by Laura Landon
Millicent nearly pretended she didn’t know what Sophie was talking about, but thought better of it. “How do you do it, Sophie? How have you managed all these years never knowing if Will would return to you alive?”
Sophie gave Millicent’s hands a gentle squeeze. “I’m not sure you ever do manage completely. I think you learn to rely on faith. You trust that if it’s not Will’s turn to die, God will keep him safe. Of course,” Sophie said with a smile on her face, “I’ve been told that only a fool falls in love with someone who puts himself in danger at every turn.”
Millicent felt her cheeks warm. “You don’t have to worry about me ever falling in love with someone who risks his life for a living.”
“Of course I don’t,” Sophie teased. “You would never do anything so foolish. But you wouldn’t be a normal woman if you hadn’t taken note of Barnaby Linscott. I can’t remember the last time I saw a man so handsome. If I didn’t love my Will so much, I’d do my best to make sure Barnaby Linscott noticed me.”
Millicent couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of Sophie making eyes at Barnaby Linscott.
“Has Will explained the mission to Mr. Linscott?”
Sophie shook her head. “By the time Linscott finished the food on his tray, he could barely keep his eyes open. Will told him to get some rest and they’d go over the mission when he wakes.”
“I should return, then. His dressings will need to be changed when he wakes.”
“You stay here. I’ll see to Barnaby. You’re the one who needs to rest. You haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since our guest arrived.”
Millicent wanted to argue with Sophie, but she couldn’t. She’d need to be well rested if their plan had any chance of working. And Millicent didn’t intend to let their plan fail. She had only one goal . . . and that was to see Marcus Sharp, Earl of Radburn, pay for what he’d done to her family.
. . .
Millicent didn’t intend to sleep after Sophie left her, but she fell asleep the second her head touched the pillow. She woke with a start and realized she’d slept far longer than she should have. She washed the sleep from her eyes, then rushed to Barnaby Linscott’s room. He answered her rap on the door and she stepped inside.
He was up and sitting in a chair in front of the table that Will had placed in the room. Will sat across from him, and Sophie sat close by on the edge of the bed.
Sophie smiled at her. “I’m glad you rested,” she said. “But don’t worry. You haven’t missed a thing. Will was about to explain the plan we’ve come up with.”
Millicent nodded, then slid the only other chair in the room close so she could hear the discussion between the two men. A map of Radburn’s compound was spread out on the table, and Will was pointing to the manor house that was located in the center of the estate.
“Radburn’s estate is called Westview Park. That’s because his lordship also inherited estates to the east and north called Eastview Park and Northview Park.” Will slid another paper from the pile and handed it to Barnaby. “This is a map of Radburn’s country home. You might want to memorize it.”
Linscott took the map and glanced at it, then pressed the folds smooth as he placed it on the table in front of him. “What is the goal of this mission?”
Will shifted his gaze to his wife, then to Millicent.
“We’re to destroy a large ammunition storehouse Radburn has someplace on his estate,” Millicent answered.
Linscott focused his gaze on the map. “Where’s this storehouse located?”
“We don’t know.”
Linscott’s eyes shot upward. “You don’t know?” He looked at Will.
“No, we haven’t been able to find it.”
“Then how can you be sure it’s really there?”
“Because word has gone out that Radburn has a large store of explosives for sale.”
Barnaby Linscott shifted in his chair. “And we need to destroy the explosives before Radburn sells them.”
“It’s too late for that,” Millicent answered. “Radburn has already sold them.”
Barnaby Linscott was unable to hide his surprise. “To whom?”
“To an Italian nationalist named Orsini.”
“For what reason?”
“To begin a revolution. They believe that if they kill Napoleon the Third, there will be a republican revolt in France, and that would help the Italian states achieve independence from Austria.”
“Hell,” Barnaby Linscott mumbled beneath his breath. He lowered his focus to the map in front of him. “The last thing we need is another war. Especially with a Bonaparte. How long do we have?”
“Radburn is holding a . . . fête of sorts at the end of the month,” Will answered. “There will be a large gathering, and I expect he’ll use the festivities to distract from the transaction.”
Linscott shifted in his chair again and rubbed his shoulder. “So we have a matter of days to find the stockpile of explosives and blow it up. I’m assuming there’s an army of guards inside the complex.”
Will nodded.
“Any idea how we’re going to get past them to find the explosives?”
Millicent hesitated. This was not the kind of man who would easily accept the plan they’d devised for getting onto the estate. She couldn’t give him an opportunity to thwart their strategy, and, studying Linscott’s drawn expression, she seized upon his fatigue to divert his attention from that particular hornet’s nest. He’d been upright long enough. Millicent could tell he was in pain.
“Yes, we have a plan, but perhaps we should continue this conversation later,” she said, rising to her feet. “I think we’ve covered enough for now.”
Sophie joined her. “That’s an excellent idea. I have some fresh apples in the kitchen that need to be used for something. Perhaps an apple pie?” she said with a wink in Linscott’s direction.
“Mmm. I look forward to having a piece of warm apple pie.”
“Then let’s get you back to bed so you can rest up,” Will said, “and Sophie will get started on that pie.”
Will helped Barnaby to his feet, then into bed. Barnaby had his eyes shut before Will and Sophie closed the door behind them. Millicent thought he was asleep, but she was mistaken.
“You don’t have to stay with me,” he said groggily. “I’m fine.”
“Would you like some tea laced with laudanum? It will help with the pain.”
“It will also make me sleep until tomorrow.”
Millicent smiled. “Yes, it will do that, too.”
“Which means I’ll miss Sophie’s warm apple pie. And I don’t intend to do that.”
Millicent laughed, then rose to rinse a cloth in cool water. She placed it on his forehead, then straightened the covers around him. When she moved to step away from him, he reached out and wrapped his fingers around her wrist.
“Thank you, Millicent,” he said softly.
There was a sincerity in his voice that tugged at her chest. “You’re most welcome.”
His hand shifted until his palm was against her palm. Then his fingers twined in hers, and he held her hand. “How do you fit into this?” he asked.
She tried to pull away from him, but his hold on her wouldn’t relax. And she didn’t try terribly hard. “I’m just here,” she finally answered.
He shook his head. “You’re not just here,” he whispered. “You play a part in this. What is it?”
She smiled, then tugged a bit harder until he released her. “Merely an incidental role,” Millicent answered as she rinsed the cloth, then placed it back on his forehead. “Go to sleep now. I’ll wake you when Sophie’s pie is done.”
“Promise?”
She laughed. “Yes. I promise.”
He closed his eyes, and before Millicent could count to ten he was asleep. She sat in the chair beside his bed and watched him.
She knew the risks they were taking. She knew it was likely that one of them would not return from this mission. Perhaps neither of them. But i
f only one survived, she vowed it would be Barnaby Linscott.
Chapter 3
For the last three days, Millicent had watched Barnaby struggle to regain his strength. She didn’t doubt that when they left for Radburn’s estate, he would be as fit as he’d been before he’d been shot.
He went on daily walks in the morning, then pored over the maps that she and Will had drawn of Radburn’s manor house. He also studied maps of the surrounding area and the outbuildings around the estate. Millicent was impressed by his attention to detail and the questions he asked. She didn’t doubt that by the time they arrived at Westview Park, Linscott would know Radburn’s property as well as Radburn did.
It was almost time to begin their mission. They were scheduled to leave in the morning, and a bolt of fear plummeted to the pit of her stomach at the thought of the dangers that were ahead. Millicent knew what Radburn was capable of. She’d seen firsthand the evil that lived inside him. She’d been on the receiving end of his cruelty.
And his beguiling smile.
Millicent walked to the double Dutch door that led from the parlor to the cobblestone patio, then stepped out into the cool evening air. If only there were another way to destroy Radburn. If only she didn’t have to participate in this drama. She wasn’t sure she could successfully play her part without him realizing how much she detested him. Without him realizing how desperately she wanted him dead.
She walked to the edge of the smooth stones and braced her hands against the twisted post that held the garden gate closed.
“Are you anxious about tomorrow?” a voice asked from behind her.
She turned. Barnaby Linscott filled the open doorway. Behind him, the light from two lanterns and the fire in the grate outlined his powerful physique in fiery shadows that danced as the flames inside the room moved and shifted.
“I’m anxious to have this over,” she answered.
“How do you know so much about Radburn’s manor house?”
“I’ve been there on several occasions. His lordship considers himself a prominent figure in the area and he enjoys entertaining. He’s held several events there over the last year and invites all his neighbors.”
Barnaby Linscott crossed the terrace and stopped beside her. He propped one hip on the sturdy gate and turned to face her. “What do you know about him?” he asked.
“What do you want to know?”
“Anything you care to tell me. What does he look like? What do you think of him?”
“You’ve never met him, then.” Millicent remarked.
“No. He was rumored to have spent much of the last few years on the Continent. Mostly in Italy and Greece.”
“Then prepare to be impressed,” Millicent admitted. “The Earl of Radburn is a dangerously handsome fellow. He’s a few years older than I am. My guess is that he would be close to thirty. More of an age with you.”
“I thought he might be older,” Linscott said.
“No, but don’t let his age fool you. He’s far older in experience than his age. He has hair as black as midnight and wears it longer than is in vogue. His eyes are so dark it’s difficult to tell they’re actually brown. And he misses nothing, so don’t ever assume he doesn’t know what you’re doing. Or thinking.
“He has a powerful personality that engulfs any room he enters. He’s intelligent, and upon first meeting, he gives the impression of being outgoing and friendly.”
“Are you saying he’s not?”
“I’m saying that I have reason to believe that what you see on the surface is not what’s concealed within.”
“Is that good? Or bad?”
Millicent thought a moment before she spoke. “It means he is most likely dangerous. You’d be a fool not to be wary of him.”
“You sound as if you admire him.”
“Hardly!” Millicent lifted her gaze. “I’ve learned not to underestimate him.” She turned away from Linscott to stare up into the sky. “You’d be wise to do the same,” she said as a warning, although she knew Barnaby hadn’t gained his reputation as a top agent by underestimating his adversaries.
“I must say I’m still unclear as to some of the major aspects of our mission. I don’t even know yet how Will thinks we can get on the property without being seen.”
A gentle breeze wrapped around her, and Millicent hugged herself against the chill. Three dead agents had tried and failed already. She knew Will well enough to know that he was keeping all the answers to himself until the last possible moment. He would not risk a fourth.
Her unexpected shiver distracted Barnaby from the fact that she’d failed to answer him. Before she could stop him, he shrugged out of his jacket and placed it around her. It was comfortably worn—part of the wardrobe they’d gathered for him so that he would be convincing in his role.
The soft wool was warm from his body, and the sensual heat soaked through her skin to toast the blood as it rushed through her veins. Her mind ordered her to return his jacket, but her body refused to listen. She clutched at the soft lapels and pulled it tighter around her.
If only he had moved away from her. If only he hadn’t gone that extra step and wrapped his fingers around her arms. If only he hadn’t slowly, gently moved his palms up and down her arms to warm her flesh.
“How did you get involved in this?” he asked.
“It’s a long story. Too long for the late hour.”
“Did McCormick recruit you?”
She smiled. “Not exactly. I volunteered. What about you?”
His smile matched hers. “Something similar.”
“We have a common goal, then.”
“Do we?”
“Yes. We both want to eliminate Radburn from the face of the earth.”
An uneasy silence fell between them. Barnaby seemed startled at her words, and the silence became a brief buffer to the harsh sentence Millicent had just pronounced.
“Is that your goal?” he asked, a questioning look on his face. “Not to destroy the ammunition stockpile Radburn intends to sell?”
“That, too. But only after Radburn is dead.”
“You sound as if there’s a personal reason you want this mission to be successful.”
“Do I?”
“Oh yes, you do,” he answered, stepping closer to her.
“Perhaps you’re correct.”
“Perhaps?”
She lifted her gaze and found him concentrating on her. Their eyes locked, then he lowered his chin until his lips were so close to hers she could feel his warm breath against her. And he kissed her.
Millicent closed her eyes and answered his tender kiss with one of her own. Blood pounded in her head. Her body ignited as though it were on fire.
She was unable to control her emotions. A voice in her head told her not to give in to what he was offering, but she didn’t listen. She placed her palms against his chest, thinking she would be strong enough to push him away. Instead, she moved her hands upward until they reached his shoulders. Then, she wrapped her arms around his neck and encouraged him to come closer.
His kisses deepened. He pressed against her lips with more desperation. She accepted what he proffered.
His mouth opened, and his tongue skimmed the seam of her lips. She knew what he was asking. Knew what he wanted her to do. And she complied.
His tongue entered her mouth, adamant in its pursuit.
Millicent met his challenge. Her tongue found his, and she answered his need with an inner passion that startled her. She was no novice, but neither was she familiar with the heady abandon that consumed her.
She tilted her head to ease his access, and he accepted the invitation.
He deepened his kisses even more, taking from her all she was willing to offer. He drew her to him until they were pressed close enough against each other that she could feel the rapid rise and fall of his chest. His movements matched her own.
The heat from his body pleasured her flesh. Never before had she experienced anything like this. Ne
ver before had she felt such currents of desire.
He kissed her once more, then lifted his mouth from hers.
Millicent was thankful he didn’t release her, but kept his arms around her to hold her close. She doubted her legs could have stood without his support.
Several minutes passed before either of them spoke. Barnaby finally broke the silence. “I owe you an apology, my lady. I had no right to kiss you.”
“You owe me nothing,” Millicent said, finally gaining the strength to step away from him. “You didn’t force yourself upon me. I allowed you to kiss me, and I don’t regret it. In fact, I found it most . . . pleasant.” A coy smile lit her face.
She lifted her gaze and focused on his broad smile.
“Pleasant, you say? Then I don’t regret it, either,” he said. He lifted his hand and brushed the back of his fingers down her cheek. “Will you have risen before Will and I leave in the morning?”
Millicent had a difficult time holding his gaze. “Yes, of course. I’ll be about.”
“Good.” He held out his hand and escorted her back into the library. Once inside, she slipped his jacket from her shoulders and held it out to him. “We must go up.”
He nodded his agreement.
Barnaby Linscott escorted her up the stairs and down the hall. Their hips brushed innocently as they moved, and she found she quite liked it. Millicent thought perhaps he’d kiss her again when they reached her room, but he didn’t. Instead, he gave her fingers a gentle squeeze, then opened the door to her room.
“Good night,” Millicent whispered, then went inside.
She knew she’d be wise to tumble into bed and fall asleep. She’d need every ounce of courage she could muster tomorrow. But after the kiss she and Barnaby had shared, she knew sleep would be a long time coming. If it came at all.
. . .
Barnaby was disappointed that he didn’t see Millicent before he and Will finished breakfast. She hadn’t come down, and Will hadn’t seen her, either. After the kiss they’d shared the night before, Barnaby at least wanted to say goodbye to her—in case . . .
He left the breakfast nook and walked to the front door. The carriage that would take him and Will to Radburn’s estate was waiting in front of the house. He still had no notion of how Will intended for them to steal unnoticed into Radburn’s compound. It seemed especially difficult since they would be arriving in a nearly new, modish carriage that would be impossible to miss. But Will assured him there was a way, and that he’d explain on the way to Westview Park.