A Wedding In Springtime(42)

Mr. Neville sat in a chair across from her. “I do believe today will be a welcome change from yesterday’s rain.”

“Yes, quite. I caught a glimpse of blue sky earlier today,” agreed Pen, feeling guilty for being suspicious of a man who merely wished to comment on the weather. He appeared benign enough, though not of the same polish as the majority of the duke’s acquaintances. “Did you say you were in the service of the King?”

“Yes, I have the honor of serving as a diplomat for the Foreign Office. With the threat of Napoleon, we all must do our part.”

“Yes, indeed,” agreed Penelope. “I have one brother in the Navy and one serving under Wellington.”

“Our country needs more dedicated families such as yours, Miss Rose. Such loyal hearts are hard to find in these troubled times.”

“I should hope that is not true, Mr. Neville. Perhaps not everyone is committed to serve such as yourself, but I do put my trust in the faithfulness of an Englishman.”

“I wish I had your confidence. Unfortunately, in my work, I have seen too many who were not as committed such as yourself.” Mr. Neville leaned forward and lowered his voice. “There are many who would trade their honor for their own gain.”

“Say it is not so!”

“Indeed, I fear it is. In fact, even today in my conversation with the duke, I have been thwarted in my object to protect the empire from the invading armies of France. Can you imagine a world in which a French dictator rules over England? Why, none of us would be safe. It would be the Terror all over again, and this time the blood of the English aristocracy would run in the streets.” Mr. Neville spoke with a fervor Penelope found distressing.

“Mr. Neville, you must not pursue this line of distressing imaginings. Please let us put your creative energy toward greater use.”

“Yes, yes, you are right, Miss Rose. It is just that I fear…” Mr. Neville sat back in his chair and shook his head. “I should not speak of it.”

“You must do what you feel is right,” agreed Penelope. After his gruesome prediction, she was not sure she wanted to hear more.

“It would not be fair to you to ask you to serve your country in this way. I would not wish to make you feel inconvenienced. I am just so concerned.” Mr. Neville brought out a handkerchief and wiped his eyes.

“Mr. Neville, if there is a way in which I can serve my country, of course I am willing. What is distressing you?”

“The Duke of Marchford and I have worked together for many years. He was a diplomat and spy in Cadiz, but I assume you already knew that.”

Penelope shook her head.

“It is not a secret,” said the man with a wave of his hand. “He has been a loyal servant to the Crown, but lately I fear he has grown proud. He feels he should be the one to hold information, codes to communications from spies abroad.”

“Is that what was stolen at the ball?”

“Yes, you are quite clever. The letters were stolen, but the codes were not. Marchford holds these codes. If they should fall into enemy hands, all could be lost. Troop movements could be known. Our fighting lads, such as your brother, could be killed because of it.”

Penelope sat in stunned silence.

“Forgive me, I should not be so forthcoming with you, but I have always trusted my intuition, and I know in my heart that you are a loyal subject to the King. You would never do anything to betray secrets to the enemy, not when it could mean your brothers’ lives.”

“Of course not,” breathed Penelope.

“You would do whatever was needed to protect your countrymen.”

Penelope nodded.

“I knew you were a lady of strong understanding.”

“What is it you need me to do?”

Mr. Neville moved to sit next to her on the settee and, although no one was around, lowered his voice further. “The duke has an envelope that contains information crucial to the war effort. I know he feels he can handle the situation himself, but the information is critical. If it should fall into the wrong hands, the consequences would be dire.”

“But how can I help? Do you want for me to speak with him?”

“Speak? No! I have already tried that; he absolutely refuses to see reason.”

“But how am I to help?”

“It is simple. I need you to bring me that envelope.”

Genie gasped. “You are asking me to steal from the duke?”