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reputation, I’d suggest the countess and I join you both in my landau.”
    “Thank you, m’ lord, as I do believe, considering last evening and the report in The Tattler being seen in your company will send the correct message to the Grand Dames and the ton .”
    Samuel was risking a great deal, including possibly Brittany’s safety in being seen out with her, but his heart told him in the end it would be worth the result. Having missed his chance for the book a week ago when he’d slipped unseen into Hersey’s townhouse now he’d had to falsify his interest to serve the Crown.
    He’d been able to convince Brittany he needed to review the book. What concerned him, she didn’t become too inquisitive about the voyage where she would wish to join him. To the best of his knowledge no lady had undertaken such an adventure. Yes, they’d gone to Africa with family but never searched out the interior lands.
    Samuel waited while Eli informed John they’d need the landau and to let the countess know there would be four for the excursion.
    Samuel then requested to borrow a footman.
    “Of course, since you’ve been so generous with aiding in the protection of our house.”
    “Also, I need a piece of foolscap and pen to send a note to my jeweler. The man should have a necklace ready and be willing to part with one. With your humble permission I’ll have the package delivered to my townhouse then bring it with me on my return for dinner.”
    “Perfect, as the gift will set the mood for the evening. Shall we be off so we won’t keep the ladies waiting,” Eli said.
    “On that you’re correct, but they can and do I suppose leave us waiting endlessly while they primp themselves,” Samuel teased, on remembering how often he and his father had been left pacing while his mother perfected herself.
    “So true, but there’s one important point you need to remember. No matter what, never let the lady of your affection hear she’s the most beautiful in all of England. By doing so might keep coin in your pocket where it belongs and not draped on her,” he quipped.
    With the footman on his way to deliver the note to Samuel’s jeweler he followed Eli out of the earl’s office only to meet both ladies at the first floor landing.

 
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
     
    After a pleasant afternoon accompanying Brittany around Hyde Park, under the watchful eye of her parents, Samuel collected his curricle and returned to his townhouse.
    Stepping through the front door he was met by Stanley who took his master’s gloves and great coat.
    “Has a package arrived?” Samuel inquired.
    “M’ lord, I set the box on your desk. I couldn’t help but notice your jeweler sent it over.”
    “It’s a little token of my affection for Lady Brittany. On that point inform Cook I’ll be dining out this evening then attending the Rucker ball. There are a few items I need to take care of first in my office before I bathe and change. The Earl of Bemming is sending his carriage over to retrieve me at seven.”
    “Very good, m’ lord. Might I suggest the charcoal grey for this evening?”
    “Yes, I approve of the choice,” he said, strolling into the office.
    He saw the plain brown paper wrapped box placed in the center of his desk. He had a strong urge to rush over and tear the package away and examine the contents. Instead, he calmly strolled to the desk, sat and carefully, nervously, unwrapped it. Opening the box he smiled at the necklace he’d obtained for Brittany, three strands of pearls, all matching in size and luster.
    After closing the top, he set the box aside and retrieved the several slips of paper he’d made notes on earlier. Spreading them out, he took a small key from his vest pocket. With it he opened the left side middle drawer of the desk and brought out even more sheets of foolscap. He placed them to one side and started reviewing and comparing them to the newly acquired information. Slowly, he began to see a pattern emerge.