“I do not understand your involvement in this affair. Is not this a job for the local constable?” Alexander asked.

“It seems our highwayman is interested in more than jewelry. It appears he has somehow discovered the route our messenger takes when delivering assignments to the troops on the coast. He has been intercepting them and selling the information to the French. We want to discover who else is working with him.”

Alexander nodded. “I would be happy to assist you in whatever way I can.” Marcus thanked him for the offer, but reiterated that what he needed most was a place to stay. “Well, I guess Smithfield House is as good a place as any to hide out in for a few days. No one in that household should recognize you.”

Except, of course, the duke of Alford, who was en route to Stonehurst as they spoke.

The ladies of Smithfield House had heard the carriages arrive, and were sitting in the drawing room, awaiting the announcement of their distinguished guest. They assumed, it being Tuesday, the day he had written he would be coming, that the duke of Alford would be announced. There was a moment of stunned silence when Wiggins stated in a triumphant tone of voice, “Lord Wesleigh.” Wiggins knew his mistresses were expecting someone else, and it pleased him to surprise them. He always prided himself on knowing more about what was going on in the household than anyone else, even the mistress.

The ladies may have been able to recover themselves sooner if it were not for the strange sight that greeted them when “Lord Wesleigh” walked in the room. Marcus had changed his outfit to one he thought would better suit his new role. He felt a person in the full throes of the grippe should dress in a more subdued manner. To that end, he had discarded his turquoise and yellow, deciding in favor of puce and gray, with a paisley waistcoat. In order to give the impression that the sunlight was too harsh for his weakened eyesight, he was wearing a pair of green glasses. He held a handkerchief over his mouth and was feebly coughing into it as he walked into the room.