A Perfect Match

15

When Nora woke up she was not feeling ill and the thought of ridding for a couple of hours in a carriage was not making her feel any better. She carefully dressed and had her maid bring her up some tea and plain biscuits which she ended up not holding down. She vowed to herself after this mission was over she would go and see a doctor. What if she were dying? She had people to see and connect with and she should probably write up a will after all she had earned a substantial amount of money working for the crown. By the time Ada arrived Nora was sure she was going to die and spent the two hours to New Cross writing a list of all the things she had to do before she died.

Ada sat watching Nora the entire ride to New Cross she was sure what all of Nora's sickness was from. Could it be possible she was clueless? Did Percy know? Ada laughed he was the love of her life but when it came to matters of the heart he was clueless. She stiffened her spine she did not need to go down that road she had made her choice. She had refused to see him the few, time he had come to call. Robert and William were what she needed to focus on. Not Percy he would make good on his impulsive behavior she had no doubt about that. Caroline would get what she wanted. Everyone but her, but it was for the best and she knew it. If Percy were to be with anyone she wanted it to be Nora her two favorite protégés.

Upon reaching New Cross Nora was not surprised to find most of the war office and the agents for the crown in attendance. She was relieved since this was supposed to be a Nationally coordinated raid. Except for the children of course they were pawns in this game of the French. She had to wonder who today's girl would be. But before she could look for her she needed to report to the Purple Tyrant about what they had found last night.

She found the Duke and Duchess of New Cross greeting all their guests along with their children. She realized their oldest daughter Victoria was the girl wearing the dress. What could she be wanting their entire family seems so happy and well adjusted. Most of all they were all beautiful? The Duke was one of the richest and most powerful men in England and what did his daughter need with the money they promised. When it was Nora and Ada's turn to be received both the Duke and his son Vaughn excused themselves and Nora followed them into the Dukes personal study.

The Duke sat behind his desk. Nora and Vaughn made themselves comfortable across from him.

"As you can see this party is heavily guarded and my oldest daughter is the target today. I have briefed her on what will happen so when you approach her she will greet you like a long-lost friend."

"Is it wise to tell such a young child about being in such danger?"

"You do not know my daughter Tory she is one we are considering putting in service. She is a lot like you in the sense she can face anything, and she thinks quick on her feet. I do not always agree with some of her thinking, but she will be good in intelligence. This will give me an idea if she can handle such missions or if she is the scatter brainchild she sometimes pretends to be."

Nora nodded she had been scouted by her father to enlist her help for the crown. After he saw signs of her skills at a young age. It was always a forgone conclusions Simon would be in service to the crown it was tradition but Nora was a plus.

"Well acting like a scatter brain young lady has its advantages. No one ever watchs what they say around you because no one thinks you retain anything. It has a big advantage if you know how to play people correctly. If you are an agent of cournse."

The men laughed because that is how they saw most women.

"I shall assume The Sparrow and Falstaff have reported what we found on last night's mission?"

"They did. Where you told I found the stash of notes hidden by the dressmaker? There were a lot of notes in that secret compartment."

"They did not mention that when you get back to the city you and Vaughn will go and retrieve them."