The Spy Who Loved Her: Once Upon an Accident, Book 3

by Melissa Schroeder

  He gave the young viscount a measured look. “Ah, but Lady Anna is considered a close family friend. Indeed, her mother and mine are bosom pals.”

  “Indeed, Lord Bridgerton. I would be happy to share this dance.”

  Her cool tone caught his attention. When he looked at her, he saw a look in her eyes that told him she knew Sebastian had ordered him over there.

  “You honor me.”

  He took her hand and rested it on his as he guided them through the crowd. She said nothing as he pulled her into his arms and whisked her into the waltz.

  Anna ordered her heart to stop beating so hard. Surely everyone could hear even over the musicians. She had known the moment Daniel had come upon her group. She had done everything to calm herself down, but nothing seemed to work. It was an embarrassing situation. The one man she seemed to be interested in was the one man she could not stand.

  “No comment for me, My Lady Poppet?”

  Oh, she hated that name. It had been his name for her from the moment Sebastian had brought him home one day on break from Eton. She had loved it at first. What girl would not? Daniel was a charming man, graced with a type of Adonis beauty that belied his true personality. His brown hair had been a bit overgrown and his golden eyes had always been kind.

  When she had come to town, she had been so sure he would treat her with the proper respect. It was her fault she allowed her girlish dreams to build a fantasy that would never come true. She had expected her playmate, a man who could always make her smile no matter how horrible of a day she had. Instead, he had been distant and they had slipped into a strange sort of argumentative friendship. They could rarely be in each other’s presence without a fight ensuing. The truth had crushed her usually exuberant spirit. He thought of her as nothing but a poppet, a child, and always would.

  No matter how many times she told herself to ignore him, she could not stop the way her body reacted. It was most unsettling. Still, she would not back down, because he would know that he had gotten to her. She willed herself to look into his eyes and knew the moment their gazes locked, it had been a mistake. Heat flared low in her tummy, feathering out over her body.

  Oh, bother.

  To save herself from embarrassment, she focused on a point over his shoulder.

  “I know you are doing this for Sebastian.”

  “Indeed?”

  Even without seeing his expression, she knew he had raised one eyebrow. The condescension was easy to hear. But she would know even without that. She knew everything about him. His moods, his expressions, his faults, and even knowing all of that, she still loved him. Or had. Her fantasy had been shattered when she had made it to town. Then she had realized that the façade she had believed in never truly existed. But that was just one of many fumbles she had made in her first years in town.

  She brushed her thoughts aside and concentrated on finishing the dance.

  “Your brother is worried.”

  Of course, how could she forget? He would never ask her to dance if her brother had not asked him to.

  She huffed out a sigh. “He has become a worrywart.”

  Daniel laughed. It was a sound she did not hear often anymore and even as she cursed it, her heart warmed at the sound. “Yes. I will say from the moment he married, your brother changed.”

  She glanced up at him sharply, studying his features. “But for the better.”

  He looked down at her and the breath tangled in her throat. She could not help it. His pretty looks were renowned in the ton. She had known even before coming to town that women were drawn to him. Thick light brown hair, those dark golden brown eyes with thick, dark lashes, not to mention his calculating wit and solid physique, attracted most women. Unfortunately, she had been one of those women and it did not seem she had freed herself of the affliction.

  “Agreed. I would never have thought it, but Sebastian definitely flourishes in the realm of married life.”

  “I assumed that is why you were made to dance attendance tonight.”

  He frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I understood from my mother that your mother wants you to settle down.”

  He grimaced and she laughed. Her brother had worn that look more than once before meeting Colleen.

  “Yes. My mother rang peal over me again claiming I am a doddering old fool who must marry.”

  “The problem would be finding a woman who would marry you.”

  He smiled and she tried to ignore the way her heart skipped.

  “True. But my mother assures me there is any number of young ladies who would be interested.”

  Her heart squeezed at the thought of him marrying some debutant. She knew it would come to this one day. He would have to marry, being the only son. But still, there was a twinge of pain when she thought of him marrying some faceless, brainless debutant.

  “Ow.”

  She realized she was squeezing his hand. “Do forgive me.”

  “I am assuming you are here for the same reason?”

  She snorted at the suggestion. “I think not. Mother thought it important that I attend, being family. Apparently, Cicely still worries about being accepted within certain circles.”

  “I daresay she will never have a problem, especially with the title of duchess and after providing the duke with an heir.”

  Anna nodded and glanced fleetingly at her cousin. Three years earlier, the radiant beauty had been a wallflower more comfortable with her books than people. Falling in love with Douglas had changed that, although she was the same sweet woman.

  “We know that, but Cicely does not. You understand.”

  He did of course because Daniel was as close as family, closer in a lot of ways that most of the ton did not know. He knew the rumors about Cicely, knew the truth of them. She knew there was not much her brother did not share with him.

  “Your mother used that to get you out tonight?”

  She made a face. “Partially, because she knows I would do anything to help my cousins. She also thinks that my choice in activities is not good.”

  “I have to disagree.”

  That surprised her and some of what she thought must have shown on her face.

  “Why do you look so astonished?”

  “You disagree with my mother?”

  He inclined his head. “While I am not sure exactly what they are, your brother said something about the orphanage? You enjoy it. You do good work knowing you. I have to admire that.”

  A warm glow of excitement rolled through her. Most of the men of their class thought of her activity as a waste of time. Only her brother and sister-in-law seemed to think it a worthy cause.

  “Still, I can also understand your mother wanting you to get married. Can you not continue your activities and be married?”

  She shook her head. “Some men might not have a problem with it. That is not what holds me back. I decided three years ago that I would not marry. It isn’t for me.”

  The music ended. They stopped dancing but Daniel did not release her. The world fell away, the chattering debutants, the clink of glasses, even the people who stepped around them to leave the dance floor. Heat gathered in her tummy as she stared up into his eyes. Something changed, darkened the gold. She felt the need to move away from that look, from her own need to believe in it, but at the same time, she wanted to step closer, feel his arms wrap around her, pulling her against his body. Every bit of moisture dried up in her mouth as her breasts grew heavy. He stepped closer, leaning his head closer to hers.

  “The music is done, Bridgerton. Move along.”

  Lord Smythe’s nasty voice sliced through the spell they both seemed to have fallen under. Daniel dropped her hand and stepped away. The look he shot Smythe probably would have made most men run away in terror…and Smythe practically did that as he scurried off the floor with his dance partner. Daniel drew in a deep breath and offered her his arm. Tentatively, she placed her hand on it. Daniel easily guided her through the crowd back to thei
r mothers and the gaggle of men who seemed destined to irritate her. Daniel bowed over her hand.

  “Thank you for the dance, Lady Anna,” he said, his voice deepening on her name. Wet heat slid through her.

  She nodded but could say nothing. Her mind was still spinning, her body yearning to be near him again. He turned quickly, but not before she saw him give both their mothers an almost imperceptible nod.

  A sharp shard of pain pricked her heart. She had known that he had been doing it as a favor to her brother, but seeing him acknowledge it in front of her was humiliating. No one else seemed to notice as the conversation flowed around her. She smiled and pretended to listen to the men. But really, how could she pay attention to men who talked more of themselves than anyone or anything else. Surreptitiously, she watched Daniel as he made his way through the crowd, smiling and greeting acquaintances.

  “I do believe you will have a bang up time,” Viscount Addison said.

  It took her a moment to realize he was talking to her. “Excuse me?”

  “The house party my father is having. Your mother said you would be happy to attend.”

  It took every bit of her control not to scream, but anger swept through her. Her mother knew she particularly was not interested in Viscount Addison. He was but three and twenty, one year older than she.

  But as she turned to cut her mother a look, she saw Daniel in a heated discussion with Lady Joanna. Odd, since the lady in question was still in mourning. But the woman had never worried about society dictates.

  “Seems that Bridgerton is having problems with his new lady love,” Lord Greenwood said.

  She looked at him, showing him her displeasure. But before she could tell him just how much he’d irritated her, Addison said, “Greenwood, really. There is a lady present.”

  Greenwood flushed. “I beg your pardon.”

  She nodded.

  “I say, Lady Anna, would you care to take in some fresh air?” Addison asked.

  Thankful for what he had done, and not the least bit worried about him, she accepted.

  But as they walked toward the French doors, she watched Daniel slip out the ballroom doors with Lady Joanna.

  Chapter Three

  “Are you positive of the name?” Daniel asked, his mind turning over the news Jo had dropped in his lap.

  She nodded and settled back against the seat of the carriage. “Jack ferreted it out. Duchovny, from two sources. And you know his leads are always right.”

  As he mulled over the information she had just given him, he studied his aunt by marriage. The tell-tale flush of excitement brightened her face. These last few months she had been more than a little preoccupied with finding her husband’s killer. Now that she apparently had a name, she would become impossible to deal with.

  “I don’t want you going after this man. Not until we know for sure.”

  “I do not work for you.”

  Her tone was sharp, her eyes narrowed. Daniel knew she felt she failed her husband. But truthfully, if he hadn’t seen it coming, no one could have. He was one of the best in the business.

  “I understand your frustration, but do not go overboard. We cannot have you exposed.”

  She said nothing as she turned to look out the window.

  “Jo.”

  She snuck a look at him. “I agree. And the man isn’t here.”

  “Where is he?”

  “The Americas from what we gather. There is talk he is due back here later this year.”

  “You cannot kill him when we find him.”

  One sculpted eyebrow rose. “Indeed?”

  “Not until we know who hired him.”

  She cast her eyes heavenward. “You act as if I have never run an operation. Your uncle trained me well.”

  “Then once we know, we decide what to do with him.”

  She crossed her arms and said nothing.

  “Joanna, it is my right as his nephew.”

  “Great-nephew. And I think that I have more of a right as his widow.”

  He heard the pain, knew she still mourned her husband. Society had painted her as a cold woman, one who took her nephew as a lover within days of her husband’s death. Nothing could be further from the truth.

  True, forty years had separated his uncle and aunt, but they’d had an admiration for one another. He had seen them together, had witnessed their glances, their ability to finish each other’s sentences. The day of his uncle’s death was a blur, all for one defining memory. The stoic Lady Joanna, a woman who rarely showed much emotion, had collapsed into heart-wrenching sobs. It was the only time he had seen her so vulnerable. For that alone, he would happily hunt down his murderer and make him cry before he killed the bastard.

  “Let’s decide that when we find him.”

  She hesitated, then nodded.

  With nothing else to discuss, he settled his head against the back of his seat. He was tired and sore. That Russian had beat the living hell out of him. He hated to admit it, but the ball had given him a reason to retire early, thanks to Joanna arriving with her news.

  “She’s very beautiful.”

  He didn’t open his eyes. “Who?”

  “Lady Anna.”

  The amusement in her voice forced him to crack his eyes open. He could see her smirk even in the dim carriage.

  “I think most people would agree with you.”

  She chuckled. “But I think you in particular.”

  Uncomfortable with the subject at hand, he feigned indifference and looked out the window. It was dark, she could not really see him, but Jo had an intuition about these types of things. One that he was in no mood to discuss.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, Daniel, it is obvious.”

  Mortification filled him as he sat straighter. The only way to fight this was to ignore her comment. “Do you have any idea where this poisoner is?”

  “America. I told you that.”

  “Where in America?”

  She shrugged. “We are not really sure where, although Jack thinks he might be on the eastern coast.”

  She smiled, one that filled her face and reminded him just why his uncle had married her. She was an incomparable beauty. Not that she was much prettier than most other women, but there was something so striking about her. Dark raven hair, brown eyes and a skin tone that made you think of foreign lands. She turned heads wherever she went. She stunned a man with her beauty while gaining his secrets. It was her specialty.

  “I see Lady Anna a lot down in the White Chapel area.”

  That had his complete attention. “What do you mean?”

  “She comes to that foundling home to work. I am sure you have heard her talk about it.”

  “But no decent woman would be seen down there.” The moment he said it, he realized his faux pas. Joanna had grown up in the area and frequently visited family and friends down there. His face heated.

  “Oh, stop looking so embarrassed. I know what you mean. But Lady Anna is…different.”

  “By going into one of the worst slums of London? I cannot think what Sebastian is thinking letting her wander around there.” In fact, he was surprised Sebastian did not order her away from the area. Anna had been right. Sebastian had gotten a bit overprotective in the last few years.

  “Oh, stop being so pompous. You sound like Simon.”

  Normally, being compared to his arrogant younger cousin would upset him, but he paid no attention to her comment. “No wonder her mother is beside herself. What can the chit be thinking?”

  “She is no longer a young girl. I think she is old enough to make her own decisions. She is definitely more mature than she was just a few years ago. Besides, I actually find it admirable.”

  That caught his attention. “What do you mean?”

  “Most women of her class would show up at the holidays, hand out some gifts or give money. Lady Anna is committed to those children. She is known throughout the neighborhood. She even helps working girls find a bett
er way of life.”

  The image of Anna surrounded by a horde of pox-ridden whores sent a shiver of ice through his blood. Good God! Her mother had every right to worry about what she was doing.

  “Oh, I can see it on your face you disapprove. But it is my understanding that she has come into her fortune and there is not much any man can do to stop her.”

  “That is utterly ridiculous.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

  “What?”

  “Allowing women of her class to go running around in control of their money.”

  Jo sniffed. “I do just fine.”

  “Yes, well, you have a background to help you, and Harold taught you how to handle money. Anna is not the type of woman that would be able to handle such things.”

  The carriage came to a stop in front of her townhouse. For a moment she said nothing. “I think that you have some misconceptions about Lady Anna. She is truly not the girl you knew, and she is definitely not the woman you knew three years ago.”

  “I have known the chit since she was in the schoolroom. There isn’t much I don’t know about her.”

  Including that she still held a tendre for the man who had attempted to seduce her and plotted to kill her cousin. He had not known for sure before he had looked in her eyes tonight. He heard it in her voice, knew that she thought it impossible to love again. She had still not let go of the man she had thought the scoundrel to be. It was no wonder she was not looking for a husband for she was still holding onto a memory.

  Jo patted him on the knee much as his mother would. It was odd because she was two years his junior, but she seemed wise beyond her years. Her life before and after her marriage to his uncle had given her that. He still did not know if she would ever be able to move on until they found his killer.

  “I will let you know what else Jack finds out about our Russian.”

  He studied her for a moment. Even in the dim light he saw the dark circles beneath her eyes, the weariness in her expression. “He was lucky to have you for a wife, Jo.”

  She smiled, but this time it was tinged with sadness. “Not lucky enough.”