if you please. We have few enough ladies to lighten the mood.” He paused. “And Colonel Von Seilig voiced his hope that you would be present.”
So far, her grandfather had made few requests. “Very well, sir. Though I do hope you will not press Lady Charlotte into joining the sport. She would much rather read.”
“I didn’t imagine she would care to play Robin Hood.”
Kate wasn’t keen on the idea either, but she had promised to take part in the activities, and the Prussian was a pleasant gentleman. “Well, then, if you will excuse me, I will see whether I have a Lincoln-green gown.”
Still feeling a little disoriented by his encounter with Kate, Marco rose early, dressed himself, and made his way down to the stables.
“I was wondering whether you would actually manage to show up at this hour.” Tappan was waiting with the saddled horses. “Did you sleep well?” he inquired.
“I am unused to the country,” muttered Marco, aware that he looked like hell. “I was plagued by strange dreams.”
Tappan laughed. “You probably miss the coal smoke and the racket of the carriages clattering over the streets.”
“What I miss are the caresses of a luscious ladybird.”
“What? The song of a morning dove was not an acceptable substitute?” bantered Tappan.
Marco muttered a curse.
“There is something to see at Hillcrest House that might put you in a better humor. Once we have fetched the books for the ladies, we shall take a look.” As they set their mounts into a leisurely trot on the bridle path leading down past the lake, Tappan chatted about rare illustrated books in his estate library. “I appreciate their beauty, but since my father beggared the family coffers with his extravagant spending, I cannot afford to add to my collection. Of course, it doesn’t begin to compare to the duke’s vast holdings. But I do have a few things that he does not.”
“I am sure the ladies will be grateful,” said Marco.
“Yes, I’ve heard that Miss Woodbridge is a bluestocking and has quite an interest in plants. In fact, she seems to favor them over any interest in balls or beaus.” He paused a fraction. “I’ve heard that she had a rather odd upbringing. She only came to live with the duke a year ago, when her parents died. Her father was an American sea captain. But then, she is a good friend of your cousin, so you would know better.”
Tappan was clearly fishing for information but Marco was not in the mood to bite. He simply shrugged.
After waiting for a few more moments, Tappan tried another approach. “She’s a rather strange young lady. She appears to shun Society. Seems shy, almost mousy in company.”
There were many adjectives one could use to describe Kate Woodbridge, thought Marco. But ‘mousy’ was not one of them.
“Maybe she’s just bored by the ton,” he replied. Up ahead was a gate in the high hedgerow, giving entrance to Tappan’s lands. “Is there a reason you wanted to meet with me in private?” he asked brusquely.
Tappan flicked his crop. “Nothing pressing. Just thought I’d inform you that I will be departing earlier than expected for Vienna. After tomorrow, you will be on your own here. I’ve written down instructions for how to contact Whitehall if anything urgent arises.” As he dismounted to open the gate latch, he shot Marco a sidelong look. “By the by, what the devil does Lynsley do for the Secretary of State for War? He makes some very odd requests of my department, and yet they jump through hoops to comply.”
Marco kept his expression bland. “Haven’t a clue.”
“Well, whatever it is, it can’t be very serious, seeing as they have chosen you to be here.”
He feigned a yawn. “Hell, I hope not. Being serious is way too fatiguing.”
Tappan laughed.
“The truth is, Lynsley is an old friend of my father,” lied Marco. “Knowing that I was acquainted with some of the diplomats here, he asked me to come take part in the party and keep my ears open for any interesting conversations that I overhear.”
“Have you? Heard anything interesting, that is.”
“Powietski wears a corset—the stays creak when he bends. And Ludlowe hates strawberry jam. No wonder you English think the Americans uncivilized.”
“I doubt Lynsley will lose any sleep waiting for that information.” Swinging back into the saddle, Tappan spurred his mount for the rolling meadow. “Follow me. We’ll take a shortcut up to the manor.”
“Charlotte?” Catching her friend’s reflection in the cheval glass, Kate turned around in alarm. In