Page 34 of Tempting the Marquess

“So. The enemy knows of your friendship with the chit, your background, and role in the Claremont investigation. The question is, what to donext.”

“Arrest theearl?”

“At this stage we don’t have quite enough indisputable evidence on Claremont or his cohorts. Perhaps a radical change is necessary.”

William frowned. The man had a distinct gleam in his eye. “Suchas?”

“Ending your involvement.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Samantha could be in danger!”

“If she is in danger, it’s because of your friendship. If you’re no longer part of the equation...” White trailed off meaningfully, as he perched on the edge of hisdesk.

“I suppose. But how will Claremont discover that? Are you going to have me thrown into Newgate? Ensure I catch a serious illness?”

White sighed. “Please credit me with at least some plausible ideas. Actually, we’ll soon be sending a diplomatic mission to France to bring home Colonel Lord Langley. Turns out he was badly injured. With your flawless French, and background, not to mention longtime acquaintance with the man, your inclusion wouldn’t be questioned.”

“Andthen?”

“You return home and carry on with life as a marquess. But to protect yourself, the young lady, and our investigation, you must not see or speak with her. Atall.”

“I see,” William bit out, the thought far more abhorrent than he cared to admit.

“Or…”

“There is anor?”

“Always. But it depends on your willingness to become involved in a rather elaborate deception.”

William snorted. “As opposed to all the truth and honesty sofar?”

“Now, now. I’m referring to something quite different. You want to stay close to Lady Samantha, I freely admit it would be beneficial having someone keep an eye on her. This way it could beyou.”

“For God’s sake, enough of the theatrics. Just sayit.”

“Very well.” White shrugged. “You travel to France, but it goes horribly awry and you are shot in an ambush.”

His jaw dropped. “What?”

“Oh, calm yourself. Not really, but it will be staged in a manner so everyone believes it. And your recuperation in France will be, shall we say, protracted.”

“Goon.”

White plucked at a loose waistcoat thread. “In reality, you’ll return in disguise as Mr. David Underwood. Older man, never married, related to several leading families but rarely seen in town. Quite a rascal. The black sheep, as theysay.”

“I’m no bloody actor.”

“Haven’t you ever wondered what it might be like to be, with all due respect, a nobody? To do and say whatever you want? To not be the main dish on the matrimonial platter? To be liked for yourself, rather than a title or estates or fortune?”

William stilled. “No.”

“Liar.”

Damn the man. It was tempting. But more to the point, if this insane plan kept Samantha out of harm’s way… “How long would I have to play Mr. Underwood?”

“For as long as it took to bring Claremont down. The way the cards are falling, I’d say a few months atmost.”

“My responsibilities?”