Chapter 24It was at the Carlingfords’ ball at the start of October when matters came to a head. As if relying on one last throw of the dice, Beaufort’s behaviour had become increasingly reckless as Napoleon drew ever nearer to St. Helena and permanent exile.
Colonel Graham had Ben and his crew on high alert for the conclusion of their mission. When the gentlemen entered the mansion on that fateful night, Ben muttered to Jo that two particularly robust-looking footmen were the colonel’s associates in disguise, stationed there in case Beaufort tried to make his escape after meeting his co-conspirator.
Despite those undercurrents, the evening party commenced in typical sedate fashion. Nathan and Ben, not disposed to dance, proceeded to an anteroom off the entrance foyer where the card table
