Lily’s eyes followed them, mesmerized. Large, brown and capable hands. The message they were conveying was easily understood. In the small space between them lay her career. It could be dropped or held firm and she was powerless to decide the outcome.
She made no comment and he pushed on. ‘But further, I think there should be a change in the character of your employment. I’ve chosen you, Miss Wentworth, to help me out. In a rather unusual duty. It’s all a bit hush-hush. Got a dainty summer frock, have you? Well, I want you to mothball that ugly blue outfit you’re wearing, get into mufti and do a bit of undercover work for me.’
‘What? Like a spy, you mean? Like Mata Hari?’
Joe managed not to smile at her innocent remark but his reply was light and teasing: ‘Something like that, perhaps. But I don’t envisage you making an appearance, like that unfortunate lady, before a firing squad. And seducing generals would be an entirely optional activity. No — I simply want you to blend in with the surroundings I’m going to pop you into. I want you to help me sort out a little problem I find I have.’
‘Why me, sir?’
‘Because I’ve seen for myself that you have pluck and initiative. From your file — and from the admiring Stan — I gather that you are utterly reliable. And — a rather essential element in my schemes — you’re a girl who doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. The task I have in mind is hardly one for a lady …’
Her glare told him he’d made a faux pas. Unaccustomed to making social gaffes, Joe was flustered. ‘Er … don’t misunderstand me. I intended no insult, Wentworth. And you will understand that when you embark on the very particular task I’m about to set you. I was merely trying to convey that I have no use for idle flibbertigibbets who spend their mornings in Asprey and their evenings in Ciro’s.’
‘Horses for courses?’ she suggested.
‘Exactly! You know where you are with horses,’ he said, grinning. ‘You read me right — I’m not looking for a thoroughbred so nervy you have to clap blinkers over its swivelling eyes to stop it dancing sideways.’
‘If you’re seeking a plodding percheron, I can’t help you, sir.’