At the Spy's Pleasure

by Tina Gabrielle

  She was addling his brains. Making him weak and vulnerable at a time when he needed all his wits.

  His voice hardened along with his resolve. “Simon Marbury is no good. It’s not just his sexual proclivities; he has no qualms about illegal activities,” he ground out.

  “If what you say is true, then why on earth would you do business with him?” she demanded.

  “It was a necessity, dammit.” A sudden thin chill hung on the edge of his words.

  She flinched at the tone of his voice, but instead of being cowed, her eyes flashed in her heart-shaped face and her spine stiffened. He should be used to Jane’s stubborn determination by now. Her chest rose and fell in agitated breaths, and all he could think about was the alabaster smoothness of her exposed skin.

  “How long have you known all this about Simon?”

  “Since Lady Olivia’s engagement ball.”

  She paled, and he immediately regretted his words. The ball was the first time he’d found her list and learned that Jane actively sought a lover. The first time he’d learned of her interest in Simon.

  He should have lied, at the least answered vaguely, but once again she’d distracted him. Just sitting next to her in the carriage set his nerve endings on fire. She was too intelligent not to piece things together and catch his mistake. Too late, he knew what she was thinking before she spoke.

  “You used me. All this time, you used me.” Her accusing voice stabbed the air.

  He attempted ignorance. “What are you talking about?”

  “You needed a reason to engage Simon, didn’t you? I must have been a very convenient means of doing so. You pried me for information about Simon’s whereabouts and you showed up everywhere. Our ride in Hyde Park, the theatre…even Vauxhall Gardens.” Her lips thinned with anger.

  “I didn’t want to. I tried to talk you into removing his name from your foolish list, remember?”

  Her beautiful brown eyes blazing, she faced him furiously. “You wanted me to replace him with you!”

  “You should have listened.”

  She glowered at him across the seat.

  He reached out to touch her shoulder. Her skin was soft and inviting. “Jane, I never lied about wanting you.”

  She recoiled. “Don’t touch me! Everything about you is a lie. You used me to cover up your clandestine search of Simon’s study tonight.”

  “I wouldn’t have needed to if you hadn’t interrupted,” he pointed out. “I would have been long gone before Simon arrived.”

  “Fine! Blame me. I could have helped you if I knew what you were about.”

  “I already told you that I’m not at liberty to reveal the truth,” he said tensely.

  “What else are you not at liberty to reveal? What’s real about you, Gareth Ramsey. Was our affair calculated as well?”

  He caught the flash of pain in her face and experienced an unfamiliar ache in his chest. “It wasn’t like that.”

  The carriage slowed to a stop and go pace. From the driver’s shouts, Gareth knew they were stuck in traffic. Jane shifted toward the door and reached for the door handle.

  “What are you doing?” he growled.

  “Leaving.”

  “Don’t be stupid. We’re two blocks from your home.”

  He grasped her by the waist and pulled her onto his lap. He realized his mistake when her lush derriere cushioned his thighs. Lust shot through him with the force of a shot. His heart thundered.

  “Don’t you dare!” Her voice was laced with panic, not anger, and he knew she felt the heat leap between them. The more she struggled in his lap the more his manhood throbbed.

  “Make no mistake, Jane. This is real between us.”

  She pushed against him. “Don’t touch me,” she hissed. “I’d be better off with Simon. At least with him, I’d know exactly what he’d want from me.”

  Possessiveness raged with animal instinct. He wanted to push her down on the carriage bench, lift her skirts, and thrust into her body. To mark her. Brand her as his.

  The carriage came to a stop before her home. He released her, and she scrambled off his lap.

  “Don’t do anything foolish,” he said.

  Her skewering look was like a punch to his gut. “I already have.”

  Not waiting for the footman, Jane opened the carriage door and left him.

  …

  This couldn’t be happening to her. Not again.

  Jane’s stomach clenched as she entered the town house. As was customary when she stayed out late, Graves had left a low burning lamp on the vestibule table, and she made her way up the stairs to her bedchamber. Not bothering to wake her maid, Jane collapsed on her bed in her beautiful gown. She was exhausted. The despair she had been holding in check crashed down upon her like an ocean wave. Tears welled within her eyes and slid down her cheeks.

  She was a fool. She’d fallen in love with Gareth Ramsey only to learn he was not what he’d seemed.

  Charles had done the same thing. He’d covered up his gambling habits for the first year of their marriage. She knew he liked his clubs and the race track, but she believed he enjoyed the camaraderie of his peers. Her father, the earl, had spent hours at White’s and Brooke’s. Mother had always told her men needed their clubs to be happy.

  But then Charles had started spending more and more time away from home. She’d spent hours waiting up for him until she’d been exhausted and had fallen asleep in the parlor chairs. He’d grown distant and agitated. She hadn’t suspected money problems until six months later when she was at the dressmakers. The modiste had pursed her lips and mentioned an outstanding bill. Shocked, Jane had gone home to find Charles in the study huddled over a household ledger. He’d been angry when she mentioned the dressmaker and forbidden her to go to the modiste’s shop. She’d quickly switched dressmakers.

  He’d denied money problems. She’d believed him at first because she desperately wanted to believe.

  Stupid Jane.

  Was what had happened tonight any different? Gareth had lied to her. His story of a secret organization and underhanded business practices with Simon made no sense. Her days of naivety were over. Only this time, it hurt much, much worse. Her heart ached even more than it had after Charles’s suicide.

  Because she loved Gareth. Truly loved him.

  Only to be betrayed by him.

  And that was the bitterest emotion of all.

  …

  The exclusive gambling hall in Pall Mall was known for its wealthy clientele and attractive female croupiers. One could count on high stakes play and elegant suppers from a renowned French chef. It was also known for its aged whiskey, fine cigars, and private gambling and billiard rooms.

  The proprietor spotted Gareth as soon as he entered the establishment. A few words were spoken, and Gareth left the main floor and headed down a hallway toward the back of the building where the private rooms were located. Not bothering to knock, Gareth opened the last door.

  Daniel Forster stood by a snooker table, racking ivory balls on the green felt. He didn’t bother to turn to the door when Gareth entered.

  “You’re late,” Daniel said.

  “You’ll forget it when you see what I have.” Gareth pulled a paper from his coat pocket and handed it to Daniel.

  Daniel’s brow rose as he scanned the contents. “This is exactly what we’ve been looking for.”

  Gareth selected a cue stick from a wall rack. “I recognize many of the names. White, Bowen, Fitzwilliam.”

  “They’re all prominent members of the army.” Daniel walked around the table, the light from the brace of candles reflecting off his ruby signet ring. “Many were highly decorated after Waterloo. All of them are currently employed as military inspectors of weapons and cannons.”

  Gareth studied the ivory balls. “Money has a tendency to corrupt even the most honorable.”

  Daniel’s gaze sharpened. “You retrieved this from Simon Marbury’s home?”

  “I did.”

&
nbsp; For an instant, Gareth pictured Jane standing in the doorway of Simon’s study. Golden curls framed her lovely face, confusion furrowed her brow, and her breasts rose and fell in agitation. Even though he had insisted she immediately leave, her stubborn nature had prevailed. He’d acted as swiftly as he could when Simon had interrupted by tossing her onto the desk and kissing her. Thankfully, Simon had believed the ruse of a passionate encounter. But if he hadn’t, Gareth would never have forgiven himself if she had been harmed.

  Daniel was watching him closely. If his friend sensed a fraction of Gareth’s inner turmoil, he didn’t mention it.

  Daniel set the paper on the corner of the snooker table. “Excellent work. You discerned how the inferior cannons are manufactured with the cheaper phosphorous infused iron. You identified the corrupt military inspectors.”

  Gareth took a shot with his cue stick, and the crack of ivory balls rent the air. Three landed in side pockets. “What’s next?”

  “The Home Office will look into the inspectors. Then we can finally deal with Marbury.”

  “When can we arrest Simon?”

  “We can’t. The Crown doesn’t want an arrest or a public trial.”

  Gareth looked up sharply. “What the hell do you mean?”

  “The King knighted the father and declared him a hero. An arrest and trial would be a disaster,” Daniel confessed. “The newspapers will print all the unsavory details and the scandal will demoralize the army. There’s even a fear that citizens may riot.”

  Gareth glowered at Daniel. “Simon Marbury has to be punished.” He’d be damned if he’d allow Simon to escape unscathed. The Crown owed every soldier who was unfairly wounded by Simon’s defective cannons justice.

  “Simon Marbury will be given a choice: exile to the Continent or imprisonment.”

  “It’s not much of a choice, is it? I suspect he’ll leave straightway,” Gareth drawled.

  Daniel nodded curtly. “I don’t like it either. After meeting Private Stevens, I want Simon drawn and quartered.” He leaned against the snooker table. “How has Stevens turned out for you?”

  Gareth thought of the wounded private. “He’s intelligent and conscientious. I’ve gained an invaluable legal clerk.”

  Daniel let out a breath. “At least something good has come of it.”

  Gareth took another shot, this time managing to pocket two more balls. “What will become of old man Marbury? The company?”

  Daniel shrugged. “Sir Marbury is in ill heath. There’s no sense questioning him or even informing him of his son’s illegal activities. As for the company, it will most likely be liquidated by the Crown after his death.”

  “Good. At least Simon won’t be able to touch the money. But I want the satisfaction of informing him of his fate,” Gareth said.

  Daniel grinned. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. You deserve the honor.”

  “You should know there was a slight complication during my search for the list,” Gareth said. Obligation required he tell Daniel all the unforeseen compilations during a mission.

  “Such as?”

  “Lady Stanwell walked in as I was rummaging through Marbury’s study. Thereafter, Simon found both of us together.”

  “You’re kidding? Does Lady Stanwell know you took the list?” Daniel asked.

  “She knows I took something. We distracted Simon as to my true intent.”

  Daniel’s mouth curled mockingly. “I can only imagine how you accomplished that feat. Did you tell the lady about your mission?”

  Annoyance pierced Gareth’s spine. “Of course not. I told her I work for an organization. That’s all.”

  Gareth could feel Daniel’s sharp eyes boring into him across the snooker table. “You’re torn about it.”

  A muscle ticked at Gareth’s jaw, and he set down the stick. “I didn’t tell her, dammit.”

  “You care for the lady. Don’t bother to deny it.”

  Gareth knew Daniel had a right to ask and a right to be concerned, but nonetheless his temper flared. “What if I do?”

  “Can you ensure her silence until we gather a case against the military inspectors and Simon Marbury is forced out of the country?” Daniel said.

  “Yes.”

  Gareth hoped so. He needed to see Jane. And not just to ensure her silence. He didn’t like the way things were left between them. He didn’t like the hurt expression on her face just before she fled his carriage.

  “Good,” Daniel said.

  Beneath Daniel’s keen gaze, Gareth had the distinct impression his friend knew not all was good or fine.

  Daniel crossed to a desk and placed the list in a drawer. “The list is evidence, but the mission isn’t over. Until then you will have to continue to mislead her.”

  Gareth nodded tersely. What was the matter with him? It shouldn’t pose a problem. It should be easy. He’d done it countless times before.

  But he’d never cared about another before either. None had silky blond hair and big brown eyes. Nor had they driven him crazy with the scent of lavender soap, lush, kissable lips, and fantastic breasts.

  Daniel stepped close and clasped Gareth’s shoulder. “Remain steadfast, Gareth. We’re very close.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “I’ve misjudged a man. Again.” Jane said.

  Olivia halted and turned to Jane. “What are you talking about?”

  They were walking down Bond Street after spending two hours at the dressmakers for Olivia’s final fittings. Olivia’s maid and footman trailed behind, carrying hat and shoe boxes and numerous packages from their shopping excursion. Jane had been unusually quiet at the dressmakers, and she finally had a chance to talk to Olivia when her servants were far enough away not to overhear.

  “Gareth is not who he seems,” Jane said.

  Olivia eyed her curiously. “Of course he is. He’s the son of Baron Suffolk and a barrister. He’s a man who’s wildly attracted to you.”

  Jane blinked, feeling utterly miserable. “Those facts may be true, but it’s not who he truly is.”

  “You’re speaking in riddles.”

  “Keep walking.” Jane took Olivia’s arm and prodded her onward down the street. “I don’t wish to draw unwanted attention.”

  “You’re being ridiculous,” Olivia said, but she continued strolling arm in arm with Jane.

  Anguish seared Jane’s heart. “I don’t know the entire truth myself. All I can say is I’ve made a grave error by once again falling in love with the wrong man.”

  Jane decided not to discuss the details of what had occurred in Simon’s library with Olivia. She still didn’t understand everything that had occurred herself, but some innate sense told her to keep the knowledge secret. Which was ridiculous, really. Had Gareth trusted her enough to tell her the truth?

  Olivia stopped in the middle of the street, and pulled Jane into a nearby shop. The shop’s bells chimed as the door closed behind them. Jane was too stunned to protest as the pungent aroma of oolong and green tea filled the space. She found herself by a table stacked with colorful tins of loose leaf tea. The proprietor of the teashop was behind the counter assisting another customer. Olivia smiled, waved, and feigned interest in a tin.

  “You’re in love with Mr. Ramsey?” Olivia said softly.

  A flash of loneliness stabbed at Jane. “I tried so hard not to fall in love, but it seems I’m weak natured,” she said in a broken whisper. She picked up a random tin of tea, only to notice it was a medicinal blend for melancholy.

  Perfect, she mused.

  Olivia’s sympathetic look made Jane’s spirits sink even lower. “Oh, Jane. You’re not weak natured, you’re a wonderful, loving person.”

  “I’m a fool,” Jane said bitterly.

  “What you need is to continue shopping. Nothing helps a lady deal with her difficulties more than a new bonnet,” Olivia said, her face lighting as if she had found the solution to Jane’s problems.

  Jane couldn’t help but smile. Everything had alw
ays been so simple for Olivia. “No more shopping for me today. I’m quite exhausted.”

  Olivia frowned. “There are circles under your eyes.”

  “I’ve been fatigued of late,” Jane admitted.

  “Have the nightmares returned?”

  “Thankfully, no.” She hadn’t suffered from the gory images of Charles’s suicide since she’d been intimate with Gareth. Looking back, she’d rarely thought of Charles at all over the past several weeks.

  “Are you coming down with an illness?” Olivia pressed her hand on Jane’s forehead like a concerned mother.

  “No. It’s simply from lack of sleep,” Jane reassured her.

  “Over Mr. Ramsey?”

  “I suppose.”

  She didn’t want to admit she’d cried herself to sleep most nights since her estrangement from Gareth. She never felt this fatigued when she’d sneaked out of her house and spent her nights in his bed. To the contrary, she’d never felt more alive than in Gareth’s arms.

  Don’t think of it!

  “Will you give him a second chance?” Olivia asked.

  Jane lowered her eyes, feeling utterly miserable. “To what end?” Olivia bit her lip, and guilt pierced Jane’s breast. “I’m so sorry, Olivia. Your wedding is next week and I’m burdening you with my problems.”

  A sudden blush like a shadow spread across Olivia’s fair cheeks. “Ah, Jane…about the wedding—”

  Jane’s gaze snapped to her friend. “Don’t tell me Edward has had second thoughts?” she said sharply.

  “No! Nothing like that,” Olivia protested.

  “Then what?”

  Olivia hesitated for a heartbeat. “Edward has chosen Mr. Ramsey to be his witness for the wedding.”

  Jane flinched. “Please tell me you’re jesting.”

  Olivia swallowed with difficulty and shook her head.

  “I see.” Jane’s heart thumped madly, and she struggled to keep her tone light.

  Olivia had already selected Jane to be a witness, and as such, she would be forced to be in Gareth’s presence at the ceremony and wedding breakfast. She hadn’t seen him since she’d fled his carriage the night of the Marbury ball.