Chapter Ten
Octavius decided to have blonde hair tonight. He gave himself rosy cheeks and a full bosom. Dressing went swiftly; Dex was getting much faster at lacing the stays. “How long do you think you’ll be?” Dex asked once Octavius had pinned up his hair and settled the mobcap into place.
“Shouldn’t take long.” Either he’d find the baron downstairs, or he wouldn’t. “Ten minutes?”
Dex flung himself down in the armchair by the fireplace. “I’ll wait here, then.” He yawned widely, then gestured at the door. “Hurry up. You might not be tired, but I am.”
Octavius made his way swiftly and silently downstairs. He peeked into the library. The candles were lit, but the room was empty. He tiptoed further. The billiard room was empty, too.
Damn, he’d hoped Rumpole would still be up.
He turned
