Page 7 of Assisting Lord Richmond
ou want me to do what?” Gilbert sounded incredulous. Yet he remained in step with Hugh along the Park’s path. “I don’t even properly know what the Home Office does. How could you possibly think I could take over some sort of mission on a moment’s notice? Surely, there must be some sort of training to do something like this.”
“I will tell you everything you need to know. And you are right to be cautious, as it will be dangerous. But I cannot complete my mission myself, and I will not be able to live with myself if I do not ensure it is carried out. It is a matter of security for all in our great nation.” Hugh kept his voice low and his body relaxed in a regular stroll despite the vehemence in his tone.
Gilbert stared at him as though he had lost his mind. “Doing it a trifle too brown there, aren’t you, old fellow?”
“I’m not, actually.” Hugh’s smile was pleasant, belying the seriousness of his words. No matter how important the matter was, he wouldn’t want a casual observer to take note.
“So you’re telling me that you’re a spy? And none of us ever suspected?”
Hugh gestured with a finger to his lips to remind his friend to keep his voice low.
“Spy is such a negative word. I seek information for the benefit and protection of our king and country.”
“So a spy,” Gilbert repeated with a dry chuckle. “It sounds far more exciting than I ever thought you capable of.”
“That is actually the point,” Hugh pointed out.
“What made you think I could take over your precious mission?”
“I’ve known you since we were boys. There’s no one I trust more than you and your brother and a few of his friends.”
Gilbert’s face hardened at that. “You would have asked Adelaide if you could.” He’d stated it rather than asked, and Hugh cringed at the evidence of the old rivalry between brothers.
“Considering my situation, you have to know why I couldn’t ask Adelaide. In fact, for that very reason, I wouldn’t even ask you if I weren’t desperate.”
“Thank you very much,” Gilbert replied with sarcasm dripping from his tone.
“Desperate for someone I know I can trust and who I know can actually accomplish what needs to be done.”
“But how do you know I can do it?” Gilbert wasn’t being falsely modest. Like any gentleman, he considered subterfuge to be beneath him. It was a challenge for a man of gentle birth to stoop to such a level. But their loyalty to the Crown usually won them over.
“Why did you never enlist?” Hugh turned the subject slightly.
Gilbert stared at him with a frown. “The earl wouldn’t hear of it.”
“Exactly. But you wanted to, didn’t you?”
Gilbert shrugged and nodded.
“Why?”
“Duty, I suppose. And an expectation that I ought to be caring for others.”
“This will fulfill that feeling,” Hugh explained. “Listen, Gilbert, if you find being an agent isn’t to your taste, you can decline any future assignments. But I need someone to do this for me. And I cannot entrust it to just anyone. I can’t even allow the Office to reassign it. I cannot explain it to you properly. But I will feel as though I’ve let everyone, including myself, down if I do not ensure this is carried out properly. And there are very few I would trust to grant me that feeling. I will beg if you make me.”
Gilbert suddenly grinned. “While a part of me would dearly like to see that, I shan’t make you. Very well, you have convinced me. But do say we’ll keep this between us for the time being at least. It wouldn’t do for the earl to find out. And I quite like the idea of having something over on Adelaide as well.”
Hugh wasn’t about to argue with the other man’s reasoning. He didn’t rightly care what reasoning Gilbert needed in order to accomplish what Hugh needed him to do.
Their long acquaintance assured Hugh that once Gilbert agreed, he would follow through and accomplish what Hugh needed from him. It was one of the many reasons why he had been so determined to speak with the man. He knew he could count on Gilbert, and that was what he needed most at that moment.
It probably hadn’t been the wisest move to arrange this meeting with Gilbert Northcott at the fashionable hour. At the time, Hugh had figured since they were both gentlemen of Society it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for them to be seen together in the Park. But Hugh couldn’t be relaxed and unconcerned about this subject, and he was afraid his intensity might be noticeable despite his best efforts. He quickly glanced around.
His assignments at the Home Office had honed his skill for being always aware of his surroundings. He had a tendency to be a trifle lax about that ability when he was somewhere he considered “home” or when he was too wrapped up in a matter. It took concerted effort to remain constantly alert. Hugh suddenly regretted having relaxed a little in the other man’s company. He realised he was allowing himself to become too comfortable as Viscount Richmond. He needed to remain Mr. Turner, the competent, well reputed spy a little longer.
Assessing his surroundings let him know that it was far more crowded than he had expected. Hugh suspected that more time might have passed than he had been aware of. He had thought they had time to discuss their matters and it would appear as any natural encounter. But just as he was about to dismiss his concerns, they were approached by an unsavoury looking character.
Gilbert stiffened at his side, but Hugh was pleased to see that he stood his ground. It boded well for his ability to take over Hugh’s mission. Despite being highton, the man was clearly able to be tolerant of others.
