by Regina Scott
Julian reddened. “Lord Hastings asked you to assist in a matter that concerns the security of our nation. We cannot allow a French agent to escape.”
“Then catch the agent,” Gregory said, turning away. “My duty is to my household.”
“Your duty is to England,” Julian argued, following him. “Or do you forget the oath of loyalty you swore to the King when you ascended to the title?”
Gregory pulled up to face him. “Of course not. But there must be another way.”
“I could request the local militia to surround your estate,” Julian offered, “but one man could easily slip through. Making Miss de Maupassant more visible would be more effective.”
“For you,” Gregory said.
Julian nodded to where Yvette was bending closer to Gregory’s mother, cheeks pink from her exertions. “She’s tougher than you know. She watched her family die. She served as a drudge to her cousin, surviving his taunts and blows. She sat beside Empress Josephine at one point, always capturing information she could send to England. She wouldn’t balk if I asked this of her.”
Very likely not. Already he’d seen the strength in her in the way she dealt with his mother and sister. “Then let it be her decision,” Gregory said. “I will abide by her wishes.”
~~~
Meredith stood by the countess, arms feeling empty without Fortune in them. Lady Carrolton’s maid, Ada, had promised to look after her pet so Meredith could join more fully in the activities of the house party. She should be watching the game or conversing with the countess, but her gaze kept going to Julian.
He had always been handsome and engaging. She’d been enamored of him for years before he noticed she wasn’t a child anymore. A decade had tempered the boyish grin into something stronger, a smile that turned her insides to jelly when he looked her way. Now his face was stern as he argued some point with the earl. By all accounts, he was an excellent solicitor, well gifted in persuasion. Look how easily he had persuaded her that he still cared.
How would he react if he knew the truth?
She refused to shudder and alert those around her to the turmoil that thought engendered. Lady Winhaven’s fortune had come at a price. If Julian knew about the scandal, would he still feel inclined to court her?
She made herself smile as he and the earl strode up to them. But he did not address her, turning instead to Yvette.
“Miss French,” he said, as if she were no more than the companion she played, “I am helping the earl consider whether to press charges against this charlatan who endangered Lady Carrolton’s health. I’d like to ask you a few questions.” He bowed to the countess. “With your kind permission, of course, your ladyship.”
The countess hitched her lap robes closer. “You should be asking me the questions, sir. I was the one poisoned.” She coughed for good measure.
“Ah, but your description this morning at breakfast was so thorough,” Julian said smoothly, “that I find I only have questions of a nature that you might find personal.”
Her eyes lit. “Personal?”
Yvette patted her shoulder. “It is nothing, your ladyship. I will only be a moment.”
The countess muttered, but Julian and Gregory led Yvette a little ways away.
“Well?” the countess demanded of Meredith. “Don’t just stand there. I’m stuck in this chair, but you can move. Draw closer so you can hear what they’re saying, then report all to me.”
She ought to refuse, but, truth be told, she was curious as well. With a nod to the countess, she edged nearer.
“So, he is here, my cousin,” Yvette was saying. “How can you chase him into the light?”
Cousin? He must be the French agent Harry had feared would come after Yvette. That he had been confirmed in the area sent a chill through her.
“That’s just it,” Julian said. “The only way to capture him is to draw him out of hiding. I know I cautioned you to stay in the background, but now may be the time to show your hand. He’ll try to attack, and we’ll catch him.”
Meredith gasped. Julian glanced her way, brows up in surprise. Which shocked him more, that she would eavesdrop or that she would disapprove of his monstrous plan? She stalked up to them.
“Refuse,” she told Yvette. “You do not owe them your life.”
“But I do,” Yvette said with a sad smile. “I would not be free if Harry and Mr. Mayes had not come for me.”
“Nevertheless,” the earl said, gaze on Yvette, “I cannot like this. What sort of gentleman puts a woman in danger?”
“What sort indeed?” Meredith said with a look to Julian.
His face didn’t soften. “The sort who understands that sacrifices must be made for the greater good.”
“Easy to say,” Meredith retorted. “You’re never the one to sacrifice.”
“Peace,” Yvette said, reaching out one hand to Julian and the other to Meredith. “It is my decision, and I agree with Mr. Mayes. It is more important that we capture my cousin before he endangers others. Besides, it will not be so terrible. I will have the earl to protect me.”
Lord Carrolton did not look comforted by this statement.
“And Villers,” Julian said. “I can escort Meredith back to London and alert Lord Hastings. Villers can stay here and lend a hand.”
“C’est parfait,” Yvette declared.
But Meredith could not agree to the perfection of the plan. She’d go with Julian if that was the best for all concerned, but she could not like how this plan endangered Yvette and could endanger the earl and his family. It made her realize how little she knew Julian Mayes.
~~~
“Well?” the countess demanded when Yvette led Meredith back to the lady’s side. Lilith and Mr. Villers had ceased playing and now promenaded along the portico in conversation. Their heads were not as close together as Yvette would have liked, and they did not hold hands, but at least they were being friendly.
She could not say the same of Meredith and Mr. Mayes. The lady had refused to take his arm as they returned to the countess, and he stood stiffly beside the earl where Yvette and Meredith had left them.
“What did they say?” the countess asked, glancing from Meredith to Yvette and back.
“Mr. Mayes believes you will do better without that physician,” Yvette told her. “I agree. You should get out more—driving, to church, to visit friends.”
“Tea,” she proclaimed. “I go every week to visit the Duchess.”
“The Dowager Duchess of Wey,” Meredith explained to Yvette. “Though she may be too busy for a visit at the moment. Her son, His Grace, is marrying a week from today.”
Lady Carrolton reared back. “What? Why haven’t I received an invitation? Lilith! Lilith!” She fumbled with the blankets. “Where is that bell?”
“Safely inside,” Yvette informed her. She was just glad to see Lady Lilith hurrying toward them.
“What is it, Mother? Are you unwell?”
“I am much put out,” her mother declared. “Miss Thorn says Wey is marrying next week.”
Lady Lilith glanced around by way of apology as Mr. Villers joined them, and the earl and Mr. Mayes ventured closer as well.
“Yes,” the earl’s sister said. “We received an invitation. I didn’t think you would want to attend given who he is marrying.” She lowered her voice as if even saying the words was shameful. “His daughters’ governess.”
Meredith’s eyes flashed. “An intelligent, caring, lovely woman. His Grace is quite fortunate.”
“I’d say the fortune will fall on the governess,” Mr. Villers drawled with a chuckle at his own wit. “You are wise to stay away, Lady Lilith.”
The countess pouted. “I want to go. There’s sure to be a fine wedding breakfast.”
Mr. Mayes stepped forward. “And I’m certain His Grace would be distressed if his mother’s dearest friend did not attend. If you doubt you will be strong enough, take Miss French with you.”
What was he doing? It was one thing
to try to force her cousin’s hand here in the quiet of Surrey, where the villain could be contained. But at a wedding? Too many people could be hurt if something went wrong.
The countess raised her chin. “We’ll go. All of us. Gregory can escort us. Wey will expect you at his side. I’m surprised he didn’t ask you to stand up with him.”
“That honor was given to me,” Julian said, inclining his head as if humbled by the request. “And Sir Harold Orwell and his family will be in attendance as well, including your sister, Mr. Villers.”
Villers started.
Lady Lilith turned his way. “Then will you attend, Mr. Villers?”
Yvette could see the struggle in him. He truly disdained this governess who was marrying above her station, yet how could he forego the opportunity to mix with a duke and his friends? She still could not like the idea of attending herself and possibly bringing danger to the wedding party, but she could help Lady Lilith achieve her dream.
“But of course a gentleman of Monsieur Villers’s standing must attend,” Yvette said. “His absence would be remarked upon. And weddings are such pleasurable affairs—the ladies look so lovely; the gentlemen begin to dream of their own brides.”
Lady Lilith cast Mr. Villers a quick glance. “Well, perhaps we should go, for Mother’s sake. The Duchess is a particular friend.”
“Bon. Then you will have no need for my services.”
“Or mine,” the earl put in. “Villers can escort you and Mother.”
His mother frowned. “But Wey will expect you.”
She knew what he was doing. Every thought glowed from that open face. Much as he wanted to wish his friend happy, he would never leave Yvette alone while danger threatened.
Mr. Mayes shook his head. “I know you’re not a social gadfly, old man, but you really must do your duty this time.”
Lord Carrolton shifted on his feet. Just as Mr. Villers was torn between two social strictures, he had been torn between two duties. Mr. Mayes was reminding him of what he considered most important.
“We’ll all go, then,” he said, jaw hardening. “Villers, may I have a word with you?”
Paling, the intelligence agent followed him and Mr. Mayes back to the portico. Lady Lilith gazed after them, sigh so deep it ruffled Yvette’s curls.
“Vibrant,” Yvette whispered, and she straightened and pasted on a smile.
“Now what are they talking about?” the countess demanded.
“Really, Mother,” Lady Lilith remonstrated. “Gentlemen must have a moment to themselves, just as we do.”
“Certainement,” Yvette said, watching them. But she would have given a great deal to know why Mr. Villers looked so uncomfortable with the conversation.
She did not have an opportunity to ask until after dinner. The countess seemed to have recovered her spirits and kept her hopping. Meredith helped, bringing in Fortune. While the cat still made the countess sneeze, Lady Carrolton was amused by her antics and was even persuaded to dangle a bit of lace for the cat to pounce on. Lady Lilith was conspicuous by her absence. Yvette could only hope she was spending time with Mr. Villers.
They all retired to the golden withdrawing room after dinner. The countess, Lady Lilith, and Meredith were conversing politely by the fire with Mr. Mayes. The earl motioned Yvette and Mr. Villers to one side.
“Mr. Villers has agreed to stay when Mr. Mayes escorts Miss Thorn to London tomorrow,” the earl told her. “He is unconcerned about the stranger in the woods.”
Mr. Villers’ smile was overly confident. “I think you have the right of it, Carrolton; it’s just a poacher.”
“I hope so,” the earl said, gaze on his family. “When it comes to the ones I love, I tend to be overprotective.”
Villers paled and excused himself to go stand by Mr. Mayes.
“You are angry with him?” Yvette asked.
The earl raised his brows. “No. I’m more concerned about this situation. You should not be made into a worm on a hook.”
“So long as you catch the fish with me still intact, I will not complain,” Yvette assured him.
“You have every right to complain,” he argued. “I’ve heard stories about how you were treated in France. Abominable.”
It had been. She wasn’t sure why it felt good to hear him acknowledge it. “That life has ended. I must choose a different way. Though I am sorry to tell you that, however this ends, you will still have to find another companion for the countess.”
He closed his eyes with a groan. “Don’t remind me.”
“Ask Meredith. She is determined to find gentlewomen in distress new homes.”
He opened his eyes. “She’s the one who found another position for the last companion. I’m not sure she approves of my household.”
“Your mother and sister are improving.”
“Because of you. I see the difference you make, Yvette. Thank you. I’ve never met anyone like you.”
Warmth danced through her. How pleasant to talk, with no deadly intent, no political positioning, no reason to posture. He made it feel easy, effortless. She could imagine resting her head on that broad chest, his arms wrapping around her, knowing herself safe, treasured, loved.
Her breath caught, and she stepped back. “I should see to the countess.”
Disappointment flickered across his face, but he inclined his head, and she hurried away instead of doing as her heart demanded and throwing herself into his arms.
Chapter Nine
Mr. Mayes, Meredith, and Fortune left the next morning. Yvette went out with the earl, Lady Lilith, and Mr. Villers to see them off. The morning was cool, mist rising from the grass to shine like silver in the air. Fortune cuddled close to Meredith, tail twitching, as if she couldn’t wait for their next adventure. Knowing her cousin could be watching from the woods, Yvette felt more like an archery target, set up in the meadow and expecting the arrow to find her.
The feeling wasn’t unusual. She’d been living under the shadow of discovery for ten years, ever since a dark-haired stranger had spoken to her at a ball given by her cousin. She had been trotted out, all dressed up, to prove Claude was treating her well.
“My condolences on the loss of your family, Mademoiselle de Maupassant,” the fellow had murmured in perfect French as he’d led her through a gavotte. “If you have ever wished for something beyond this narrow existence, I can help.”
She hadn’t been sure what he’d meant, but the scowl on her cousin’s face had said that Claude disliked the fellow, and that had enough to encourage her to further the acquaintance.
At eighteen, she’d thought it highly romantic, meeting at first with the dashing stranger, who had turned out to be Lord Trevithan, England’s top intelligence agent, and later Harry or his men to pass on secrets. This was her way to avenge her parents, to strike back at the indignities heaped upon her. Her work might help topple the tyrant, restore her beloved country to some sense of peace.
But, as the years went by, her position had become ever more precarious. Once she had been presented at court, her cousin pushed her forward, knowing that where she was accepted, he would be also. Every time she sent word to Harry, she’d felt a dozen pairs of eyes watching. Each smile, each movement, was calculated. The stress had been her undoing. She still wasn’t sure what had alerted her cousin, but he’d discovered her deception and imprisoned her in Calais. Now that she had escaped the punishment he intended for her, he would look for every opportunity to recapture her. She shivered just thinking about what would happen if he succeeded in dragging her back to France.
As Mr. Mayes’s carriage took him and Meredith off, the earl reached out and settled Yvette’s shawl higher on her shoulders, fingers brushing her neck. The second shiver had nothing to do with her cousin. She wanted to lean into the earl, feel that strength around her. A shame she could do no more than play the companion. But friends had proven fickle before, family fallible. She did not trust easily now.
“I think I’ll avail myself of
your excellent stable,” Mr. Villers announced as they turned for the house. “Care to join me for a ride, Carrolton?”
Lady Lilith had brightened at his words, until he invited her brother instead of her. Face darkening, she turned and swept up the steps to the house. The earl frowned after her, but Mr. Villers seemed oblivious.
“I must return to my duties,” Yvette told them. She bobbed a courtesy, as might be expected, and climbed the steps, fully aware that both men were watching her.
“How do you do that?” Lady Lilith demanded. She was waiting just inside the double doors, as if ready to pounce. “Mr. Villers couldn’t take his eyes off you, and he didn’t even think to invite me to ride.”
Yvette suspected the ride had more to do with checking the area around the house than pleasure. All the more reason not to include Lady Lilith. But she could not tell her that.
Instead, she looked her up and down. “You are determined to capture his attention, then.”
She nodded eagerly.
“Then I suggest some changes. We will collect your mother and see what can be done.”
Ada had already dressed the countess for the day and brought her breakfast. Lady Carrolton looked up with equal eagerness from the chair near the hearth in the sitting room as Yvette and her daughter entered her suite.
“What’s happened?” she demanded. “Why wasn’t I told?”
“Nothing happened, Mother,” Lady Lilith said with a sigh. “Miss Thorn and Mr. Mayes left for London. Mr. Villers is staying.”
“And your daughter would like to make a good impression,” Yvette added.
Lady Carrolton raised her feathery brows. “A good impression? Have you feelings for the fellow, Lilith?”
Lady Lilith looked down her nose. “Certainly not.”
“Not yet,” Yvette amended. “But he is handsome in his own way, non? And he has a certain presence.”
Lady Lilith sighed again. “He does indeed.”
Yvette advanced on them both. “Then today, we will work to emphasize the lady’s attributes. Come, we will start with her toilette.”