Page 10 of A Dilemma for the Duke

“By all means.” With a subtle squeeze of her arm, he guided her closer to the group, keen to catch a bit of their conversation without drawing too much attention.

“…this highwayman is ruining everything we’ve planned.” The snippet of conversation reached his ears, piquing his interest.

“Interesting,” Rockford murmured under his breath, his gaze never wavering from the group. It seemed there was more at stake tonight than mere social pleasantries.

“We must act now.” The man’s agitation grew. He was at the edge of panic. “I say we confront him tonight, armed and ready.”

Rockford watched as the others walked the man out onto the terrace. “Fear clouds judgment,” his voice barely perceptible above the din of the ballroom. The truth of his words resonated with him as he considered their next move.

Lora turned to him, her eyes filled with concern. “What are we going to do? This highwayman seems unstoppable.”

Rockford maintained his composure. “If I were in their position, I’d focus on a strategic plan,” he said in a calm and steady manner. “First, they need to concentrate on finding the solution rather than dwelling on the obstacle. Panicking and rushing into action will only make things worse. It could get them killed. Second, they need to gather more information, think several steps ahead, and set a trap to outsmart him. Rushing into action without a clear path most often leads to disaster.”

Lora nodded slowly, absorbing his words. “You’re very good at this.” There was an appreciation in her voice he hadn’t heard before.

“It’s the second best thing I do.” He gave her a smile that could charm the birds from the trees.

“Dare I ask what is the best thing you do?” She bit the inside of her cheek to prevent from smiling.

He leaned close and whispered, “I’m a gentleman, my lady…but I do have my moments.”

Lora’s eyes twinkled with amusement, and a subtle smile played on her lips. He observed the blush creep from her neck onto her cheeks. “I do enjoy a man with moments, Your Grace.”

“Good evening, Your Grace, Lora.” Lady Harriet and several others passed by them, their faces alight with excitement.

“Lora, you must come at once,” one of them said urgently. “Lady Dorset wishes to speak with you about the clinic.”

Lora glanced at Rockford, a question in her eyes.

He gently untucked her hand from his arm. “You go ahead,” he said with a reassuring smile. “I’ll be here.”

With Lady Lora whisked away by her friends, Rockford was momentarily alone. He made his way towards the terrace. With any luck, the men would still be there.

The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the warmth of the ballroom. Rockford stepped onto the terrace, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. He spotted the group huddled together, their voices low but urgent.

He positioned himself near a stone pillar, close enough to catch fragments of their conversation without drawing attention to himself.

“…must find a way to deal with him,” one voice hissed. “If he continues, he could expose all of us.

“Do you think he knows about the gun shipments?” another voice, laced with anxiety, asked.

“It’s possible,” a third voice replied, a hint of caution in his tone. “We need to be cautious.”

“And the documents,” a different voice interjected. “If there were intercepted…”

“Which documents?” someone demanded sharply.

“The correspondence you altered addressed to the royal council,” came the hushed response.

“If that falls into the wrong hands,” the first voice said, “there is a good chance they will see it was forged…”

Forged royal documents? Arms shipments? Correspondence? Financial Records?Rockford’s heart quickened. He needed to know more, but the conversation shifted.

“Keep an eye on Hastings,” the cautious voice said. “He’s been asking too many questions. We can’t afford any mistakes, not with the arms trade involved.”

Rockford strained to hear more, but the men went off in different directions, their expressions tense. As Rockford turned to re-enter the ballroom, he nearly collided with Barrington.

“There you are. I was beginning to think you had disappeared.” Barrington stepped aside, allowing him to enter.

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