Page 17 of The Heiress in Disguise
“But you can’t simply go over there and confront them about it,” George pointed out calmly.
“Why on Earth not?”
“What would it accomplish? You would go over there and shout at them, and they would certainly deny what you’re accusing them of. And I don’t think you can count on Lady Angelique to tell the truth about it, since she’s been colluding with their story so far.”
“You make her sound as if she’s doing something nefarious.”
“Not at all. I merely think she must have some incentive to pretend she is who they say she is. Fear of punishment, perhaps—that can be a powerful motivator.”
“If there’s a risk of her being retaliated against, it’s that much more important that I intercede as quickly as possible and get her out of that situation!”
“Yes, but think,” George urged. “You don’t have a plan. What can you do, bring her here to live with you?”
“Certainly I can.”
“You have no idea whether she would accept such an offer. You can’t bring her against her will or you would be no better than these relatives of hers! And if she doesn’t accept the offer, you’ll have made things worse than they were before—can you see that? It’s clear that her family wants her to convince people that she isnotLady Angelique. I’m sure they’ll be angry with her if they discover that she failed to convince you.”
“Are you saying you don’t think there’s anything I can do for her? I can’t accept that.”
“No, that isn’t what I’m saying,” George said. “Now that you know it’s her—if you really are certain?”
“I’m as sure as I can be.”
“Then I’m sure there’s a way for you to help. But you can’t simply barge in and tell them all that you’ve found them out. You need a plan first. That’s all I’m saying.”
“I suppose the thing to do would be to learn more about her situation,” Antoine said. “But that might be difficult. Everyone over there already knows me as Philip. I can hardly admit to my true identity now.”
“Do they know yet that Lord Exeter is living in this house?”
“No,” Antoine said. “Angelique knows that name, and I’m sure the rest of the family is familiar with it too. I’ve told them the lord of the house is the Earl of Cambridge.”
“Neatly done, since thatisone of your titles.”
“Yes, and since it’s not one I use, nobody would associate it with me. They have no idea who the earl is. The problem is, I can hardly appear as myself now, under any name since they all believe I’m Philip the valet. And unfortunately, there are placesand conversations an earl would be invited into that a valet never will. If I can’t be a part of those things, I may never be able to find out everything I need to know.”
“It’s difficult,” George agreed. “At least you’ll be able to attend the masquerade ball. In a mask, no one will know who you are.”
“That’s true. I’ll simply have to slip in late so that I won’t be announced.”
“You won’t go as Lord Cambridge, then?”
“No. I don’t want them to realize that Lord Cambridge has taken an interest in Angelique. It’s best if I remain anonymous during the ball. That will afford me more freedom.”
“I see. Yes, that makes sense,” George said.
“I’ll attend under the name of Stephens,” Philip decided. “Baron Stephens. No one will pay any special attention to someone of such low rank, but they won’t dispute my right to be there either.”
“Even though you won’t have an invitation?”
“I have got an invitation.”
“It’s addressed to Lord Cambridge.”
“I know it is, and no doubt a butler or someone will see it as I come in, but I doubt the staff will have an eye out for me in particular. Once I’ve gotten past the door, it won’t matter. I’ll wear a simple black mask so that I won’t stand out, and I’ll make sure my name isn’t announced when I come in.”
“Oh, I doubt they’d announce names at a masquerade anyway, would they?” George asked. “The anonymity is part of the fun.”
“You’re quite right. I overthought it. Well, that will work out even better,” Antoine said. “Even if someone does check my invitation, they won’t tell Lord and Lady Leicester who I am, so I’ll be able to move freely at the party.”
