the current conflict.”
Jocelyn sank deeper into the chair, suddenly worried about what she might have said after a tankard of ale and the high of a successful performance. She’d thought she was among friends, but perhaps she’d been mistaken.
“The Continental Army is outnumbered and outgunned, so our only hope of defeating the enemy lies in outmaneuvering them. We need intelligence that comes straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.”
Jocelyn stared at Richard Kinney, seeing him in a whole new light. “Mr. Kinney, I’m no spy.”
“You don’t have to be. All you need to do is go about your duties as a domestic servant. If you happen to overhear a private conversation or find yourself on the receiving end of a careless comment, then perhaps you can report that to your contact. And if your employer happens to dispose of a letter or a report, throwing them in the wastepaper basket for you to empty, then he’d be none the wiser if that report wound up in our hands. We would never ask you to endanger yourself or others. Simply go about the tasks you’re assigned and report what you see and hear.”
“And you have someone specific in mind?” Jocelyn asked.
“Major Hector Radcliffe, a close personal friend of General Howe, will shortly find himself in need of a new servant. We would like you to fill the position.”
“And what makes you think I would be hired?” Jocelyn was secretly impressed with Richard Kinney’s confidence and persuasive manner, but conviction was rarely enough to get the job done.
“For one, you will have impeccable letters of recommendation. For another, Major Radcliffe is a lover of beautiful things. He has a keen appreciation for music, art, and beautiful women, particularly women who are young and fair. And you, dear Jocelyn, are young and fair. And an excellent actress to boot. Think of this as the defining role of your career.”
Jocelyn gave Mr. Kinney the gimlet eye. “And is there a Mrs. Radcliffe?”
“There isn’t, but Major Radcliffe is a perfect gentleman. He does not keep a mistress, nor does he visit brothels, as many of his compatriots are wont to do. If, at any time, you feel you’re not safe, you have leave to quit his employ and return to the lodging house, a month’s rent your compensation for your assistance. And, of course, you will be paid, quite handsomely, I might add. You will have an opportunity to put something by for when you’re ready to return to your old life.”
"You make it all sound so simple,” Jocelyn said, watching the man for any signs of deceit.
“Jocelyn, we’re desperate. We need information, and the British, who are accustomed to having a domestic staff, view their servants as part of the furniture. Who better placed to gather intelligence than a maidservant who goes about her business and often serves at dinner, where the highest echelons of the British Army are speaking openly, their uptight upper-class tongues loosened by the finest madeira and brandy? They mistrust men, but as a rule, women are completely overlooked, even though throughout history women have played a vital part in starting revolutions and toppling governments.”
“How glamorous you make it sound,” Jocelyn scoffed.
“There’s nothing glamorous about it. It’s hard, unpleasant work. You will be scrubbing pans and taking out chamber pots, but you will be ideally placed to help us. What do you say?”
“Can I have some time to think about it?”
“I’m afraid I’ll need your answer now. If you won’t do it, there are others who will, but the more operatives we have planted in the homes of high-ranking officers, the better chance we have of driving the British out. Would you not like to see that happen?”
“Yes, I would,” Jocelyn said with feeling.
“Then, what do you say?”
Jocelyn leaned back in the armchair and crossed her arms over her chest. A part of her wanted to ask Richard Kinney to leave and never bother her again, but she already knew she wouldn’t do that. What he was asking wasn’t so outrageous. She’d have to find a position as a domestic in either case; her meager savings wouldn’t last long. If taking out chamber pots and washing some man’s drawers was to be her life, she may as well do it for a good cause and feel a sense of pride. She could make a difference, help win the war. Well, perhaps that was a bit too optimistic, but even if she could provide information that would save one life,