They settled back into their positions, back-to-back, sitting in companionable silence for a quarter hour. Above them, the two enormous Lombardy poplars swayed in the breeze, making a shushing sound that threatened to lull him to sleep. “Change,” Duncan said, standing and shaking his head.
Without a word, they switched places, he now watching the direction she’d been observing. He had to do something besides sit here or he’d start snoring. He wanted to ask Lucy what she’d thought of their kiss earlier, but it was best for the mission if he didn’t start down that road.
“What if all we observed was someone sneaking away for a lovers’ tryst?” he asked.
“I considered that. We could go to bed, but then we’d both worry we missed something, and if I ever want another mission, I need to prove myself.”
“You have proved yourself,” he said. “You’re one of the best agents at the Farm.”
“Then why haven’t I been given a mission before now?”
“Why haven’tI?”
She turned. “I have no idea. I thought you would have been sent out before any of us. Even before Will.”
“Will was perfect for the mission he was given.”
“Yes, he plays the courtier at Buckingham Palace, and we have to act as servants in the countryside.”
“You have to admit, no one would believe Willoughby Galloway was a footman.”
“True.” He heard the smile in her voice. “You play the part well.”
“And you’re rather convincing as a nanny.”
“I will try and take that as a compliment. After the first day, I haven’t minded it so much. I never thought I liked children, but Johnny is always saying something that makes me laugh.”
“I have a nephew just a few years older than Master Johnny, and every time he giggles at something, we all start laughing. He has the most infectious laughter.”
“I didn’t know you had a nephew.”
“I have two nephews and two nieces. Last I heard another one on the way. He or she has probably been born by now.”
“Do you have sisters or brothers?”
“Three sisters and two brothers.”
“Really? Younger or older?” She sounded truly interested, but he told himself she was just trying to pass the time. It was still a long while until morning.
“Two of my sisters and one of my brothers is older, and I have a younger brother and sister. I’m right in the middle.”
“Ah. No wonder you are so good at mediating conflict.”
He smiled. His siblings’ squabbling had given him ample opportunity over the years to learn how to negotiate and keep the peace.
“Is your mother or father sibling to the Duke of Sterling?”
“My mother.”
“Why have you never mentioned your illustrious uncle?”
“Because I hardly know him. His relationship with my mother is somewhat estranged. He believes she married beneath her station.”
Lucy turned abruptly, and Duncan had to catch himself else he would have fallen backwards. “You are supposed to be watching—”
“Yes, yes. Nothing is out there.” She waved a hand, dismissing their surveillance. “What was the family’s objection to your father?” She put a hand to her mouth. “Or should I not ask that?”
It wasn’t generally a topic that came up in polite conversation, but then he couldn’t picture Lucy at a dinner party making small talk about the weather.
