Chapter 7

Rolland's ship had many virtues, but it lacked a good library. Ashbury Court's library more than made up for it. The room itself wasn't the largest he'd seen, but it was the comfortable feeling he appreciated. It was soothing enough to make him want to fall asleep on his feet, now that he thought of it.

His attention wandered to the sizable fireplace with its large brick hearth. Above it sat a painting of a past duke, a pictorial overseer of the heavy-laden shelves of the finest literature. Yawning, Rolland glanced away from the painting to Lewis and Marcus.

Marcus had a perfectly good study and several spare rooms, but for some reason, he preferred the library for any and all of his business. He sat behind a desk at the end of the room, twirling a curl of hair behind his ear while scratching his pen across his paper. Rolland stood to the side, completely useless, thanks to the fatigue brought on by the whirlwind night he'd had.

He'd managed to distract his father's guard by listing several of his safety concerns long enough for Granger to secret the violinist from his room just before dawn. She'd dressed in the borrowed maid's gown and carried her own dress out in the coal bucket Granger had procured.

The whole thing had been straight out of a nightmare. Thank the stars she'd been able to attend to herself. But, curse her, she'd left her scent behind on his pillow, and he'd not managed any more sleep in her absence.

Lewis rocked his chair forward and peered over Marcus's desk. "Are you making us a list of tasks for the party? Because, if you are, Captain Reese would be excellent at entertaining any matronly or elderly woman in attendance this month."

"How amusing." Rolland propped his elbow on a bookshelf and leaned into it, too tired to crack a smile. "Mr. Evan Lewis volunteers to entertain the gentlemen in a month-long chess tournament on the opposite side of the house from the ladies."

Marcus flipped the list around and pushed it toward them. "My wife has gladly undertaken the entertainment, though I will pass on your ideas—if you can come up with any good ones. She is new to hosting, and we have handed her a formidable group. This, however"—he tapped the paper for them to see—"is for us."

Lewis scooted his chair over, and Rolland pushed away from the bookshelf and stepped closer so he might read over Lewis's shoulder. No sitting for him. He had learned in the line of duty that standing made him more alert. His eyes ran down the paper. It appeared to be a guest list he'd already memorized from a file Marcus had created for each of them. Research was another of the duke's fortes.

Mr. and Mrs. Haversham and Miss Haversham

Mr. Hawke

Miss Penelope Yearsley

Lord Vernon

Mr. Stewart

Lord and Lady Caspar and Miss Shields

Marcus pointed to the bottom. "Lord Caspar and his family are no longer coming and were never suspects to begin with. I left their names only so everyone is aware of them. Lord Caspar is another delegate to join Lord Castlereagh, our plenipotentiary at the Congress of Vienna. It is likely he will be the next target after Lord Barrack, if we do not intervene."

Rolland's eyes fixed on Miss Shields's name. Seeing it plainly on paper was as unnerving as the idea of his future father-in-law walking around with a target on his back.

Lewis tapped Miss Yearsley's name. "I must thank you for inviting Miss Yearsley. She made an excellent dance partner last night. If she's ever cleared from this, I might consider taking a bride. I would very much enjoy her sizable fortune for the rest of my life."

Marcus chuckled and shook his head. "She could very well have clean hands, questionable connections, and money to make a man wonder, or she might very well be involved in foreign espionage."

Rolland leaned against the desk. "Despite all the virtues Lewis is sure she possesses, we cannot overlook anyone."

The others mumbled their agreement. Rolland dragged his finger back to the top of the list. "Just to be certain I have sorted out the names with the correct stories, Mr. Haversham and Mr. Hawke have suspicious money trails to foreign countries?"

"Correct," Marcus said. "They think they're here because I'm seeking advice on investing my newly inherited wealth, but I'm hoping our discussions on trade will leak more pertinent information. There are rumors their income is connected to dignitaries, but it could be a month or more before we know for certain."

A month was too far away. Rolland made a mental note of that detail and slid his finger down past Miss Yearsley to the next name. "I've heard plenty about Lord Vernon."

Lewis chuckled. "Who hasn't?"

The man's temper and opinions drew plenty of attention. He was vocally against creating a balance of European powers and had a history of violence, with more than one record of dueling.

Rolland did not have much patience for hotheaded politicians. "That brings us to Mr. Stewart. He is a member of the House of Commons, is he not?"

Marcus nodded. "He desires to join the delegates in Vienna. His sudden interest, considering his antiwar sentiments these last few years, is suspicious."

Rolland trusted that his friends, with the help of other government spies from the Home Office, had been thorough in their investigations up to this point. "I don't like it. One of the names on this list is a murderer and is residing in the same house as my father." No matter how hard he tried, he wasn't completely behind this part of their plan.

"Keep your enemies close, so they say." Marcus's look was grave. "We have a network of safety measures on our side that we've been working on since before you arrived. You've met Michael, my footman, whom I trust for both his loyalty and his protective abilities. He's proven diligent at remaining in sight of Lord Barrack and your mother when they are out of their bedchamber. And your parents' room is near all of ours and away from the other guests'. Not to mention your father is a strong man himself, and he's assured me that he will always be armed in some manner or other. Beyond that, I have trusted eyes all over the house. They do not know anything other than the threat against Lord Barrack, but they can be depended on. My staff has been loyal to me longer than I've held this title."

"I appreciate the reassurances." Rolland massaged his throbbing right temple. "I've been asked to protect a country before, but it's far more intimidating when it's your own parents."

Lewis gave him a comforting smile. "That's why we are here. We're not letting you work this out on your own."

Marcus agreed. "When Cadogen is finished following the leads of those who did not accept our invitation, he will join us. His presence will add a layer of intimidation to our setup."

"There is nothing comparable to having the Masked Baron at a house party." Lewis rubbed his hands together. "I am looking forward to seeing everyone's response to his arrival."

Marcus gave a single nod. "It will be us against them, and I'm putting our faith in us."

Rolland rubbed a tight spot in his neck, wishing he could scratch the itching scabs on his healing shoulder instead. "We must add our effort to your faith. It's imperative we find our man before the house party ends. The delegation leaves soon after."

Lewis slapped Rolland on the back, narrowly missing his shoulder. "We have our work cut out for us."

Rolland nodded but had to turn his head when a yawn overtook him. If only he could forget the violinist who had stayed in his room last night, his mind might be in a better state to help his friends.

"Go take a nap, Rolland," Marcus said. "You don't look like you've been sleeping. Your mind will work better after some rest."

"Maybe I will lie down for a few minutes. When is our first activity with the guests?" He wanted to take advantage of every interaction he could.

"Tansy and I thought we ought to give everyone a day to themselves after the ball last night. We'll pull out some card tables after dinner, but nothing is scheduled until then. Sleep as long as you want."

Rolland gave them a nod and excused himself. The library was near the front of the house, and when he exited, he was in perfect view of the front entrance hall and the grand staircase. But nothing about the impressive house captured his attention. No, it was the maid climbing the stairs.

But this was no maid.

He could hardly believe his eyes. The violinist was back!