Before Sedgewick could start sputtering again, Alexander replied, “It looks to me like you should take to your bed immediately. You appear to have contracted a serious case of the grippe.”

The gentlemen settled down to make plans. It appeared Marcus had apprehended Alexander’s traveling carriage while in London. It was a simple matter of having his servants address Sir Marcus as Lord Wesleigh, and that should be all that was necessary, as long as Marcus did not leave the house and did not accept visitors. The only visitor he would accept would be Alexander, who had already told Emily he was acquainted with Lord Wesleigh. When Sedgewick left the room, Alexander clued Marcus in on the true state of affairs, explaining which of the Smithfield daughters he was interested in.

“I love it,” Marcus said, after having heard the whole story. “It has all the elements of a French farce. All we need is a jealous husband.”

“I could do without that complication,” Alexander replied. “So, how long should your business take?”

“Hopefully no more than a few days. There has been a highwayman causing a great deal of commotion in the area. I am here to apprehend him.”

“Yes, I have heard talk of him. He has the local ladies all aflutter. They are going to start lining up to be robbed by him if there is any more gossip about his lovemaking. He even managed to get a kiss from that iceberg Lady Cynthia.”

“That is an accomplishment,” Marcus said. “Do I detect a note of jealousy in your voice?”

“Well, you know I do not take defeat very well. Little did I know that all I had to do to steal a kiss from her was put on a mask and say ‘Stand and deliver.’” Both men laughed, before growing serious once more.