Chapter 15

Lord Cadogen arrived like a cat in the night, slipping through the window in the library and surprising them that evening. It was just like old times. Rolland had never known then or now when he would see the man again. Once he was inside, Lord Cadogen reached his hand back outside and helped his wife over the ledge. Would wonders never cease?

Rolland studied the window before joining the others. How Cadogen had unlocked it from the outside was beyond him. No one could get around quite like the Masked Baron.

The other guests were dressing for dinner, including Her Grace, and it was the perfect time for a quiet meeting. When they were finished greeting each other, Rolland squeezed Cadogen's arm. "I've never seen you without your mask. I might have nightmares tonight."

Cadogen ruffled his blond hair, and his blue eyes glinted with amusement. "Not everyone is convinced it's an improvement, but my wife seems to think it's better."

"I do indeed." Lady Cadogen was a dark-haired beauty and not at all shy.

Rolland studied Cadogen again. It wasn't just his mask that was different. He was freer, more relaxed... happier.

Marcus and Lewis had flanked their sides, the group forming a loose circle. Lewis asked what Cadogen had discovered, for once eager to get straight to business. Anticipation for dinner and time with the other guests no doubt motivated him.

"I've eliminated all the other leads as suspects," Cadogen answered. "Our connection in London will keep watch in case we missed something. At this point, I am convinced the greatest suspects are still the ones attending this house party."

"What now?" Marcus asked.

"I meet the guests, I suppose."

Lewis shook his head. "So much for setting our guests at ease and lulling them into revealing as many clues as possible. The sight of Cadogen in our midst will strike fear into their hearts."

Marcus scratched his cheek. "We were making progress in building a sort of comradery amongst the group."

Cadogen's fierce reputation and the fear that followed him wherever he went were something none of them could deny.

"We also haven't seen any results," Rolland contradicted. "What we should be asking is how can we utilize Cadogen's help the most."

Cadogen crossed his arms. "Lord Vernon is our most outwardly aggressive guest. If we want to find a motive, we might have to search his home. Let me ride to his estate to speak with his steward and do a little discreet digging, unless you think I'm needed more here."

"It's a plausible solution." Rolland thought on it for a moment. "We could use more information on him."

Cadogen gave a decisive nod. "Then, Andalin and I will leave when everything is in order."

"I want to stay." Lady Cadogen's tone was completely decisive. It was rare for someone to speak with such authoritativeness around Cadogen. "I will only slow you down, and here I can shoulder some of Her Grace's burdens. Hosting a group of incriminating strangers—one of whom is a murderer—is a daunting task. Especially so if the party lasts the entire month without resolution. Besides, you will travel faster without me."

The man and wife were impossible to watch, their tender gazes speaking what none of the others could hear. "Are you certain?" Cadogen asked, his jaw flinching.

There was a flash of hesitation in her expression, but it faded in a moment. "I am."

He sighed. "Then, let's discuss how we can keep you safe."

The Lord Cadogen Rolland knew cowered to no one, but his wife had a powerful hold over him that made a man strangely envious. They were devoted to each other, so much so that parting for even a week was a decision to wrestle with. Cadogen finally agreed to let her remain. He himself would stay a few days, just to make certain there was not something obvious the rest of them were missing.

Rolland was relieved to have their added company. He wondered if having Cadogen's wife and Her Grace on his side would aid Theresia in her transformation into Marcus's mysterious relative. There had been a great deal of questions about her from his friends, but he'd managed to keep her true identity a secret from everyone, including that she was now a Roma. He'd told his parents even less, relaying only that they were to expect an addition to their party the following night for dinner.

***

For the second day in a row, Theresia stood in the small drawing room in Rose Cottage. This time, she was in the company of two women near her own age—complete strangers sent by the captain to greet her. The women opposite her were far more relaxed than she was, but by the gleam in their eyes, they were equally curious about her as she was them. And why wouldn't they be? She carried with her a traveling bag and her violin case and had naught else to her name. At least she did not have Poutník lying at her feet. She had been sorely tempted to bring the sweet thing along. Mrs. Bedrich had promised to find someone to care for the animal, but Theresia missed her already.

The first woman possessed a halo of white-blonde hair, soft blue eyes, and kind features. It was she who spoke first. "With no one to introduce us, we are forced to skip formalities. I am the Duchess of Westmorland, and I presume you are Lady Glass?"

The duchess ? What had the captain been thinking? And Theresia was expected to lie about her identity to Her Grace? What if it was discovered that she had sneaked into Ashbury Court not once but thrice? She pictured her vase for courage and quickly dipped a curtsy, but it was not enough to convince her to deceive this angelic woman of great distinction. Opening her mouth to admit her true name, Theresia suddenly remembered Rolland's words about saving lives. This was about more than her vase now. "Y-yes. I am Lady Glass."

"It's a pleasure to meet any friend of Captain Reese." The duchess's smile warmed the room and certainly did its part at putting Theresia more at ease. "This is my friend, Lady Cadogen."

Theresia's gaze pulled itself toward the intimidating beauty beside the duchess, and she curtsied again. Lady Cadogen's thick black curls contrasted her milky skin, and the combination made her piercing blue eyes all the more striking. Her crimson lips greeted Theresia with a smile too, but Theresia was too busy wrapping her head around another title to return it.

"Please, let's all sit down and acquaint ourselves," Her Grace said.

Lady Cadogen spoke first once they were all seated, her demeanor suddenly quite serious. "I met Captain Reese for the first time last night, but my husband has known him for years. I was all too happy to join Her Grace this morning when I learned the captain had a friend in need. I'm so sorry to hear your trunk was stolen right off your carriage." She raised her brow, as if waiting for Theresia to confirm the story.

"My trunk?" What was Lady Cadogen speaking about? "Um, well, that is..."

The duchess giggled. "Andalin, really. Can't you see how you make her suffer?"

Lady Cadogen's somber face split into a grin. "I am trying to be serious, Tansy, and you're not helping. How do our husbands do this sort of thing with any regularity?" Her eyes connected with Theresia's. "Forgive me. Shall we begin again? Her Grace and I are here to dress you up and turn you out as a fine lady. And with your deportment already refined and your appearance... well, rather brilliant, I can see why the captain chose you for this part."

Her Grace kept Theresia from having to respond when she added in a soothing voice, "Your nerves are understandable, but I assure you, Andalin—Lady Cadogen, that is—and I will be by your side the entire time. We shall cover for you should you forget any of the personal history Captain Reese would like you to learn."

"I see." Theresia hadn't meant for her voice to sound so distrustful, but just because they were friends with Rolland did not mean they would transfer any loyalty to her.

Lady Cadogen's mouth pulled into a small smile. "Let me reassure you, Lady Glass. You're not the only one with secrets. Our pasts are very different from our presents. Once we were both poor creatures with little social standing. No one is as sympathetic as the two of us."

Theresia tried to hide her astonishment. Why would Lady Cadogen tell a stranger such a thing when appearance was everything to Society? Indeed, these women seemed genuine enough, but she had done nothing to earn their trust. Their generosity was a rare gift of kindness, but what was their motive for giving it? "I thank you both, then." Her guard lowered a fraction, but her wariness would not allow it to fall completely.

Why hadn't Rolland come himself? Was he pawning her off to these women because of all of Mrs. Bedrich's insinuations about marriage? He should have warned her, at the very least. Perhaps she should have left with Mrs. Bedrich and Johan after all.

But it was too late for such thoughts. She had bid her friends goodbye just before she had come to Rose Cottage. Theresia would have to rely on her wits to see herself through the coming weeks, because at the end of the day, she could trust only herself.

"Shall we start with the gowns?" Lady Cadogen asked. "I rather like the idea of dressing someone up."

"I suddenly feel like a child," Theresia admitted.

Her Grace grinned. "Nonsense. Playing dress-up isn't just for children; it's also for mature women who need to be reminded of their beauty. I have a feeling Lady Glass is going to remember a life she's never lived before." Her Grace stood. "Come, we have a lady in the making."

Lady Cadogen stood, too, and that's when Theresia noticed her slightly protruding stomach. Theresia guessed she was with child.

Theresia rose slowly to her feet and clasped her hands in front of her. "I hate to say this, but we might not be the same size." She added quickly, "I am taller than both of you."

Lady Cadogen rested her hand on her stomach and gave her a smug look. "Captain Reese said the same, but the oddest thing happened just this morning. I know I teased before about you losing a trunk, but one happened to appear on the steps of Ashbury Court. Apparently, some strange benefactor left it, addressed to the captain."

Her Grace nodded. "You will never guess what was inside."

Theresia shrugged. "I cannot imagine."

Lady Cadogen's gaze grew conspiratorial. "Dresses. A dozen of them. As fine as any of Her Grace's or my own."

Dresses? An airy laugh escaped. "What need does the captain have for gowns?"

"He was as astonished as the rest of us," Lady Cadogen said. "And not a single clue was left to tell us who sent them."

"I was nearly convinced it was an act of the fabled fairies from the moors," Her Grace added. "I have more than one superstitious aunt, and this corner of Westmorland is full of strange happenings."

Theresia squirmed, thinking of the hours she'd traipsed up and down the roads alone. The fortune-teller's warning rang fresh in her ears, sending a second chill down her back. "What did the captain make of it?"

"He does not seem one to believe any nonsense," Andalin answered. "But you know him far better than either of us." Did she? Before Theresia could wonder, Andalin continued. "He held a gown up and, with wonder in his voice, declared it was no mistake. They were meant for Lady Glass ."

Theresia frowned. For her? "Is he giving me someone else's dresses?" She immediately thought of his intended, and her stomach soured. As soon as she said it, she knew it was as unlikely as them being created by some witch or fairy from the moors, but she had still not reconciled herself to the idea of Rolland marrying for duty, and she could not stop thinking about who his bride might be.

Andalin shook her head. "Not a one has any sign of wear, and we are quite certain they were newly made. They even smell new. The captain is convinced they are your size too. That is why he declared they are yours."

Impossible! It was only yesterday that they had come up with this scheme. It took days, if not weeks, to make a single gown. Besides, how could the man even guess at her size?

Her Grace's smile was not as quick or as wide as Lady Cadogen's, but it was maternal in the comforting air it carried with it. "Captain Reese did not divulge the whole of your story to us, but if he says they are yours, then they are yours."

"And trust me." Lady Cadogen pushed back a dark curl. "You will especially not want to turn down the exquisite ball gown."

"Ball gown?" She repeated the word in wonder.

"Oh yes," the duchess agreed. "Everyone enjoyed the last ball so much that we have decided to end the house party with a small country dance. We needed something for everyone to look forward to, but now I am sure it was because that gown needs to be worn as soon as possible."

"If it fits," Theresia added. Their enthusiasm was catching, but she didn't want them to get carried away. While she'd dreamed of dancing at a ball—of staying at house parties and eating the finest foods—she would be attending under a false identity, and her focus must be on her vase. Practicality must reign—especially where Rolland was concerned. Even if dancing with him sounded rather marvelous.

Lady Cadogen waved her toward the narrow staircase just outside the drawing room. "You will find we are both rather deft with a needle should any adjustments be needed."

They couldn't be serious. "I couldn't ask either of you to do such a common task." Fine ladies would never take up the work of a seamstress. "I am certain I can make the adjustments needed. I thank you for your kindness, but please do not let me take up more of your time."

"Nonsense." Lady Cadogen set her hand on Theresia's arm. "Neither of us is used to house parties, and we jumped at the opportunity to escape Ashbury Court for a few hours."

Her Grace laughed at Lady Cadogen's comment. "Anything is better than discussing the weather again or pretending we have a vast knowledge of fashion."

Theresia eyed them both.

Neither the duchess nor Lady Cadogen had experience with house parties or knowledge of the latest styles? No one would believe it by looking at them. And both were far kinder than she'd expected from members of the lofty ton . Far kinder than anyone she had ever met in England, even. She wasn't so spiteful that she couldn't recognize this or accept a gesture of benevolence. She forced a smile of surrender. "Then, I must thank you for your offer. I'm afraid that however limited your expertise is, it must exceed my own."

Lady Cadogen gave Theresia's arm a little tug. "Leave your gowns to us. Dressing the part is half the work, and effectuating the rest will be easy enough with us by your side."

Theresia swallowed. The idea of playing dress-up was a little enticing. Besides, she had changed herself before to conform to Mrs. Stone's Seminary, only practicing her violin when the others were out and holding her tongue no matter how provoked she became. Becoming Lady Glass would be a greater challenge, but she could do it for the sake of saving lives and retrieving a piece of her heritage. She nodded to the ladies, saying a silent goodbye to Theresia Dvorak.

It was time to become a lady spy.