[Previously: We've learned something of the Masked Avenger's back story, and part of Cedric's. It seems only fair to find out more about what Lucius has been up to. Plus, the story will veer into new territory after this part, so it's a logical stopping place for today.]

Chapter Six

Lucius studied his reflection in his dressing room mirror while removing his cravat. He liked what he saw: a richly dressed man, a man of power and consequence ... a man to be reckoned with. It hadn't always been thus, but now that he was Earl of Kentham he had nearly everything he'd ever coveted.

The courting of the lovely Lavinia was going well, if more slowly than he would have preferred. He felt the prize was worth waiting for, however, and he was fully capable of waiting for what he wanted. After all, look at where he was now: exactly where he'd always pictured himself. He spared a brief thought for his deceased father, but only to think how chagrined the old man would be to see him there, in his place. His father wouldn't have liked having his precious grandson pushed aside for his second son, but that's just what had happened. Lucius' face hardened briefly at the thought of how Cedric had enjoyed the status of favourite for so many years. Not so favourite now though, was he?

Lucius dropped the creased strip of linen on the floor. After the Fordneys left tomorrow morning the next phase of his campagne d'amour for Mademoiselle Lavinia would begin in earnest. If he was to keep Cedric from stepping into his shoes someday, a legitimate heir was imperative, and he was determined that Cedric should never be Earl of Kentham! No! Lavinia was to be his Countess and she would give him a son. He desired her, she and her father had nowhere else to go--Lucius held all the cards in this hand. It was ever his policy to bargain from a position of power.

There was another campaign he was planning as well, one that would eliminate a current nuisance and allow him freer rein with his, er ... fundraising efforts. In fact, he thought, impatiently, he should have had word before now.

There was a discreet knock on the door, and Lucius smiled triumphantly. "Right on time," he thought!

"Enter," he commanded.

Still at the mirror he watched as his valet entered the room behind him. Soft-footed as a cat, Simms had proven over the years to be quite useful in several ways; many of which had nothing to do with his duties as a valet. Almost as adept at languages as Lucius himself, and with even fewer qualms about getting what he wanted, yet with less ego and bravado, Simms could be quite as ruthless as his master.

Now Lucius met and held the other man's eyes with his own. "Is it done?"

"Yes, my lord, it is," Simms replied, his voice as tightly controlled as everything else about him. He came forward and began to divest his master of his excellently tailored coat. "I have just returned from speaking with the individual in question. It is arranged for two nights hence."

"Satisfactory." Lucius allowed the man to remove his waistcoat. "And is this 'individual' aware of what happens to those in my employ who are unsuccessful?"

Simms facial expression did not change, but his voice grew colder. "He is, my lord."

"Excellent!" Lucius sat down so that Simms might remove his shoes and stockings. "I am looking forward to this very much."

From his place at Lucius' feet, Simms made no reply. None was necessary. He picked up the discarded cravat, the shoes and other articles and moved towards the wardrobes, his movements precise and economical. Fetching Lucius' dressing gown and slippers he carried them to his master, holding the gown open so that Lucius could slip his arms inside.

Lucius accepted these attentions as his due. He never thanked his servant, but he never took him for granted either.

They had met in Germany where Lucius had turned up after a slight of miscalculation in Rome had made it necessary for him to flee Italy. Simms was himself in a similar situation: friendless and without a country. The two men had subsequently discovered that they shared a talent for a variety of unlawful behaviours.

Lucius had never asked what exactly had led to Simms leaving his previous employer, nor had the other man volunteered any information. It was doubtful if "Simms" was in fact his real name. However, they had formed a useful and mutually beneficial relationship. Simms was Lucius' eyes, ears, and willing hands whenever anything unpleasant needed doing. But Lucius had few illusions as to his servant's loyalty--there was none. As long as Lucius' schemes remained profitable, Simms would stay by his side. It was that simple.

So far everything was going according to plan and, Lucius reflected grimly, he intended for it to continue that way.