“The gentleman doth protest too much, methinks,” Walford said, smiling over his glass.
Bentley grinned. “To marry or not to marry—that is the question.”
“Frailty, thy name is Bentley,” Richard said to Bentley’s departing back, and Walford burst out laughing.
When he was out of sight, Walford put down his glass, his mood abruptly shifting to one of solemnity. He leaned in closer, and Richard followed his lead. The room was loud, most chairs filled in contrast to earlier, so it would be difficult to be overheard, but it made good sense to err on the side of caution.
“It’s in code. They’ve called in an expert, but they recognize the cipher so are convinced it’s a genuine missive.”
Richard sat back and shook his head. However had Patricia become involved in this? And who was her source? He put the questions to Walford.
“The Home Office would like an answer as well. Unfortunately, you may not be through with this, although the decision rests entirely with you.” Walford lowered his voice further. “They’ve asked you to continue. I provided them no assurances.”
Richard ran a hand through his hair. It was not a question of wanting to, for he had no desire to put himself in tonight’s situation again. He’d thought of Elizabeth as he’d sat waiting and how appalled she’d be if she knew where he’d been this evening, what he’d been doing. He was a gentleman, not a spy, and he said as much to Walford.
“I know it, Thornwood. And I’d not encourage you to consider it, were it not for their insistence the woman might be vital to the spring campaign on the continent. It could save lives,” he added, his expression darkening.
Richard didn’t know what memories had been prompted, nor what demons haunted him, but he did know Walford—Captain Sinclair in those days—had lost many men to battle on the peninsula. Richard imagined it carved a permanent mark on one’s soul. “I’ll give it thorough consideration,” he said, worried he’d already headed down a path with no end.
“If it’s any comfort, there was no movement out back, unless you count the privy. It will not be remembered as one of my favorite reconnaissance missions. Some things cannot be unseen.” Walford grimaced and shivered dramatically.
Richard appreciated Walford’s attempt at levity, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that if he didn’t back away from the situation now, he wouldn’t be able to at all.
“Well, home to that lovely wife of mine Bentley so envies me,” Walford said, coming to his feet. “Oh, almost forgot.” Walford reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bag. “Reimbursement. Beckett must have worked hard to get it. The Home Office almost squeaks its purses are so seldom opened. I’ll let you know when I hear something.”
Richard tucked the money away, sat back down, and grabbed the newspaper. The words blurred into a single blot as he contemplated his decision. He wasn’t sure he truly had a choice. If lives could be saved, was it not his moral obligation?
He rolled his neck from side to side. His head hurt, and he’d like nothing more than to crawl into his bed. Instead, he turned to the second page. He’d no interest in catching up on the debates in parliament, but he could not go home until Elizabeth was long to bed. How could he possibly face her tonight?