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“I am merely going to answer a guest.”
“You are smiling.”
“I frequently smile.”
“Not like that.”
Edward looked between them. “Have I interrupted something?”
“Your cousin believes I cannot be trusted.”
Edward considered this. “With what?”
“That is not relevant.”
“Then I agree with Judith.”
Sir Lionel muttered something about the declining respect shown to heads of families and swept from the room.
Edward watched him go before turning to Judith. “What is this rumour?”
“Apparently, Colonel Renforth may visit tomorrow.”
“Why?”
“I believe he has private business.”
“With whom?”
“Several magistrates.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed, and Judith experienced a moment of satisfaction. If Edward, who had no particular interest in politics beyond its effects upon horses and taxation, immediately recognized the significance of the meeting, the others certainly would.
“Here?”
“So I understand.”
“Does Baines know?”
Judith gathered the papers from Sir Lionel’s desk into a neat stack. “I imagine Colonel Renforth will have informed him.”
Edward remained in the doorway. Judith continued arranging papers which did not require arrangement.
“You are making a good show of pretending not to know precisely what Baines is doing.”
Judith looked at him. “I do not know precisely what Major Baines is doing. I have found that this is true even when he explains it.”
Edward smiled. “That is probably best.”
He departed before she could ask what he meant. By the dinner hour, the secret had spread with gratifying efficiency.
Cranford knew; Sir George knew; Pembroke knew and attempted to pretend he did not. Lady Beckenham knew, which Judith discovered when the older woman remarked that she hoped Colonel Renforth had developed a greater appreciation for Northumberland weather since her last acquaintance with him. Lady Dunsmore knew enough to complain that political meetings always caused gentlemen to neglect the ladies, while Lady Stanhope wanted to know whether the magistrates would bring wives.
Baines behaved throughout with such extraordinary conformity to character that Judith found herself admiring him. He flirted harmlessly with Lady Dunsmore, allowed Thomas to draw him into an argument over cavalry tactics, lost money to Sir George at cards and appeared to take no interest whatsoever when Cranford asked Sir Lionel whether Renforth’s proposed visit had anything to do with Scotland. Only once did Judith catch Baines looking towards her, and even then his expression revealed nothing.
She understood it perfectly. The bait was taken, now they waited to see who carried it away.
The first movement came shortly after ten the following morning. Judith was reviewing linen inventories in the housekeeper’s room when a maid entered, carrying a small parcel wrapped in brown paper.
