Suzanne Robinson by Lady Defiant Read Free Book Online Page B

peril, marchpane. I thank God you recognized the significance of your news and came to me quickly.”
    “It’s as I thought, then. The cardinal seeks to destroy Elizabeth’s claim to the throne by finding proof of this prior betrothal and consummation.”
    “And the only witness left alive was a lifelong friend of Henry Percy—Sir Thomas Richmond.”
    Years at the French court had given Blade the facility to hide his reactions. He lowered his eyes and traced a scratch on the surface of the table with his fingers.
    “Sir Thomas Richmond,” he said. “There are no others?”
    “No, they’re all dead and have left no written word on the matter. If the cardinal wants proof of a consummationof vows, he’ll have to get it from Sir Thomas, but you’re going to get it first, preferably by stealth, so that no one will know what you’ve done.”
    “Christian.”
    Christian swept around the table and put his hand on Blade’s shoulder. “A happy chance that it was you who discovered the danger, for I can send you to Richmond Hall. I’ve already bethought me of a plan. There is an heiress at the Hall, one the Richmonds are seeking to marry to a highborn suitor. You, my comfit, will be that suitor.”
    “Christian.”
    His friend pounded him on the shoulder and laughed. “Think you I haven’t heard the talk about you at the French court? The queen mother employs her maids in waiting as seductive spies so successfully that they’re called the Flying Squadron for their flying skirts. I shall employ you in like manner.”
    “God rot your twisty mind, Christian de Rivers.” Blade threw off his friend’s hand. “You delight in circuitous maneuvers, and this is a good one, except for a small impediment.”
    “What impediment?”
    “Not long ago I insulted this heiress of Richmond Hall so grievously that she’s bound to puke at the sight of me.”
    Blade thrust himself out of his chair and faced Christian. Once, the fury he beheld would have given him pause. Now he merely lifted one brow.
    “Apologize,” Christian snapped.
    “I have. She liked me not one whit more for it.”
    “Then you must pursue one of the other girls of marriageable age.”
    “No one would believe my suit.”
    “Why not?”
    “You don’t know Mistress Jane or Mistress Joan. Cheese-witted little hedgehogs, both of them. I’m surprisedtheir tutors were able to stuff enough learning in their heads to enable them to write letters.”
    “Dissemble. Pretend to be enamored of one of them.”
    “God’s blood, Christian, even I cannot play a part so contrary to my nature. They’re stupid, man. I hate stupid women. I hate stupid men, for that. And there’s no use chastising me. You must trust my experience.”
    Christian took Blade’s place in the chair. Blade clasped his hands behind his back and paced back and forth beside him. After long moments of consideration, he threw up his hands.
    “We must find someone else to go to Richmond Hall.”
    “No, marchpane. This knowledge must go no further than we two. Curse you, Blade. Why did you pick this one girl to insult? You’ve plied your charms on many less likable.”
    “I was with my father, and I lost my temper.”
    “Ah, no wonder.” Christian was silent for a moment. “I have always regretted sending you back to your father once we discovered who you were all those years ago. Why did you not tell me what he was like, instead of pretending everything was well?”
    Blade turned his back to his friend. “Think you I’d speak of what he really was? Have you ever told your father the whole of your experiences with Jack Midnight?”
    “God forbid.”
    “One learns to dissemble before the world, as one learns to be what one’s oppressor wishes. You know that. It’s what makes us useful as spies. We change colors, wear mask upon mask, hoping no one will ever think to look beneath and find only another mask.” He faced Christian. “I don’t wish to speak of this. As I said, I’ve