A Dangerous Game (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 2)

by Laura Beers

  Oliver rubbed his hand over his chin. “That is an unusual pastime for a lady to have.”

  “I spent nearly every Season at the townhouse, and I found I did not like sitting idly by as my parents went to social events,” Emmeline explained. “I tried to be active and engaged in some kind of pursuit.”

  “Have you tried needlework?” Oliver teased.

  Emmeline grinned. “I assure you that I am proficient at embroidery. You need not fear in that regard.”

  “I never questioned that.”

  “My governess ensured that I learned all types of needlework.”

  “You didn’t attend boarding school?”

  Emmeline shook her head. “I did not,” she replied. “My mother couldn’t stand the thought of me being sent away to be educated.”

  “Jane attended boarding school, and I can only imagine the mischief that she got herself into.”

  “I have no doubt,” Emmeline remarked. “That is why your sister will always remain one of my dearest friends.”

  Oliver grimaced as he said, “I should warn you that Jane does not think highly of me at the moment.”

  “Why is that?”

  “She does not approve of my reputation as a rake,” he responded, “and, frankly, neither does my mother.”

  “Has your mother said anything to you?”

  “No, but I can see the disappointment in her eyes.”

  “If that is the case, then why do you continue on as you have been?”

  Oliver pressed his lips together, then said, “I’m afraid you wouldn’t understand my reasons.”

  “I’m more than willing to listen—”

  He cut her off. “There are some things that I am not willing to discuss with you.” His words were curt.

  Emmeline retrieved her book. “As you wish,” she muttered.

  Oliver felt like a cad, but there was a side of him that he could never reveal to Emmeline, no matter how much he wanted to confide in her.

  Chapter Six

  Emmeline did not feel any different, despite now being a married woman. She snuck a glance at her husband as he rested his eyes, and she found herself only feeling immense relief. She knew that she had made the right choice between marrying Oliver over the duke. It was not a love match, but at least they were on friendly terms.

  Her aunt and uncle may never understand her decision to not become a duchess, but that didn’t really matter now. She had made her choice, and there was no going back on it. She started fingering the gold band on her left hand. Her fate had been sealed the moment she stood in front of the anvil priest.

  Her eyes shifted towards the green countryside outside the window. How she wished she could ride her horse through the fields, her hair blowing behind her. Would Oliver insist that she be accompanied by two footmen as the duke had ordered? She truly hoped she hadn’t gone from one gilded cage to another.

  Oliver’s voice broke through her musings. “Any regrets?”

  She met his gaze and replied, “Not at the moment.”

  He smiled. “That is good to hear.”

  “Do you have any regrets?”

  “No.”

  She returned his smile. “I am happy to hear that.”

  Oliver adjusted his white cravat. “I must admit I will be relieved to finally be out of this coach,” he said.

  “When will we arrive back in Town?”

  “It shouldn’t be much longer.”

  “That is a relief,” she murmured.

  Oliver chuckled. “The good news is that your uncle didn’t arrive in time to stop the wedding.”

  “I doubt he even bothered to travel to Gretna Green.”

  “No?”

  Emmeline shook her head. “My lady’s maid wasn’t going to inform them of my departure until after breakfast, and I’m sure my uncle would have realized a trip to Gretna Green would have been in vain.”

  “Did you leave a note?”

  “I did,” she replied. “It wasn’t long, but it informed them that I chose to elope with you rather than marry the duke.”

  “Are you sure you don’t have the slightest regret at not being a duchess?”

  “None,” she said honestly. “I never aspired for such a lofty title.”

  “That is a rarity amongst the ton.”

  “I suppose so.”

  Oliver appeared to be deucedly uncomfortable as he adjusted the lapels of his blue jacket.

  “I can’t help but notice that you would seem more comfortable if you removed your jacket,” Emmeline suggested.

  He stared at her blankly. “I wouldn’t dare.”

  “We are married,” she teased. “I am sure I will see you without your jacket on when we arrive at Hawthorne House.”

  “Quite right.” Oliver leaned forward as he removed his jacket and placed it next to him on the bench. “That is much better.”

  “I am happy to hear that.”

  Oliver gave her a flirtatious smile. “It is your turn now.”

  “Pardon?”

  Perusing her blue traveling gown, he said, “You are more than welcome to remove any articles of your clothing.”

  Emmeline felt her cheeks grow increasingly warm as she chided, “That was most inappropriate for you to say.”

  Oliver chuckled. “I was just teasing you.”

  “You shouldn’t tease me in such a fashion.”

  “No?” he asked. “How would you like me to tease you?”

  Emmeline reached into her reticule and pulled out her fan. As she fanned her face, she replied, “There is no reason to tease me.”

  “I disagree,” he said. “I find I rather enjoy teasing you.”

  She frowned. “I think you teased me sufficiently when we were younger.”

  “You will discover that I only tease the people I care about.”

  Lowering the fan to her lap, she suggested, “I suppose I should learn more about you, now that we are married.”

  “What would you wish to know?” he asked.

  “What is your favorite dish for supper?”

  “I prefer mutton.”

  Nodding, she asked, “And your favorite dessert?”

  “I enjoy all flavors of ice cream.”

  “Do you engage in boxing?”

  “I do.”

  “Are you a hunter?”

  “I am.”

  Emmeline considered her next question for a moment before asking, “What is your favorite book?”

  “I’m afraid I don’t have one.”

  “But you enjoy reading?”

  He grinned. “I do,” he replied. “I believe you will be pleasantly surprised at the size of the library at Hawthorne House.”

  “That does please me, because I’ve read nearly every book at my townhouse,” she said.

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes,” she responded. “I devour all the books that I can get my hands on.”

  “Well, you are welcome to read any book in the library,” he encouraged. “We have many first editions in our collection.”

  “Are there any types of books you’d prefer I don’t read?”

  Oliver gave her a curious look. “Such as?”

  “I am referring to books about politics, engineering, physics, or other books that are generally not considered appropriate for a young woman to read.”

  “I would prefer if you would avoid books on politics, especially the ridiculous rhetoric from the American colonies.”

  Emmeline nodded her understanding. “That will not be a problem,” she shared. “My father was a Tory, and I share many of his political views.”

  “My views align themselves with the Tories, as well.”

  “That is good to know,” she said. “My uncle is a Whig.”

  “How terrible for you,” he teased.

  She listened to the sound of the coach wheels rolling along the cobblestone street as she remarked, “It hardly matters, since he refuses to speak to me about politics.”

  “It is quite unsav
ory to speak to a lady about politics.”

  Lifting her brow, she asked, “I believe it is different now that we are married.”

  “Quite right,” he agreed.

  “It is your turn now,” she commented.

  He furrowed his brow. “For what?”

  “What questions would you like to ask me?”

  “Ah,” he said. “That won’t be necessary.”

  “It won’t?”

  Oliver shook his head. “I know everything I need to know about you.”

  “You do?”

  “I wouldn’t have married you if I hadn’t.”

  Emmeline gave him a baffled look. “What is my favorite dessert then?”

  “That isn’t important.”

  “It’s not?”

  “No,” he replied. “I am more concerned about your qualities.”

  “My qualities?” she repeated.

  He nodded. “I know you to be good, kind and trustworthy.”

  “That is good, but you must want to know more about me.”

  Oliver watched her intently for a moment, then asked, “Do you enjoy playing shuttlecock?”

  “I do,” she replied.

  A smile came to his lips. “I also enjoy playing shuttlecock. Perhaps we can play together on the lawn sometime.”

  “I would like that.”

  Glancing over at the window, Oliver announced, “We are almost at Hawthorne House.”

  Emmeline brought her hand up and smoothed back her blonde hair. “Am I presentable enough to see your family?”

  He leaned closer and his eyes roamed her face. “You could wear a shapeless frock and still look beautiful.”

  “You flatter me.”

  “That was my intention, but it makes it no less true.”

  The coach came to a stop in front of a rectangular building with two protruding wings and a large portico hung over the main door. Emmeline’s eyes roamed the gold embellishments around the windows and doors.

  Oliver placed his hand out the window and opened the coach door. After he stepped down, he reached back in to assist her.

  As she stepped down onto the cobblestone courtyard, he didn’t release her hand but placed it in the crook of his arm.

  “Are you nervous?” he asked.

  “No,” she replied, holding her breath.

  “Liar.”

  She let out the breath she was holding. “I am petrified.”

  “There is nothing to be nervous about,” he said as they started walking towards the door. “You must trust me on that.”

  The door opened, and a stocky butler with kind eyes greeted them. “Good afternoon, milord.”

  Oliver led her into the entry hall before saying, “Please inform the household staff that I have married Lady Oliver.”

  Pratt bowed. “Yes, milord.”

  The butler’s words had just left his mouth when Emmeline heard Jane exclaim from the top of the stairs, “They are here!”

  Emmeline watched as Jane hurried down the stairs and approached her. Her breathing was labored as she asked, “Are you two truly married?”

  “We are,” Emmeline confirmed.

  Jane squealed as she pulled her into an embrace. “I am happy to hear that,” she said. “We are sisters now.”

  When Jane leaned back, Emmeline watched as Harriet crossed the entry hall. “I am most displeased with you,” she declared, directing her words at Oliver.

  “And why is that, Mother?” Oliver asked.

  Harriet came to a stop in front of them. “I didn’t discover your plans until after you had already left for Gretna Green.”

  “I didn’t want you to try to stop me.”

  Harriet brought her hand up to her chest. “You would think me so cruel as to do such a thing?” she questioned. “After all, I am more than pleased by your choice of a bride.” She turned her attention towards Emmeline and smiled. “I always suspected that you two would make a brilliant match.”

  “That is kind of you to say,” Emmeline responded.

  Harriet placed a hand on Emmeline’s shoulder and suggested, “Why don’t you take a long soak and rest up before dinner?”

  A sigh escaped her lips. “That sounds wonderful.”

  “I assumed as much,” Harriet remarked. “I shall see to the preparations, then.”

  As Harriet walked away, Emmeline turned to Oliver and asked in a low, hushed voice, “Your mother does realize that this is a marriage of convenience, doesn’t she?”

  Jane spoke up. “I didn’t have the heart to inform her of that,” she revealed. “I just told her that you two had eloped.”

  Oliver muttered something incoherent under his breath before he brought a smile to his lips. “Then I will have to be the one to inform her.”

  “Thank you,” Emmeline said.

  Jane looped her arm through Emmeline’s. “Let me show you to your bedchamber,” she offered.

  Emmeline felt a rush of panic at Jane’s words. “Oliver and I won’t be expected to share the same bedchamber, will we?”

  “Of course not,” Jane assured her. “You do, however, share a sitting room between your two bedchambers.”

  Letting out a sigh of relief, Emmeline said, “That won’t be an issue.”

  Oliver arched an eyebrow. “Is sharing a room with me so repulsive to you?”

  “That’s not what I meant—” she rushed to say.

  He put his hand up, stilling her words. “I am just teasing you, Emme.”

  “Oh, I should have known.”

  “Go enjoy your soak,” he said, placing a hand on the small of her back, “and I will see you soon enough.”

  Oliver smiled at her, and she felt her stomach flutter in response. Dear heavens, she thought. It would not do if she started developing real affection towards her husband. This was a marriage of convenience, nothing more.

  Oliver stopped outside of his mother’s bedchamber door and let out a sigh. He was dreading this most assuredly difficult conversation, but he knew it must be done. He brought his hand up and knocked on her door.

  “Enter,” he heard his mother order.

  He opened the door and stepped inside. “Mother,” he greeted as he closed the door behind him.

  “Oliver,” his mother said from her dressing table chair, “what a pleasant surprise.”

  “I wanted to thank you for seeing to Emmeline’s needs.”

  “That is kind of you to say, but I assure you that it was entirely my pleasure.”

  Oliver hesitated for only a moment before saying, “I did want to speak to you about something.”

  “What would you care to discuss?” his mother asked, giving him her full attention.

  “It is about Emmeline.”

  She smiled up at him. “I think I know what you are going to say.”

  “You do?”

  “I do,” she replied, “and I promise you that I do not think any less of you or Emmeline for eloping.”

  “I am pleased to hear that, but—”

  “I always knew that you two would suit,” she said, speaking over him.

  “You did?”

  His mother bobbed her head. “I did,” she replied. “And to celebrate your union, I think we should host a ball.”

  “Pardon?” He had not expected her to say that.

  “You won’t have to worry about a thing,” his mother encouraged. “Emmeline and I will plan the whole ball.”

  “If Emmeline would like a ball, then I am not opposed to having one,” he replied.

  “That is most gracious of you, Son,” she gushed. “After all, if the ton sees that our family supports your marriage unequivocally, then it would go a long way to ensuring Emmeline’s place among Society.”

  “I agree.”

  His mother bobbed her head. “Wonderful. I shall see to the invitations right away.”

  Oliver walked over to an upholstered armchair and sat down, then said, “I need for you to understand something, Mother.”

  She shifted in
her chair to face him. “Which is?”

  “Emmeline and I are not a love match,” he stated.

  Surprise resonated on his mother’s features. “But you eloped with her.”

  “I did, but that was only to save her from a marriage with the Duke of Billingham,” he explained.

  “You must have some feelings towards Emmeline, then,” she pressed.

  “We are friends, nothing more.”

  His mother frowned. “How is that possible?” she questioned. “Jane mentioned that she saw you and Emmeline kissing in the drawing room.”

  Oliver shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “We were just sealing our agreement with a kiss.”

  “That is nonsense,” his mother declared. “I don’t go around kissing people when we reach an agreement.”

  “Regardless, we both willingly entered into a marriage of convenience with one another.”

  His mother reached for a bottle of lotion on her dressing table. “I am not entirely convinced that you don’t hold Emmeline in some regard.”

  “We are friends—”

  She cut him off. “I always knew that you two would suit admirably, much more than you and Charlotte.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Charlotte was a pleasant enough young woman, but you have always laughed much more freely around Emmeline.”

  “That may be true, but Charlotte was much more serious than her cousin,” he replied.

  “That she was.”

  “It matters not, because I loved Charlotte, wholly and unconstrained.”

  His mother gave him a sympathetic look as she rubbed lotion on her hands. “And she broke your heart.”

  “That she did,” he agreed, “which is why I will not make the mistake of falling in love again.”

  “That is a shame.”

  “Perhaps, but I am not willing to risk being rejected again.”

  “Emmeline is not like her cousin,” his mother pressed.

  Abruptly rising from his chair, Oliver declared, “Quite right, but we are just friends.”

  “Oliver—”

  He put his hand up, stilling her words. “I am not here to debate with you,” he said. “I just wanted you to know that Emmeline and I are married in name only.”

  “And what of grandchildren?”