Hunt threw up his hands. “All right. You may go.”
“When?”
“I am not certain yet, I’m waiting for word from my valet. He has a contact in Melrose’s house who will leave the back door open once they all retire for the night.”
“Will that be wise with the chance that Melrose might wander around and find us?”
Hunt shook his head and offered her a look that indicated her comment was precisely why he didn’t want her to go with him. “No. I have arranged with my brothers to keep the man at The Rose Room until I send word that I am finished.”
“Well done, my lord.”
Smirking at how she’d gotten Hunt to see things her way, Diana headed down the stairs to the back door to await Hunt’s arrival. They’d decided he would leave his carriage parked a block away and meet her at her back door and escort her to the carriage. Even though it was after midnight, there was still a good amount of traffic on the streets with members of the ton out and about. They’d decided his carriage parked in front of her house would only start up unnecessary speculation and rumors.
“What the devil are you wearing?” Hunt scowled at her, his hands on his hips.
“Trousers.”
“I can see your legs.”
She looked down at herself. “Yes, I believe you are correct.” She looked up. “Very observant, my lord.”
Hunt shook his head and took her arm. “Don’t ever wear those in public.”
She hurried to keep
up with his stride. “Actually, I wear them when I have the opportunity to ride in the country. It’s so much more comfortable than balancing in a side-saddle.”
“You ride astride?” His voice was so high he squeaked.
“I do. Less dangerous when you take those high jumps.”
She wasn’t quite sure what he mumbled but most likely she was probably better off not knowing.
He practically tossed her into the carriage, followed her in and slammed the door.
“Really, Hunt, you’re tossing me around like I’m some sort of rag doll.” She adjusted her shirt and tucked an errant curl into her hat.
“Sorry,” he mumbled.
The carriage started their journey and Hunt leaned forward. “You will do exactly as I say when we arrive at Melrose’s house. No arguing, suggesting, or going your own way. Agreed?”
She lifted her chin. “That sounds rather tyrannical. I thought we were partners in this.”
Hunt leaned forward. “We are not partners. You are here because you wheedled your way in.”
“What if I don’t agree with those terms?”
He grinned and pulled out a rope from under his seat. “I will tie you up and leave you in the carriage. My driver has instructions to drive around the area with you inside until I come out of the house.”
Diana huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Despot.”
“Just so.”
They both grew silent as the carriage came a halt. “Melrose’s house is about a block and a half from here. We will walk close to the houses, avoiding the streetlights. With us both dressed in black we should be virtually invisible. Oh, and remember to keep your face pointed toward the buildings.”
Diana’s heart sped up at what they were about to do. Despite the best plan Hunt had, as he mentioned before, something could always go wrong. What would happen if they were caught? Would they be arrested? Could they end up in jail? She shivered as Hunt held out his hand to assist her from the carriage.
Another benefit to wearing trousers. She really did not need assistance getting into and out of carriages. It was too bad women were banned from wearing such things.