Page 90 of Highland Sword
“What if you were to help us, without jeopardizing your situation as it is?” Aidan suggested. “What if we worked together to eliminate Sir Rupert?”
“Eliminate?”
“With your help, we shall expose him to the wrath of his own masters. We shall make him look like a traitor. He will suffer the consequences, and you will be amply rewarded.”
“And free,” Morrigan added.
Madame Laborde’s gaze shifted from her to Aidan, where it lingered adoringly. She didn’t blame the woman. She felt exactly the same way when he had explained his plans to her at Dalmagavie. She felt that way when theyweren’tmaking any plans.
“Is it possible?”
“Absolutely. He has already fallen out of favor with Lord Sidmouth. He failed to stop a meeting from taking place between Queen Caroline and the son of Scotland. Their confidence in him is nearly gone. He’s teetering on the edge of an abyss. With your help, we can give him that final push.”
Madame Laborde sat forward in her seat, her eyes flashing with excitement. “What can I do?”
“Two things, to start.” Aidan glanced out the window. They were turning around. “You must pass on to him, in a very casual way, a rumor that you learned from one of the servants. The cook perhaps. Or your maid. Something they heard on market day.”
“I decide on the menu. I speak to the cook every day. What shall I tell Sir Rupert?”
“Tell him there’s a dinner and reception being given at the home of a Captain Kenedy,” he told her. “The captain has a fine house down river, not far from here. Sir Rupert knows him. The dinner will be taking place next month, on the second Friday of February. Mention that the party is being touted astheevent of the winter, so grand that one might think the king himself is attending.”
“The second Friday.” She thought about it. “But that coincides with the Duke of Clarence’s visit.”
Morrigan exchanged a look with Aidan. “Exactly.”
“Is the duke to attend?”
“One would assume so.”
“I know that Sir Rupert Burney has not been invited. And he won’t be. He is never asked to attend such receptions.”
“The Mackintoshes, however, will be attending.”
“The son of Scotland, as well?” she asked.
“Perhaps,” Aidan suggested.
“Oh, that will destroy him. He’ll be so angry.” She cringed. “He’s so preoccupied with arresting and prosecuting Cinaed Mackintosh. If Sir Rupert thinks that deals are being made behind his back, he’ll lose his mind.”
“That is when we hoist him on his own petard.”
Madame Laborde smiled with satisfaction at the thought. “That would be lovely, Mr. Grant.”
“Tell me, madame, how good an actress are you?”
“Proficient.” She gave a casual shrug and looked at Morrigan. “I was able to let you walk away unharmed, and I’m still alive. That says something.”
“Do you have any influence with Sir Rupert?” Aidan asked.
She colored. “To some extent.”
“Does he listen to suggestions you might make? Your ideas?”
“He thinks I am very clever. He enjoys my caricatures immensely.”
Aidan leaned forward, his voice a soft caress. “Could a casual suggestion be made about how horrible, how unnatural it would be if the duke were attacked while he was visiting Inverness?”
He paused, letting his words sink in with their new ally.
