to go with Lord Evan and Mr. Kent to France to bring back someone who cannot fall into the hands of Bonaparte. Mr. Kent was a cavalryman and campaigned in France, so he is well qualified to lead you, and will have the details of the mission. He speaks fluent French, as does Lord Evan. I believe you do so as well?”

I nodded. “Every lady knows her French. It is drilled into us in the schoolroom. How long do we have?”

“As long as it takes. The safety of the person in question is of utmost importance.”

“Who is it that we bring back?” I asked.