Page 27 of Season of the Scoundrel
“We did not break in. The door was unlocked and we were invited guests.” She rested her hand at her hip. “But no, I don’t want to return to his townhouse. I think we should go to Wapping.”
The apprehension he’d failed to feel a moment ago took full effect at that suggestion. Ross crossed his arms.
Ivy swallowed and went on. “I think we should have a look at Southwell Shipping’s warehouse.”
“So you insist we didn’t break into the man’s study, but now you want to break into his warehouse?”
“This new shipping scheme is likely as corrupt as his other endeavors, and if we could find proof…”
“No,” Ross said firmly. “We’re not going to engage in criminal activity ourselves to catch a corrupt nobleman.”
“Who said anything about criminal activity? There are ways to persuade people. You’re a duke.” She glanced up at the pendulum clock on the wall. “If we leave now, we’ll likely encounter employees who could be encouraged to let us have a look around.”
Ross let out an enormous sigh and scrutinized Ivy, trying to read her mind. Though there was really no need. Determination shone in her eyes. She wouldn’t be persuaded to give up this notion.
“I’ll accompany you, but only because I’m convinced you’d go on your own if I don’t,” he finally said.
“Of course I would,” she said matter-of-factly, “but I’d rather have you with me. That’s why I’m here.”
I’d rather have you with me.Ross knew she was counting on whatever influence he could exert because of his title, but her words lit a warmth in his chest, nonetheless. “Then shall we be off?”
Ivy glanced at her satchel. “I need to prepare first. I had to leave the townhouse in my day dress so as not to arouse suspicion, but it won’t do for visiting the docks. I need to change clothes. Is there a room where I may do so?”
His first thought was to offer her his suite, but he didn’t know if she’d demur.
“My sister’s room is straight up the stairs, first door on the left.”
“Perfect.” She beamed at him, scooped up her satchel, and started out of the room.
“Shall I send a maid up to assist you?” he called.
“No,” she said quickly. “Please don’t. I’ve no wish to scandalize your staff if they believe I’m going to be your duchess.”
“I haven’t informed them yet,” he told her. “As soon as I know the news has reached my mother, I will.”
Ivy nodded. “I’ll only be a few moments.”
Ross paced his study as he waited for Ivy, trying and failing not to think about her undressing in a room upstairs. A quarter hour later, she walked through his open study door and his mouth fell open.
She stood before him in a full set of men’s clothing—trousers, waistcoat, overcoat, necktie, even a bowler hat over her pinned-up hair.
For a moment, she just let him take her in, and when he finally lifted his gaze to her face, he saw a satisfied little smile curving her lips.
“I thought wearing a fashionable day gown would draw attention we don’t need,” she said by way of explanation.
The longer he stared at her, the more her delight at shocking him seemed to dim.
“Do you not think it’s a passable disguise?”
“It’s more than passable.” Underneath her overcoat, her curves were hidden, and if she could manage to keep her head down and speak in a lower register, few would suspect she was a young woman.
Ross couldn’t forget, of course, or stop noticing how her tailored trousers hugged her long legs.
“Shall we be off?” he said, his voice gruffer than he intended.
Ivy couldn’t stop smiling,though she tried not to appear too gleeful.
Convincing Blackbourne—Ross—to accompany her was far easier than she expected, and the stunned expression when she’d strode into his office had been far too satisfying. But most of all, she felt safer with him beside her, especially since his air of confidence and power would likely persuade any warehouse workers they might encounter far better than her rather poor imitation of a man’s voice.
