by Regan Walker
Ormond nodded. “It takes little imagination to see what a tangle this could become.”
“Just now it is a bit of a maze,” Martin agreed. He picked up his pen and circled Paris on their map. “The prospect of a military action by Prussians in Paris is worrisome, so we cannot dismiss it easily. Do you know something I do not? Has my agent in the French government, the Vicomte Decazes, been leading you on a merry chase?”
“Not really. I’ve given you what little I’ve learned,” his friend replied. Then: “No. Nothing you don’t suspect.”
“Do you have time to join me in the hunt?”
Ormond laughed. “Oh-ho. Not so fast. You are the spy. I am a mere thief.”
“‘Mere’?” It was Martin’s turn to laugh. “It seems to me that your accomplishments moved you past ‘mere’ long ago.”
“We digress, Monsieur Donet,” said Ormond. You well know I’ve left that role behind. At least, that is what Prinny would have. My role here is purely as an aid to our diplomat…and it seems that role is expanding with each day. Which leads me to my next question: How do you assess the threat to the British in the city?”
Martin fought back disappointment. More than once he had called upon his friend and fellow Englishman, and the British lord had always been there, once even saving him from death by another’s blade. “Knowing we are allied to the Bourbon monarchy? Napoleon’s supporters will expect us to protect the king, so I imagine they will try to neutralize us. They would have to.”
The two men sat in silence, pondering all they knew and wondering what they did not.
At last Martin shifted his gaze from the map to Ormond. “It is not difficult to imagine that the supporters of the deposed emperor and the disenfranchised might well join forces with the Prussians.”
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” Ormond muttered under his breath.
Martin nodded. “Quite so.” Which led him to something else. As his friend rose to leave, Martin raised a hand to stop him. “One last thing. Our man posing as one of the Napoleon supporters has learned they are searching for the Nighthawk again.”
Hugh looked surprised. “The Nighthawk? Why?”
“I suspect it is a matter of both unfinished business and revenge.” He paused and gave Ormond a wry smile. “I suppose he should not have kissed the general’s daughter when he stole those plans. She well remembered him.”
Hugh shrugged. After a moment, he gave a great sigh. “It was a whim. I should have exercised more control. Something I’m surprisingly finding harder and harder to do.”
Chapter 17
“Germaine, how do you feel about having an adventure?”
Mary’s excitement was spilling over. She had traveled to the older woman’s apartments for morning coffee and good conversation, and she had come alone for a reason. The paper she’d found in the hallway of the Tuileries Palace was burning a hole in the pocket of her gown. She had a plan, and if she were successful Germaine would be a part of it.
The coffee was hot. Germaine drank deeply and set her cup down. “An adventure, my dear? What kind of an adventure?”
Mary handed Germaine the note and explained her interpretation, and the woman seemed intrigued. “What exactly are you suggesting, Lady Mary?”
“I want to see what is being kept in that warehouse. If I can verify that it holds French soldiers’ uniforms—if I can see them for myself—well, the French government might be interested to know. Don’t you think?”
“I love a good adventure, but it sounds dangerous. Should you be correct, it seems like something the government should handle on its own.”
“It isn’t as if I haven’t thought about the danger,” Mary replied. “I have. But think of it, Germaine! I can only imagine what nefarious use the Prussians would make of French uniforms. This could be of great importance to both France and England.”
“What precisely do you propose to do?”
“If such a warehouse exists, I’d like to see it for myself—to get inside. I think I could do that without drawing too much attention…if I were dressed as a lad and had a bit of help.”
“Dressed as a lad, you say?” Germaine bit back a smile. “This bold suggestion of yours both alarms and amuses. You are a brave young woman. A bit impetuous, perhaps, but it occurs to me you may have done this before.”
Mary blushed. “Well, actually…I am rather comfortable in such garb, though usually it is for purposes of riding.”
“I daresay you must shock your English peers. But do continue. What would be my role in all of this?”
Mary smiled. “Cover…and perhaps one of your footmen?”
Germaine listened intently as Mary spilled her plans like milk from an overfull pitcher.
“I’ve been thinking we could take a carriage, a common one that would not raise any suspicion. We could leave it a street or two away, and you could stay with the carriage while I take a footman with me into the warehouse. He could help me open any storage containers and perhaps afford some protection should we encounter someone unexpectedly, and we might have to deal with a guard, and of course the warehouse will be locked, but I’m sure we can figure out some way around that. With a bit of planning it could work. Oh, say you agree, Germaine! Think what it could mean if I’m right.”
“It’s quite a daring idea,” said Germaine, “not to mention illegal.” But her brown eyes told Mary the older woman was intrigued. “Perhaps I do need some excitement. Things have been rather dull since my return to Paris. When would we do this?”
“I would like to ride by the place this afternoon, just to fix the location and see the area. We first need to know if there is a warehouse at this address and if it is being guarded.”
“Yes, that seems reasonable,” Germaine agreed.
“We would need a plain carriage for this, nothing fancy,” Mary continued. “If all goes well, we could plan for our examination of the warehouse tomorrow. That is, if you have the time.” She gave the older woman a look that she hoped was her most convincing.
“Well, yes,” Germaine said, “I think I do have time just now.”
The conversation quickly led to plans for the carriage and clothes for Mary and the footman that might provide a legitimate disguise. Mary felt in perfect form, and she felt certain that this adventure would be worthier than any of her past achievements. She just hoped they wouldn’t get caught. She knew that, if she were, this time the consequence would be much worse than embarrassment at getting caught with a lady’s chemise or a week confined to her room.
* * *
That afternoon, Mary and Germaine dressed simply and climbed into a rundown carriage pulled by horses that appeared to have spent many years on the road. The warehouse was in a different part of town near the river, and so they had to cross the city. They traveled some distance, and at times the unpaved streets rendered it a most uncomfortable journey. But Mary was determined.
Her gaze drifted out the carriage window, but she barely noticed the city, her thoughts consumed with their plans and what Hugh might think of them. She had been reminded of him when she tried on the boy’s clothes to make sure of the fit. No, he would not like her plans at all.
“Germaine, the other night at the Palace you seemed to know my countryman, Lord Ormond. Had you met him before?”
“Oh, yes,” the woman said. “I know him. Ormond is an old friend.”
Mary felt her heart skip a beat, surprised at the jealousy even a woman of Germaine’s age could stir in her, knowing the two had been close. “Might I ask how long you have known him?”
“For several years, my dear.”
“When Napoleon was ruling France?”
“Yes.” The woman paused, and a sly look crossed her face. “You seem quite interested in my friend Ormond. How well do you know him?”
Though they had been together in several settings and he had kissed her more than once, Mary knew there was a great deal she still did not know about the man. “Not well, really.”
“Yes,” Mary said, though music was not what she wanted to hear about. “I heard him play at a house party. It was beautiful…as if he could feel the music in his soul.”
Germaine nodded and smiled. “He told me his mother taught him.”
“He must have a close family,” Mary said.
“He did at one time.” Germaine’s brown eyes observed her closely. “Did you know he had a younger brother?”
“Yes,” Mary admitted. “He told me about Henry.”
Germaine paused. “He must consider you special. He doesn’t speak of his brother to many people. It was a great tragedy. He came to France to forget the past, I think. That is when I first knew him. For a while it seemed he cared little for his own life. He was—and is—very daring. I believe he still carries the pain of little Henry’s death. I have sometimes thought it keeps him from caring for anyone else.”
The two women rode together in silence, and outside the scenery changed from tree-lined streets with elegant town homes and large buildings to a more commercial part of the city, tall ramshackle warehouses. Old and weathered, their peeling paint reflected years of neglect. A few were so tall they all but blocked the sky. Trash lingered in front of the buildings. A gutter ran down the center of the road, bringing with it foul smells. Fewer people were in sight, only an occasional workman hurrying off to complete some task. There were no women in fine dresses. There were no women at all.
Soon the carriage turned onto the street they were looking for, and the warehouse that was their destination loomed before them. There was little activity and no guards that they could see. By plan, the carriage traveled past the warehouse and stopped some distance away, and the footman Jacques, whom Germaine had earlier introduced to Mary, climbed down from the top of the carriage and went to the warehouse to survey the large doors leading into the building.
He knocked, but as they anticipated there came no answer. They also expected to find it locked, which it was.
“I wonder if it’s always left unguarded,” Mary mused after Jacques returned and relayed all he’d discovered. He then climbed back up onto the carriage and they were again in motion.
Germaine did not seem concerned one way or another. “I have no idea, but this is the best scenario, no? It will present the least danger for us.”
Mary lifted a curtain to glance out the carriage window. “I suppose you are right.” But, whether there were guards or not, there was a problem that remained: “We still need to find a way to get inside.”
Germaine smiled. “I think I have someone.”
Mary grinned in return. “Wonderful,” she enthused. She had chosen her partner well.
Chapter 18
“She wants to do what?” Hugh shouted.
“As I said, she believes the Prussians may be storing French army uniforms in a warehouse, and she wants to be sure her information is correct before letting the authorities know.”
Hugh ran his hand over the back of his neck, his other hand resting on his hip. Good God. The girl was becoming a full-time assignment, putting herself in danger with every step she took. This thing she contemplated could have grave consequences, and it wasn’t even the bad luck of stumbling onto a random riot.
“She goes from one disaster to another,” he exclaimed, venting his fury. “What can the little minx be thinking? It is ludicrous!”
Germaine shrugged. “Ormond, she wants to see this through. I, for one, would feel the same. You cannot deny that Lady Mary may have discovered some nest of intrigue.”
Hugh glared. “You’re both daft is what I can’t deny. You shouldn’t be encouraging her, Germaine. She has a taste for danger and too much time on her hands. This is not one of her foolish little adventures. This could end badly. Very badly. For many more people than her.”
Germaine nodded. “Actually, I think that’s why she cares so much. But Lady Mary also worries that she may not have the full picture, and she wants to make sure her suspicion is accurate. Why would the Prussians be holding French uniforms in a warehouse, Ormond?”
Hugh didn’t answer her final question. Instead he said, “Well, I will not allow it! I’ll see that this is checked out by the appropriate parties.”
Germaine appeared amused, which irritated him further.
“She could get herself killed,” he mumbled when Germaine gave him a knowing smile.
“I remember a young man who would risk anything, dare anything, to help his country. To prove himself. I once accused him of being too reckless with his life. Do you remember?”
“I remember,” he admitted. “But this is different, Germaine. She’s a woman.”
“Mon Dieu!” she gasped. “Is that the crux of it? Always it is because we are women. What, we cannot take risks for a grander cause? You never used to feel this way. At least, you never said so. In light of recent happenings, perhaps it is reasonable for us to at least look inside the warehouse, no?” When Hugh said nothing, she scrutinized him carefully. “You like the girl, don’t you?”
“What makes you say that?” he asked.
“The way you looked at her at the Tuileries…and your anger now. You cannot fool me. Ah, but if you intend to offer for her, mon ami, you’d best hurry. The Vicomte Decazes means to have her.”
Hugh had seen the vicomte look at Mary, but the possibility of an offer of marriage came as a surprise. “How do you know that?”
“It is obvious to everyone who knows him, and he has said some things to his brother of which I am aware. You realize his family would welcome her. A beautiful and engaging English noblewoman as a hostess for the rising young Decazes? Yes, they would like that. I expect he will speak to her uncle before they leave Paris. Maybe even as soon as Lord Baynes returns.”
Hugh stared out the parlor window as a wave of jealousy swept him. “No. She will not accept. I cannot see her wed to a Frenchman.”
“Perhaps you are right,” Germaine allowed. “I do not know her heart.”
He turned. “This plan of hers worries me.”
Germaine nodded. “And yet, I like her fearless character, Ormond. I would let her see this through. I think it can be done without harm. And she wants me to join her. I have seen it can be done and I’ve agreed to do it.”
“I cannot have Lady Mary dressed as a man and combing through warehouses. It’s unseemly and dangerous. Her uncle would be appalled.”
Germaine looked unimpressed. “This reminds me of the many men who have told me I could not do something I thought important. Napoleon was such a man.”
“Yes, I remember,” Hugh replied, “and you know how well that turned out.”
She sighed. “One thing I’ve learned about Lady Mary, Ormond. If you tell her she cannot do something, that is the surest way to see she does it.”
Hugh recalled the arguments about not going to Paris. Germaine was right. Mary would do this whether he counseled against it or not. Maybe even because of it. “Damn rebellious chit!”
Germaine laughed. “Perhaps. But so was I.”
“She does remind me of you. From the first time I met her.”
“I think she would take that as a compliment. You won’t change her, Ormond. Best try and protect her. She would not like it that I told you her plans, but I did so for a reason.”
“I’m listening,” he said. He felt himself frown.
“We need to get past the lock. My footman tells me it is a complicated system, but you would know better than I. We could also use some protection also. It was my thinking you or some of your friend’s men could be near. You could even go with us if you like.” Her lips quirked. “We need your old talents.”
Hugh remained unconvinced. “I can’t believe you’re really suggesting I do this, Germaine.”
“Ah, Ormond, Lady Mary is intelligent and courageous. She’s also young and too dar
ing for her own good, and perhaps sometimes unwise. But with you as a part of this escapade, it would be safer. She need never know you’re involved. You can ride on top of the carriage with my coachman. Wear a disguise! She won’t look up. When we arrive, I’ll keep her occupied while you attend the lock. Once you return, she and Jacques can proceed to the warehouse to see if her theory is correct. With luck she will never know you were there.”
Hugh shook his head. He felt like he was encouraging Mary’s wild schemes just by entertaining them. “And how can I justify my part in this when I should be turning the information over to the French—and turning her over my knee for even suggesting it?”
“Can you not see that Lady Mary so wants to be a part of the world you thrive in? She wants adventure, and to be useful. So few young women do, you know.”
Hugh saw no need for adventures with so much at stake. Not with Bonapartists planning some treachery to bring down the king. “I can see it. I just don’t like it. I don’t want her in danger.”
“I see, too.”
“What?”
“Your feelings for her.”
He ignored the comment. “I can’t believe I am letting you talk me into this, Germaine.”
“Think of it as a favor for an old friend.”
He sighed, exasperated. “Oh, hell. I guess I could ask Powell to help. Though it would likely be better if he and I did it entirely on our own. But if Mary learns of this little conspiracy, she won’t like it.”
“Ah,” Germaine promised, “but she won’t.”
Chapter 19
Mary arrived at Germaine’s apartments the next afternoon dressed in worn trousers, a muslin shirt and faded blue jacket. Her long golden hair was tucked under a cap. Being tall, particularly for a woman in France, added another dimension to the disguise. She’d smeared her face with a bit of dirt and hoped it would take a close inspection to detect her sex. When her friend opened the door, Mary was pleased to discover Germaine wearing a simple brown traveling gown and eager to be off in their rented carriage.