Page 19 of A Masked Lady for Mr. Kenworthy
“Very well,” he said. “But I cannot pretend to be thrilled about this. In fact, I abhor everything about it.”
Rupert chuckled, but his face was kind and understanding.
“You have not even heard the plan yet, Thomas,” he said. “How can you be so sure that you do not like it?”
Thomas smirked wryly.
“And what, pray tell, is your plan?” he asked.
Rupert shook his head slowly.
“That is precisely what the three of us are going to do right now,” he said. “We are going to craft a plan that is effective, efficient, and as safe for Lady Faye as we can possibly make it.”
Thomas nodded, raising his eyebrow.
“You have an idea, don’t you?” he asked.
Rupert shrugged.
“I might have an idea or two,” he said.
The two men reentered the room, greeted by the wide eyes of a curious, if worried, Lady Faye. Thomas could not help feeling a tug in his heart at the young woman’s filial piety for her mother. Though it was rather different in many aspects, Thomas knew that if Ruth were still alive, he would feel the same way about her.
“Well?” Lady Faye asked, rather impatiently. “Will I be part of this task of which you speak?”
Thomas and Rupert exchanged glances. Then, despite himself, Thomas laughed at her eagerness.
“Yes, my lady,” he said, smiling warmly. “We have come to concoct the plan now.”
Lady Faye scooted to the edge of her seat as Rupert and Thomas knelt before her. Thomas looked to his partner, who had mentioned having some ideas just moments before.
“Firstly, I believe Mayson must be made to think that you were successful in your quest to attract the marquess in the park,” he said. “So, your first task will be to tell him that all went according to plan and that Lord Turlington has invited you to attend a party being hosted by the Countess of Salisdene with him.”
Faye frowned.
“I take it that the two of you will be getting me into this ball, then,” she said.
Rupert nodded, grinning brightly.
“Your insight is impressive, my lady,” he said. “We will, indeed, see to it that you get into the party. We will be there, as well, so that we can keep a close eye on you.”
Thomas nodded, not surprised Rupert’s plan was shaping up to be better than Thomas had feared.
“And what will be our mission once we get inside the party?” he asked, glancing at his partner.
Rupert looked thoughtful for a moment.
“I think our safest choice, for the moment, is for Lady Faye to continue with attempting to win the marquess’s affections.”
Thomas felt his jaw tighten reflexively. He dropped his head, pretending to be examining an imaginary scuff on his boot. He could not help being uneasy with the idea of Lady Faye catching the attention of someone as seedy as Lord Turlington.
Lady Faye was silent for a moment, and Thomas thought she might still refuse. But after a moment, she gave a nod of her head.
“I agree,” she said. “It will be far easier to accomplish any subsequent missions if I have gained the marquess’s favor.”
Thomas cleared his throat, intent on interjecting before Rupert could say anything more.
“With luck, we shall not need you to do anything more, beyond the night of this party,” he said.
