The Wynchesters hadn’t merely invited her today. She was part of the plan. They’d gone as far as to create a ruse to abduct her and bring her into the heart of the operation. They had used her information, had forged a replica based on her manuscript.

Her chest filled with joy. She was not a useless, passive bystander. She was a part of the team.

Philippa made a rueful expression at Tommy. “I apologize again for how I reacted when you stole the Cambridge manuscript. Is this your way of telling me I’ve done my bit and should leave the rest to the experts?”

“No,” Tommy said. “It’s our way of telling you that you’re as much a part of this as we are. You can be as involved—or not—as you please.”

“I can go with you?” Philippa squealed in excitement. She immediately sobered. “I want to be included more than anything, but I’ve no idea what I’m doing. Aren’t you afraid I’ll make a hash of things?”

“I am,” said Graham. “Tommy believes you’re worth the risk.”

Tommy’s eyes held Philippa’s. “We were all new and inexperienced once. If you want in, then you’re in. The decision is yours.”

“I’m in,” Philippa said to Tommy. “If you want me.”

She held her breath. Tommy’s dark gaze did not waver.

“Oh, she wants you.” Graham lifted his newspaper. “Be ready in an hour.”

Philippa’s cheeks flushed. It had not escaped her notice that the Wynchester siblings appeared to be playing matchmaker. They clearly knew and accepted Tommy as she was. And Philippa, too. But now was not the time to ruminate on such things. She had to be ready—whatever that entailed—within the hour.

Chloe lifted the kitten. “Tiglet and I will make haste to the orphanage. I’ll give him back to you when you return.”

Philippa gave him a final rub between the ears. “The charity outing is real?”

“It is now. I’m off to create your alibi.” Chloe clasped her hands to her bosom and affected an overly earnest voice. “‘Oh, yes, Mrs. Smith. This gift is from my dear friend Miss Philippa York, who is in the corridor just behind me. She must be playing with the children.’ There will be dozens of witnesses to your kindness and generosity.”

“She goes every month,” Tommy said. “You’ve just given her an additional reason.”

Chloe waved her fingers and sailed from the Planning Parlor.

“Now what?” Philippa asked.

Tommy smiled. “Now we put on our disguises.”

Philippa glanced at Graham, who was half hidden behind a large broadsheet.

“Not him,” Tommy said. “He won’t be seen. Come with me.”

As they left the parlor, Philippa sent another look over her shoulder. “No one will see your brother on a public street in broad daylight?”