"Nothing interests them more than what you get up to. What about it?"

"A complicated story," I said.

"For God's sake, Lacey, put me out of my misery and tell me."

I decided to lay off tormenting him. As Grenville took his first shot, I briefly related what had happened with Easton.

Grenville stood up as the balls rolled gently across the table. "Good Lord. And you got him off safely?"

"I hope so. Unless Denis has all fishermen on the Norfolk coast in his pay, I believe the brigadier will reach Amsterdam without too much mishap."

"What about you, Lacey? What happens when Denis discovers his bird has flown?"

"I will cross that bridge when I come to it. I know I owe Denis a debt, but I refuse to repay it by helping him with dark deeds."

"But he did not ask you to kill Easton for him. He asked you only to deliver the note."

I took another drink of port, emptying the glass. "To make me aware of what he intended for Easton and to ensure that I was part of it, no matter how remotely. Captain Lacey visits Brigadier Easton, Easton is agitated, and then Easton is dead. What will a magistrate make of that?"

"And now Easton has disappeared. What will a magistrate make of that?"

"Another bridge I will cross."

Grenville retrieved a ball that had rolled to a stop. "You walk a knife's edge, Lacey."

"As ever." I lifted my cheroot, waiting for him to shoot again. "Better entertainment than watching Lady Southwick stalking her prey."

"As I believe that prey is me, your comment is less than amusing."

I had a smile at his expense, then we bent to the game.

Later that night, when Bartholomew had left me and I'd gone to bed, I heard my bedroom door open. I did not worry that Lady Southwick had come to pounce, because I knew the sound of Donata's movements and her scent.