Page 23 of My Lord, My Rogue
She leaned forward. “Of course not, silly! I invited her party to go.”
He lost his composure and almost choked, taking too large a gulp and fighting to maintain decorum. How would she know about Honora? Wait—did she know about Honora?
“Are you quite well, son?”
“Sorry, Mother. I simply took too large a sip. How odd.”
“She mentioned her sister and her brother-in-law. They do not come to Bath often ever since the death of their daughter. She also mentioned something about a niece that she had invited here for the holidays,” she added.
Her tone was casual, but Benjamin knew better than to believe she was doing anything but fishing. Any minute now she would ask him about Lady Honora.
“You were friends with Lord and Lady Radcliff’s daughter, Honora, correct?”
“I was.” He felt impatience rising. “Is there a point to this questioning?” His mother knew something about Honora.But what?He had penned Honora a missive when he had returned from their ride, asking her if she would go for a ride in the country the day after tomorrow. Perhaps he would know by then.
“I struck a nerve. Son, I was just asking. Anyway, perhaps you will see them at the ball. You will escort me, will you not? I am so counting on it.” She picked lint off her skirt, attempting to deflect.
“Certainly, Mother. I will be happy to do that.”
“Perfect! I ordered your mask. I chose a domino pattern, so wear black. If you have a cape, it would be the perfect outfit,” she continued.
“The queen’s ball is amasquerade ball?” he said, aghast. Not only would he be looking for Bourbon’s spy, but in a room full of masked patrons. This felt very wrong. He was certain that Adam had not known. He needed to speak with the Runners.”
“Mother, I have suddenly recalled a meeting I must attend. I should be back in a couple of hours.” He walked over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “I am very glad you are here. It gives Cook a chance to,” he laughed, “cook.”
“Son, are you sure you have to go? We have not had our tea, and I had hoped . . .”
“I do,” he replied a little too sharply. “However, I look forward to sitting down and talking more when I return,” he added in more measured tones.
She let out a frustrated sigh. “Then I shall refresh with a nap and we shall see each other at dinner. I so adore turtle soup. There will surely be so much to discuss with the queen. Reconnecting with my dear friend, Violet, can only be a good sign.” She stood and hugged her son. “I will see you at dinner, Benjamin. If you do not think you have a cape, perhaps you should stop in at the haberdasher and order one.”
“I believe I may have one, Mother. I recall using something similar at a previous ball last May. I will speak to Stephens when I return. If it is all right with you, we will have our tea when I return. I will see you soon.” Benjamin urgently needed to locate the Runners. He also hoped he could locate Jess.
Chapter 10
Two days later
Honora woke, dressed early, and spent the better part of the morning with Oliver and Riggs in his nursery before Mrs. Hadley took the boy and his four-legged shadow outside to burn some energy. The nurse laughed while explaining that, despite any attempt to call it something educational, it was playtime and the child thoroughly enjoyed it. She had called itImagination Time. It allowed her to sit back and enjoy the antics of her charge and his new best friend.
On the way downstairs to the main floor, she heard loud voices coming from the direction of her father’s study. A female was strongly disagreeing with him, apparently agitating him that much more. Treading lightly, she eased her way closer, trying to make out the argument, convinced she had heard her name bantered around.
“Lady Drake, this is not a good idea,” her father fumed. “My daughter is a grown woman, of course. However, she has given three years of her life to protect her son. Her attendance at a masquerade ball could undo all the good she has done and threaten her son’s ability to live with her.Good God, woman!Honora has mended fences with her former betrothed and finally starts afresh. Yet, you encourage this fool-hardy event? What if they discover her? Have you given that any thought?”
“We will be masked, Giles.”
Her father hated when Aunt Violet called him by his given name, especially in arguments. Mother had also asked her to address him properly, but Aunt Violet did it anyway, especially when she thought provoking him gave her an advantage in an argument.It never did.
Honora realized they both meant well. Papa was doing everything in his power and beyond to gain Oliver’s guardianship and keep the boy in a normal home setting with his mother. Aunt Violet, bless her, thought easing Honora back into Society, using whatever means were available, would help. Perhaps they were both right, but she sided with her father on this.
“You are being difficult, so I will be direct,Violet. I appreciate you and all you have done for Honora. However, you ladies may not go to this ball alone.”
“That was just what I was hoping you would say,my lord.” Aunt Violet emphasized his title.
Ah. Contrition. Good move, Aunt Violet. Honora bit down on her bottom lip to keep from laughing and giving herself away.
“I hope that you will accompany us. I gained a ticket for you, as well. You do not have to wear a costume, only a mask. I have ordered you one.”
Honora detected a satisfied tone to her aunt’s voice.Careful, Aunt. Do not poke the bear.She heard other voices and then Bentley’s familiar steady footsteps coming from the entryway, so she eased herself into the butler’s closet-sized office near her father’s. A narrow desk, a chair, and a hook on the wall for personal outerwear was all that could fit with a body in the small room. However, with her father using his office, she felt safe in the small room. Bentley would never have her father thinking he eavesdropped, as she was doing now.
