Secrets of Lady Lucy

by Rachel Ann Smith

  Lucy jumped up from her seat, rounded the desk, and pulled him down so she could wrap her arms tightly around his neck and kiss him passionately.

  “Blake, I don’t know how you do it. You always anticipate my wishes and make them come true. I would love to have John and Evan accompany us to Shalford Castle, and Carrington would never leave me, but she will be thrilled to know that Evan is coming too. I know Matthew won’t mind; I pay their wages from my income and not from the estate funds.”

  Lucy had to pinch herself yet again; she had gotten into the habit over the past three weeks. Blake was continually surprising her with his kind consideration of her needs and wants. She could not wait for tomorrow when she would become the Countess of Devonton.

  Lucy alighted from the carriage outside Saint George’s Church. She took a moment and stared at the tall columns and magnificent wood doors. The grandeur of what she was about to do hit her like a lightning bolt. Legally, she and all her possessions would become Blake’s. She would vow to obey him; none of the other vows worried her except for that one. Despite all his gestures to show her what it would be like to be married to him, she became panicked and short of breath and turned back to sit in the carriage.

  Edward took hold of her hand. “Lucy, are you ready? Everyone is waiting for us. We need to go inside.” When she didn’t reply, he scanned her features. “What is wrong? Are you ill? Should I go fetch a doctor?”

  His rapid-fire questions made Lucy smile. He was so much like Matthew.

  “I just need a moment. I’m sure I’ll be well in a minute.”

  Edward began to hum a song, at first a little quietly, but when she smiled at him, he hummed louder. It was a melody Matthew often hummed as he went about his day. She recalled the day she had asked him what the name of it was.

  Matthew had chuckled and replied, “I believe it’s called ‘Billy Taylor,’ but it is not a ditty you would hear at any of the ton affairs.”

  How many other off-handed comments or clues had Matthew shared that she had not thought to question? Focused on keeping her own involvement a secret, she never suspected her twin’s activities were similar to her own.

  Edward was humming the chorus, and Lucy joined in. By the end of the song, her smile and equilibrium had returned.

  Walking up the steps to the church, thoughts of Blake waiting for her had her increasing her pace. Sunlight streamed through the stained glass. The rainbow of colors cascading in landed on the guests, who consisted of half the ton.

  Edward escorted her down the aisle, passing the eight gentlemen Matthew had identified as potential suitors at the beginning of the Season. Each of them gave her a knowing smile and nodded their approval of her selection in a husband. Lucy nearly stopped short when her gaze fell upon Lady Mary. Why was Lady Mary standing so close to Waterford?

  The only two people of import missing were Matthew and her childhood friend Theo, who remained in mourning for her papa. Her eyes glued to Grace’s as Edward tugged on her hand and led her down the aisle.

  Edward placed her hand in Blake’s. A feeling of warmth and security radiated throughout her and filled her heart. The ceremony was a blur for Lucy. She was certain the priest had conducted the ceremony with the usual aplomb one would expect at a ton wedding.

  Lucy remembered looking up at Blake as he said his vows and her whispering, “I love you” before stating hers. He rewarded her confession with a wicked smile and then he bent down and kissed her in front of one and all.

  As soon as their lips touched, Lucy felt at ease and a sense of calm wash over her. Her hand engulfed by his, they proceeded to leave the church side by side, just as he had promised.

  Epilogue

  Devonton town house - two weeks later

  Lady Devonton turned the knob to her new bedchamber and pushed the door open. Cautiously stepping into the room that would traditionally only house Blake, she was surprised to see it sparsely furnished.

  Carrington was on her heels and pushed her mistress farther into the room. “My lady, it appears you will need to wield your magic upon the town house as you did Shalford Castle.”

  “Yes, it appears we will have to refurbish each room.” Lucy pulled the dark blue velvet draperies. She placed a hand along the edge of the window and measured it against the length of her arm. Not wide enough. How was she to read by moonlight?

  “I will assume Blake’s preference for me to sleep alongside him will continue to apply while we are in Town.”

  When Carrington failed to comment, Lucy turned to find the room empty. Where had Carrington disappeared to? A piece of white parchment lying in the center of the enormous bed caught Lucy’s attention. Had it been there when she entered? She had scanned the room for threats but didn’t recall the paper having been there before.

  At the edge of the bed, Lucy had to bend at the waist to reach the letter.

  It was in this position that Blake found her as he strode into the room. “What a lovely view, wife.”

  Lucy jumped back and ignored her husband, walking directly to the window as her fingers ran along the crease in the parchment. Her eyes widened at the sight of Matthew’s bold, masculine script.

  Countess Devonton

  The chill which invaded her body at the sight of Matthew’s handwriting was dispelled as strong, reassuring hands rested on her shoulders. Blake’s breath seeped through her skin, warming her as he asked, “Love, would it be easier if I read it to you?”

  Lucy glanced up at her husband, and her heart fluttered. She was still adjusting to referring to Blake as such, but there was no uncertainty at the depth of his love and concern for her. Just as he had for the past fortnight, he was again showing her how in tune he was to her concerns and needs. She needed to read the note herself. With a slight shake of her head, she drew in a deep breath, and released it slowly as she carefully smoothed out the parchment. She raised Matthew’s note slightly higher to allow for them both to read.

  Dear Lucy,

  I hope this message finds you well.

  I must thank you for your consideration in leaving me three neatly tied presents. I am happy to report I was able to retrieve them and have since placed them in safe keeping.

  Please inform your husband his dear friend Brutus suggested I go south and visit Spain.

  Blake’s knowledge of the area would have been of great value. However, do not worry, for I’m not alone. Our dear friends Lord Hereford and Mr. Smyth will be accompanying me on the journey.

  Pray for my speedy return.

  M. Harrington

  Blake’s thumb grazed her cheek, brushing away the tear that had escaped.

  Turning and burrowing her forehead into Blake’s chest, Lucy said, “He’s alive.”

  Muscles that had been sore from weeks of tension began to relax. Lucy’s anxiety over Matthew’s safety had mounted as the weeks had passed with no word from him or either the Home or Foreign Offices. Carrington? Where was she? Tense again, she tried to step back, out of Blake’s embrace.

  Blake’s hands held her arms tight as he asked, “Love, what it wrong?”

  “Carrington! She was here and then not. Matthew’s note mysteriously appeared.” Lucy twisted at the waist to face the door.

  “Shhh… Carrington is well. I saw her and Evan heading to the kitchen on my way up.”

  Lucy whipped about to face the bed, causing Blake to release his hold on her.

  “How did someone manage to deliver Matthew’s missive undetected? Who dared enter our room?”

  “We will interview the staff.”

  Excellent idea. Why had she not thought of it? With little rest over the three-day trip from Shalford Castle, her wits were a tad slower than normal. She was about to make her way to the door when Blake’s hand snaked out and grasped her elbow.

  “Tomorrow. We both need rest.”

  She let Blake guide her to the bed. Lucy turned her back to her husband, allowing him access to her laces.

  With a cheeky grin, she replied,
“Rest?”

  Blake’s eyebrow arched. His nimble fingers began to work on removing her dress and stays as he had done on numerous occasions during their stay at Shalford Castle. While in the country, Lucy had alternated her time between overseeing renovations and lying in bed with Blake. Blake’s appetite for bed sport was insatiable, but they had also spent many hours talking and learning each other’s habits, fears and dreams. Life with a Foreign Office agent meant there would always be the possibility of another mission or mystery to solve. Her heart thudded as she continued to ponder upon her future.

  Lucy remained stock-still until Blake had removed every stitch of clothing.

  A light kiss upon her bare shoulder brought her thoughts back to the present. She turned, placing her palms on Blake’s chest, pleased to find a staccato beat that echoed her own. When she raised her gaze to meet his, Blake raised both eyebrows in question. Lucy lowered her gaze and focused on slowly removing his clothing. She drew out each movement, for she loved hearing the hitch in his breathing every time her fingers grazed against his naked skin.

  As soon as Blake was devoid of clothing, he reached for her, only to grasp air.

  Having anticipated Blake’s moves, Lucy released a giggle as she quickly hopped up onto the bed and burrowed under the linens.

  Blake settled himself beneath the covers on his side and snaked an arm about his wife. “Come here, Minx.”

  Willingly she snuggled into her husband’s arms and put all worries aside. Certain whatever they were to encounter, they would do it together, side by side.

  Ready to discover the woman who disrupts Archbroke’s orderly life? Click now to grab your copy of Mysteries of Lady Theo - Book 2 in the Agents of the Home Office series.

  Read on for an excerpt from Mysteries of Lady Theodora

  Agents of the Home Office Series

  Mysteries of Lady Theo

  Agents of the Home Office - EXCERPT

  Facing the drafty drawing room window, her back to her aunt, Lady Theodora discreetly pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. The heartbreaking image of the late Earl of Hadfield on his deathbed refused to dissipate.

  The numbness that had seeped into her mind and body that day, leaving her devoid of emotion, was still with her. All her energy was devoted to fulfilling her promise to her papa.

  Theo recalled running her hand over the well-worn volume. While there were no visual markings on the cover, the pads of her fingers had rolled over faint ridges and lines of a carefully molded impression. She squeezed her eyelids tighter as she reflected on the image still seared into her memory, the outline of a horse with a falcon perched on its back, circled by laurel leaves, a replica of the mark she bore. The electric jolt of recognition shot through her once more, making her heart beat erratically and her eyes open.

  Words contained in the book came to mind:

  Only trust those with the Mark.

  Train daily.

  The sharp sound of a book snapping shut made Theo whip around in the direction of her aunt.

  Lady Henrietta Arcot Neale’s usually cheerful voice now contained a touch of desperation. “Theo, I do wish you would accompany me to town.”

  “Beg pardon, Aunt Henri. What was it you said?”

  “I was trying to inform you that Landon will insist we return to town with him.”

  “I’m perfectly happy to remain here. I prefer the fresh country air.”

  “Well, that might be the case, but we can’t hide here any longer.” Reaching for her cup of tea, Aunt Henrietta continued, “I haven’t been subject to the ton in years. To be honest, I was rather relieved when my papa disowned me.”

  Theo smiled at the memory of her uncle, George Neale. His marriage to Aunt Henri had upended her ties to her ducal family. A second son who embarked on working as a barrister was not an appropriate husband for the daughter of a duke. But theirs had been a love match, and the Neale family had embraced Henrietta from the moment they met her. Her kindness and intelligence were valued by the Neales rather than considered a nuisance.

  The teacup rattled against the small saucer in her aunt’s hand. Theo was apparently not the only one unnerved by the ton.

  But Theo’s cousin Landon, the newly minted Earl of Hadfield, strode into the room, saving her from having to respond.

  “Mama.” Landon bent to give his mama a kiss on the cheek, then made his way to Theo’s side.

  Looming next to her, Landon twisted to peer out the window and quietly asked, “Fantasizing about being outdoors? Wishing you were anywhere but here, trapped in a stifling drawing room, listening to my mama?”

  “Landon, I was mentioning to Theo that we must venture to town and find you a wife.”

  Landon stiffened at the word wife. “Yes, we all should take up residence in town for the Season. Christopher has reassured me all is in order for our stay.”

  Theo was amazed at the ease with which he bore the brunt of his new responsibilities. Landon had not only inherited the title but also the neglected estate and the burden of caring for Theo. The only item he had not received was the family volume.

  At the mention of Landon’s younger brother, Theo couldn’t prevent her lips curling into a grin. Christopher was of a similar age to herself and had been a boon companion during their childhood. Was he still a carefree fellow? She hadn’t seen him but for a brief moment during her papa’s funeral a year ago.

  Theo straightened her spine, took a deep breath, and prepared to reiterate her arguments for the hundredth time as to why she should remain in the country. “Cousin, I’m perfectly fine remaining here at Hadfield Hall. Papa often ventured to…” Having read the family volume, it was clear her papa had not only left her behind to travel to London but often ventured much further in his investigations. On an outward breath, she finished. “…to town without me.”

  Landon’s hazel eyes were no longer on Aunt Henrietta. Instead, they bore into Theo. “Don’t be ridiculous. I will not leave you here alone with the servants.”

  Theo donned a mask of cool indifference. The unfeeling woman she had portrayed this past year was in stark contrast to the bubbly little girl he had played with in their childhood. Remaining aloof was the only way she had conceived to keep Landon from finding out the truth about her inheritance. It was imperative he did not find out about the family volume and their familial duties to the Crown.

  In the driest tone she could manage, Theo asked, “Why must I accompany you?”

  His grin revealed the dimple that rarely graced Landon’s features. “You will assist me in becoming better acquainted with my peers.”

  “Me? I’ve only been thrown to the wolves once, my debut Season. You were fortunate not to have been there. It was a complete disaster.”

  Landon’s dimple deepened at her response. Damn the man; he had managed to crack her cool exterior. Why was he so determined that she participate in the Season? Was he intent on marrying her off? Landon had mentioned he had set aside a modest dowry for her. It was impressive how he had managed to fatten the estate coffers within such a short period. Her cousin was not averse to hard work and had used his personal funds to invest in some lucrative ventures. They proved successful, resulting in his amassing a small fortune worthy of the Hadfield title.

  “Theo, you will accompany us to town come Monday. I’ll hear no more excuses as to why you should remain here in the country. Am I clear?”

  As if she was swallowing toads, she answered, “Yes, cousin.”

  Theo fought the urge to fidget as Landon’s gaze raked over her. He eyed her haphazard coiffure. Would he notice her raven-colored hair was now streaked with lighter strands due to the hours spent outdoors practicing?

  Her mourning clothes sagged in places where her body had reduced as a result of her training regimen. She ran her hand over the well-worn material. The nervous reaction drew Landon’s attention closer to her garments.

  Landon sighed. “I will ensure you are both outfitted with new wardrobes.”
>
  Aunt Henrietta chimed in, “Landon, you will escort us to the theater—balls and such—will you not? As the patriarch, it is now your duty.”

  “Mama, I will be busy in town. I still have a law practice to run with Christopher in conjunction with all the estate matters.”

  Her aunt’s nostrils flared. “Christopher is quite capable of running the practice without you. You now have other responsibilities. One of them is to find a wife and produce an heir.”

  Theo lowered her gaze to the floor in an attempt to avoid her aunt’s attention. However, Aunt Henrietta had not forgotten her. “And you, my girl, will accompany me into town. We shall set out after we break our fast on Monday.”

  Not having grown up with a mama, Theo hungrily sought out Aunt Henrietta’s opinion and favor. Her aunt had willingly taken on the parental role and treated Theo as one of her own children. Theo was extremely grateful, for it allowed her to relinquish the management of the household and gained her the freedom to train.

  Raising her eyes to meet her aunt’s, Theo said, “If that is what you wish, Aunt Henri.”

  Upon hearing Theo’s agreement, her aunt smiled and clapped her hands together. “Now that is settled, who would like a cup of tea?”

  Now was her opportunity to escape. “If you will excuse me, I think I will go outdoors and take advantage of the clean country air while I can.”

  As Theo made her way to the door, Landon ordered, “Don’t stay out too long. You will need to start preparing for your departure. Monday will be here before you know.”

  Midstride, Theo turned, and nodded. I have three days to plan and prepare.

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  Also by Rachel Ann Smith