A Spy Unmasked (Entangled Scandalous)

by Tina Gabrielle

Nonsense, her inner voice chided. Robert was playing a role, and he was an exceptional actor.

  Heinz swallowed and pushed his glasses farther up the bridge of his nose. “Do you find anatomy interesting, Lord Kirkland?”

  “Only Lady Sophia’s, not the wax dummy’s.”

  She gasped. Heinz’s eyes widened behind his spectacles.

  What was Robert’s game?

  The anatomist glanced at them, bristling with indignation that they were speaking during his lecture.

  “As I was saying,” Young continued. “The heart is the most important organ in the human body.” He held up one of the jars. “This is an example of a cow’s heart.”

  Young droned on and on, but Sophia paid little attention. She was tensely aware of Henry Heinz sitting rigid beside her, and Robert towering behind the two of them, his forearm resting on the back of the sofa, his hand inches from her shoulder. She could almost feel the heat from his body brush her shoulder and caress her nape. She glanced up to find Viscount Delmont watching her, his stare burningly intense.

  The heat subsided and was replaced with a shiver.

  …

  Robert was a fool. He knew Sophia was in a better position to elicit information from certain gentleman during the week than he was. She was a beautiful woman who could easily flirt with a man and cajole him to reveal his secrets.

  In the course of his career for the Home Office, he had observed female spies. They were essential when it came to espionage and a well-trained female spy was highly competent. They could use tactics he could not. Feminine wiles were invaluable in the art of war. He should take advantage of Sophia’s willingness to aid in the investigation and glean valuable information from the men. It had never bothered him to use a woman before.

  But Sophia?

  He didn’t like it. Not just because they were playing a role, and he was expected to act jealous of any male attention toward his future wife. No, there was more to it than that. His role had little to do with the primal rage he felt when another man touched her.

  He cursed himself. He’d resented when Viscount Delmont paid her attention the first time he saw her. Even now, the blackguard stared at her from across the room.

  Henry Heinz was no different. He was looking at her like a lovesick schoolboy.

  Young’s voice began to grate on Robert’s nerves. “The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself…”

  Robert shifted restlessly. His fingers itched to twine in Sophia’s hair. She was clearly nervous; her breathing was rapid, and her breasts rose and fell temptingly against the low neckline of her gown. He longed to bury his face in her cleavage, wrap himself in her scent.

  Young cleared his throat. “The heart is comprised of four distinct chambers…”

  How much time before the long-winded anatomist finished? Before he could drag Sophia out of the drawing room and lecture her? She was supposed to talk to the women, dammit, not the men.

  Perhaps his frustration wasn’t just of a sexual nature. He had broken into three additional safes over the course of the three nights, but found nothing of significance except banknotes, the viscountess’s jewels, and a blank sheet of paper that held no hidden message. No leads other than the list of names and the gear he had discovered in Delmont’s study safe the first night. No hint as to the identity of a mastermind.

  Only Wendover’s initial theory that the Inventors’ Society was stealing inventions of a military nature appeared to be accurate.

  Robert had sent a note to Wendover to look into the money trail. Based on the contents of Delmont’s safes and the extravagance of his home, Delmont seemed to have no shortage of money. Robert was certain if they dug into the viscount’s finances, they would find the kernel of evidence they needed. If the investigation wasn’t concluded by the end of the week, he would follow up in London. As to what he would do with Sophia upon returning to town, he wasn’t yet certain.

  At last, Young stopped speaking and invited the guests to approach his model and ask questions.

  Robert straightened, intending to grasp Sophia’s elbow and pull her away from Henry Heinz’s presence and out of the room.

  Just then Lady Delmont stepped into his path. He watched in frustration as the viscountess ushered the women out of the room for a game of lawn bowls.

  He would have to wait for his reckoning. Meanwhile, he had work to do.

  …

  While the men remained occupied by the anatomist, Robert slipped out of the drawing room and down the hall toward the study. It was a bold move during the day with the servants about, but he had learned long ago never to ignore his instincts and he had a nagging suspicion that something of importance had transpired over the past few days.

  Closing and locking the study door, he pushed the sofa aside and rolled back the Oriental carpet to reveal the floor safe. This was the third time he would open the recessed Barron lock.

  He had the feel of the lock now, and it took him less than half the time to manipulate and raise the levers. Opening the safe, he glanced inside.

  The list remained.

  The gold gear was gone.

  Just as he’d suspected. Another member had been inducted into the secret group. With only three days remaining of the house party, time was running out.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Sophia was playing bowls on the expansive lawn when she spotted Henry Heinz making his way back to the house. She suspected he was returning from a brief walk to change for a hunt that the viscount had planned for the men.

  Just then a heated argument began between Lady Falk and Lady Maxwell over whose bowl had come closest to the smaller white “jack.” Sophia took advantage of the distraction to slip away and return to the house.

  Taking the grand staircase to the second floor, she hurried down the corridor. It was before luncheon and if she was spotted by servants or guests, it would appear as if she was returning to her room to rest.

  She rushed past her chamber and slipped into a cleaning closet at the end of the hall. She left the door open a crack, and a pie wedge of light lit the small space. A mop, bucket, and broom were crammed to the side. The strong odor of linseed oil filled the air.

  Soon after, Henry ascended the stairs and strode down the hall. Opening his bedchamber door, he disappeared inside.

  She forced herself to remain still. The closet air was stale and warm and a rivulet of perspiration formed between her breasts in her tight bodice.

  Her efforts were rewarded twenty minutes later when Henry left his room wearing brown trousers and a moss-colored hunting jacket. Whistling, he made his way to the landing at the top of the stairs. Only after he descended and she heard the front door slam closed did she step out of the closet.

  Quickly making her way to his room, she opened the door and slipped inside. The cloying scent of a cheroot and strong cologne lingered. The maid had not yet entered his room, and a jacket, cravat, and stockings were haphazardly tossed upon the bed and across an armchair.

  She removed her gloves and tucked them into a pocket of her gown. After hurrying to a chest of drawers, she searched each drawer for a document, a gold gear, anything that would indicate his affiliation with Lord Delmont, the mastermind, or the secret group.

  She ran her fingers along the inside edges of the drawers, feeling for a hidden crevice or nook out of place. Her pulse raced and her breath rushed in and out of her lungs. She pushed loose tendrils of her hair away from her face and brushed a film of perspiration from her brow. Every minute counted. At any moment a maid or Henry himself could walk through the door.

  She moved to the wardrobe, then the nightstand.

  Nothing.

  The mantle clock chimed, reminding her of the time. Nervousness made her gut clench tight.

  Spying takes nerves of steel, she thought. How does Robert accomplish what he does with the safes?

  In a last-ditch attempt, she thrust her hands beneath the mattress hoping to find some evidence.

  The t
ips of her fingers grazed an object. Not metallic, but paper. She fell to her knees and reached as far as she could beneath the mattress until her fingers wrapped around a bundle. Pulling it out, she stared at a stack of banknotes.

  English banknotes, not German.

  More money from the viscount?

  It wasn’t unusual for a gentleman to carry banknotes. But Henry Heinz was not titled and she thought he was in need of funds. She made a mental note to convey the information to Robert.

  She carefully replaced the banknotes beneath the mattress and rose. Opening the door several inches, she looked both ways before emerging from the room. She closed the door behind her and attempted to steady the wild beating of her heart. Another minute and she would be safely in her own—

  A hand clamped down upon her shoulder.

  Whirling around, she stared up into Delmont’s stony face.

  “Well, well…what have we here?”

  Her eyes widened. Her hand flew to her chest where her heart hammered erratically against her palm. “My lord! You startled me.”

  The viscount’s eyes darkened like volcanic glass. “What are you doing leaving Mr. Heinz’s chambers?”

  Her mind panicked at her precarious position, and a swiftly spreading sense of dread skated along her nerves. Her thoughts were jumbled, and she struggled with a quick response. “Mr. Heinz was kind enough to offer to demonstrate his new spectroscope for me.”

  “So you sought him out alone in his bedroom?”

  She stifled a thick swallow in her throat. “He’d mentioned he was returning to rest.”

  “You’re mistaken. He’s hunting with the men.”

  “Yes, I realize my mistake,” she said quickly. “I’ll just be on my way.” She made to move past him, but he shifted to block her path. His massive chest loomed before her.

  Her eyes flew to his. “It was a misunderstanding, my lord.”

  His rapier-like gaze raked her figure. “If I didn’t know any better, Lady Sophia, I’d say your interest in me your first night here was feigned. Regardless of my efforts, I find you elusive.”

  A cold shiver spread over her as she remembered her father. Her parent had suffered and perished at this man’s orders. Despite the fact that they stood in the center of the hall and any shout would easily send a bevy of servants running, her skin crawled and the hair on her nape stood on end.

  “I apologize if I’ve misled you, my lord. I’m engaged to Lord Kirkland,” she said.

  “Ah, yes, Lord Kirkland. What would he say if I told him of your surreptitious activities?”

  She wasn’t certain if she should act outraged or acquiescent. She opened her mouth to argue. “I’d hardly call scientific curiosity a surreptitious activity.”

  “I wonder. Were you truly interested in Mr. Heinz’s invention, or were you searching his belongings?” he said.

  “I don’t know what you’re referring to—”

  Footsteps sounded down the hall.

  “There you are, Sophia. I’ve been searching all over for you.”

  She spun at the familiar masculine voice to see Robert approach.

  Thank the Lord! she thought.

  Robert was smiling, strolling lazily…almost cockily down the hall before stopping before her and Delmont. Dressed in an unbuttoned navy jacket, loosely tied cravat, and buff-colored trousers, he appeared like any at-ease country guest, fully enjoying the festivities and everything their host had to offer.

  She wasn’t fooled. Beneath the polished veneer, he was all lean muscle and coiled power, and she had never been as happy to see him. She prayed her relief wasn’t obvious to Delmont.

  “It’s time for our garden stroll, my love. You do remember, don’t you?” Robert said, his tone light.

  She was quick to catch on. “Of course, I remember.”

  “Good. I don’t want to leave Lady Stanwell waiting. She’s agreed to escort us.” Robert winked at Delmont. “I’m sure you can understand why I’m passing on the hunt.”

  The viscount nodded tersely, remaining silent.

  Robert steered her away and down the corridor. Once they turned the corner, his pace changed and quickened. Priceless landscapes hanging on the walls whirled by in a myriad of color. They rushed down the stairs, and the heels of his Hessians clicked on the marble vestibule. She hurried to keep up with his brisk pace as he escorted her out of the front door.

  Glancing at his profile, she saw he was no longer the relaxed suitor come to take her for a garden stroll. She was struck by his serious expression, his narrowed eyes, and the muscle that ticked at his jaw.

  He was angry, furious.

  He followed the stone path into the well-kept gardens, and she dragged a breath of air into her lungs. His grip on her arm was like a vise, pulling her along beside him.

  “Stop,” she said.

  His voice was like finely sharpened steel. “Not yet. Into the maze.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Having little choice, Sophia followed Robert into the immaculately trimmed maze. Once they were deep in the shrubbery, he halted beside a stone bench and turned on her.

  “First Delmont, then Heinz. What are you up to?” he asked.

  “I’m trying to discern the truth.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Delmont mistrusts you now. Any scrutiny on his part can reflect upon me. It could compromise the mission.”

  Her chin jutted out defiantly. “I’m sorry. Since you tell me little, I thought to find out more on my own.”

  “You’re playing a dangerous game, madam.”

  “Then tell me more, let me in.” At his silence, she prodded, “I won’t stop. I will keep asking questions.”

  An emotion flashed across his features before he hid it with a sardonic smile. What had she seen? Admiration? Irritation?

  He ran his fingers through his hair, pulling it away from his scalp. She watched, fascinated by the multihued color as the strands threaded through his fingers.

  “All right,” he muttered. “I’ll tell you everything I have discovered so far. I’ve searched most of the safes in this pile of stone and have found nothing but banknotes and the viscountess’s jewelry. Other than the list of names I discovered the first night in the study, there is nothing that hints at who the mastermind is, what the gold gears stand for, or what the secret group is up to.”

  “Are we back to the beginning then?” she asked.

  “Not entirely. The last gold gear is gone and I suspect another inventor has been inducted into the group.”

  She bit her bottom lip. “It has to be Henry.”

  “It’s Henry now, is it?”

  She ignored his sarcasm. “Mr. Heinz told me that he is staying in London and all his expenses will be paid by the viscount courtesy of the Inventors’ Society.”

  He whistled through his teeth. “Heinz is a likely candidate. His fast-burning gunpowder should bring a good profit on the black market.”

  “I’ve thought the same thing,” she said.

  “There are other members who are not present at the house party. I suspect Delmont is paying their way in town as well.”

  “How?”

  “The members pay dues; however, they are not sufficient to cover living expenses. Research costs even more money. I sent a missive to Wendover requesting a search of Delmont’s finances. It seems the man has plenty of blunt, but his sources of income remain a mystery.”

  “I wondered that as well after speaking with Mr. Heinz,” she said. “I searched his room but found nothing incriminating, only a few English pounds stuffed beneath his mattress.”

  The tick at his jaw returned. “That was foolish and dangerous. What if he returned and discovered you?”

  “He didn’t.

  “You should have told me of your plans.”

  “I knew you wouldn’t approve.”

  “You are the most maddening woman I have ever met.”

  “Thank you.”

  “That wasn’t a compliment.”

 
; “It was to me.” She met his hard gaze. “I want to be a full partner, not just someone to whom you give a spattering of information when you deem it necessary.”

  Several heartbeats passed. “I’ve come to the conclusion that you’re right.”

  “You have?” She had expected a fight, not his agreement.

  “Yes. You should be involved in safer aspects of the investigation.”

  “Such as?” She wasn’t sure this was much of an improvement. She was already assigned to speak with the women.

  “Aspects that I cannot do. Such as talk to Mr. Heinz to see whatever information he may unwittingly reveal to you. However, you must only do so when you advise me in advance that you will engage him, and you must never again conduct a clandestine search without my knowledge. In return, I will continue to keep you apprised of all that I discover.”

  “I see. And what about Viscount Delmont?” she asked. “Should I encourage his attentions and try to learn more from him?”

  His tone was hard. “No. That issue is not negotiable.”

  She decided not to push him or her luck. He was agreeing to keep her informed and let her take a more active role. At least he recognized that she could glean more information from a bachelor like Henry Heinz than he ever could.

  “All right,” she agreed.

  He nodded curtly. “Since we are both in agreement that Mr. Heinz is most likely the newest member of the secret group, we need to look at him more closely. See if you can encourage him to keep talking.”

  “How?”

  “He’s clearly enamored. Under normal circumstances, I would advise any female spy to use that to her advantage.”

  “I fully intend to—”

  He steeled his jaw. “But not you. I don’t like it.”

  “You don’t?”

  The iris-blue hue of his eyes sharpened. “I despise the idea of any man touching you, gazing upon you with ill-disguised lust.”

  “Why? Because we are supposed to act the loving couple?”

  “No. Because it makes my gut clench and my blood pound and because I want to beat any admirer to a bloody pulp.”

  Her breath caught. “Oh, my.”

  She couldn’t think of anything else to say so she simply reached out and touched his cheek. He was warm…warm and hard and…heaven help her, deliciously enticing.