by Beers, Laura
“I never said ‘charming’.”
“Well, he is charming.”
Susan walked over to the settee and sat down next to her. “I must wonder if you hold Lord Evan in high regard.”
“I do,” Jane replied, seeing no reason to deny it, “but it matters not.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He doesn’t return my feelings.”
“How can you be so sure?”
Jane pressed her lips together. “He has never shown me any favor.”
“That must be rather irksome for someone like you,” Susan remarked in an amused tone.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because men generally fall at your feet.”
Frowning, Jane replied, “That is not true.”
“No?” Susan pressed, giving her a knowing look.
“I suppose there is some truth to your statement,” Jane murmured reluctantly.
Susan shifted in her seat to face Jane. “Lord Brinton seems to be taken with you.”
“He is,” she replied. “He intends to court me.”
“You never told me that,” Susan said. “What did you say?”
“I have turned him down, multiple times.”
Susan lifted her brow. “May I ask why?” she asked. “After all, he is an earl, and quite handsome, as well.”
“I don’t love him.”
“Could you love him?”
“I don’t think I could,” Jane replied with a shake of her head.
“Then you were right to turn down his offers of courtship, especially since you have feelings for Lord Evan.”
“Which is maddening,” Jane admitted, rising. “Lord Evan will never return my affection.”
“You don’t know that.”
Jane smoothed down her dark blue riding habit. “Perhaps after my ride I will be able to think more clearly on the subject.”
“Ignoring something won’t make it go away,” Susan counseled.
“I can’t keep dwelling on Lord Evan,” Jane said firmly. She didn’t care to admit that he had been occupying her thoughts constantly.
Susan rose from her seat. “Go enjoy your ride,” she encouraged, “but I would like to revisit this conversation again.”
Jane smiled at her lady’s maid, who had become a dear friend to her over the years. “I assumed as much.”
Jane headed towards the entry hall. She had just started to descend the stairs when she heard someone knocking.
Pratt opened the door, and Lord Evan stepped inside.
“Lord Evan,” she greeted as she stepped onto the marble floor. “It is good to see you again.”
He offered her a polite smile. “How are you faring, Lady Jane?”
“I am well.”
“I’m pleased to hear that,” he acknowledged. “Is Baldwin home?”
Jane shook her head. “I’m afraid he hasn’t returned from his ride with Madalene yet.”
A disappointed look came to Lord Evan’s face. “It is most urgent that I speak to him.”
“Would you care to take a turn around the garden with me while you wait for his return?” Jane asked, feeling bold.
His face softened and his smile returned. “I would enjoy that immensely.” He stepped forward and offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you.”
“Thank you,” she replied as she placed her hand on his sleeve.
Lord Evan led her towards the rear of the townhouse, and they stepped out onto the veranda. As they headed down a footpath, Jane attempted to think of something clever to say, but she was at a loss for words.
“It is a beautiful day,” Lord Evan said.
“Yes, it is,” she replied as she removed her hand from his arm.
Lord Evan’s eyes scanned the well-maintained gardens. “Your gardens are magnificent.”
“That they are.”
He glanced over at her with mirth in his eyes. “Are we only going to discuss polite topics today?”
“I would prefer not to.”
“As would I.”
Jane kept her gaze straight ahead as she remarked, “I am sorry to hear about the state of your father’s health.”
Lord Evan grew solemn. “Thank you for that.”
“Are you close with him?”
He huffed. “No one is close to the duke.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Jane pressed, unsure of his meaning.
“My father has always kept others at a distance, especially his own family.”
“Why is that?”
Lord Evan stopped on the gravel footpath and turned to face her. “You must understand that my father considers me a grand disappointment.”
“That can’t possibly be true.”
“I’m afraid it is.”
“May I ask why?”
Lord Evan’s lips quirked. “You are rather inquisitive, aren’t you?”
“I just find myself curious how someone could possibly be disappointed in you.”
“Thank you for saying that, but my entire family is dissatisfied with my choices.”
Jane reached out and placed a hand on his sleeve. “Have you told them how you’ve saved me twice now?”
“I’m afraid it hasn’t come up.”
“No?” she asked. “What do you talk about, then?”
Lord Evan shifted his gaze over her shoulder, then revealed, “After university, I joined the army and advanced rather quickly through the ranks.”
“That is admirable.”
“You would think so, but I decided to leave the army after a few years, much to the chagrin of my family.”
“Do they not believe you have a right to have the future you envisioned?”
“It is not that simple when you are the son of a duke,” Lord Evan remarked. “Just like you, I have responsibilities that I must live up to.”
She let out a puff of air. “My only responsibility is to marry well.”
Lord Evan glanced down at her hand on his sleeve, and Jane realized that she was still touching him in a familiar way. She released her hold and clasped her hands in front of her.
“My father wished for me to make a career out of the army, but I failed him in that regard,” Lord Evan shared. “Now, he wants me to help run the duchy with my brother.”
“Is that something you wish to do?”
“It is not,” he replied. “I am content with the way things are.”
“Have you tried explaining that to your father?”
Lord Evan grinned. “I have, but my father can be rather pigheaded at times.”
“That is most unfortunate,” she said.
“Frankly, my brother is not much better, either,” Lord Evan revealed. “He is guilty of the same vices as my father.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I have no doubt that Simon will squander the family fortune, but that is his right as the heir,” he said. “After all, I am just the spare.” His words were curt.
“Why do you say it like that?”
“My whole life, I have been reminded that I am second best to my brother.”
“That is awful.”
“While my brother was instructed in our properties and investments, I was relegated to the schoolroom to work on my studies,” Lord Evan explained. “My father made it very clear who his favorite child was from a very young age.”
“I’m sorry you were forced to endure that,” she said. “Did your mother treat you the same way?”
“Heavens, no. My mother has always loved me, unconditionally.”
“I am glad to hear that, especially since I believe you to be an honorable man.”
Jane saw a flicker of doubt come to his blue eyes. “How can you be certain of that?”
“Because when I needed you most, you were there,” she said.
“That was just luck.”
“Perhaps, but it doesn’t diminish the fact that you didn’t just stand by when I was in trouble. You chose to act and save me. You are my hero.”
Lord Evan’s brow furrowed. “I am no hero.”
“But you are.”
“No, I am not,” he said, his voice rising. “I have done some terrible things, horrific things. No matter what I do in this life, I will never be able to atone for those.”
“That can’t possibly be true.”
“It is, and it would be best if you stayed far away from me.”
Jane took a step closer, and she had to tilt her head to look up at him. “I don’t want to stay far away from you.”
“It would be much easier.”
“Yes, it would.”
Lord Evan’s eyes grew intense. “You are too good for the likes of me,” he murmured.
“I don’t believe I am.”
“A future between us would be impossible.” He leaned closer, holding her gaze.
“Why is that?”
“You must trust me on this.”
Lord Evan’s eyes dropped to her lips, and her breath caught in her throat. Did she dare to believe that he wanted to kiss her?
Baldwin spoke up next to them, startling them both. “Aren’t the gardens beautiful this time of year?”
Lord Evan jumped back, and it was only in that moment that she realized how close they had been to one another.
“They are quite beautiful,” Lord Evan said, his eyes lingering on Jane.
Baldwin looked displeased by Lord Evan’s remark. “May I speak to you in my study, Corbyn?” he asked gruffly.
Lord Evan cleared his throat. “Yes, I would like to speak to you, as well.”
Stepping closer to Jane, Baldwin offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you back into the house.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
Corbyn stepped into Baldwin’s study and heard the door slam shut behind him. He turned back around to see Baldwin staring at him thunderously.
“Do you want to explain to me what the blazes you were doing with my sister in the gardens?” Baldwin asked.
“Nothing.”
Baldwin lifted his brow. “You truly expect me to believe that nothing is going on between you two?”
“I do.”
“Then you are a blasted fool.”
“I won’t disagree with you there.”
Baldwin crossed his arms over his chest. “You appeared as if you were about to kiss her.”
“I assure you that was not my intention.”
“May I ask what you two were discussing?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because you failed to notice me approaching,” Baldwin pointed out, “which is surprising, since I don’t think anyone has ever snuck up on you before.”
“If you must know, we were discussing my family,” Corbyn revealed, “but more specifically, my father.”
Some of the anger dissipated from Baldwin’s expression at his words. “How is your father?”
“I’m afraid that he is growing weaker every single day in body, but his mind is still sharp.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because on my last visit, he spent his time lecturing me on how I should help Simon run the duchy.”
“I see,” Baldwin said as he dropped his arms to his sides.
Corbyn walked over to the drink cart and picked up the decanter. “He is worried that Simon won’t do a proper job running the duchy on his own.”
“What did you say?”
“I told him that I was happy working at the Home Office.”
Baldwin eyed him curiously. “Have you considered telling your father the truth about what you do?”
Corbyn removed the stopper, then said, “You want me to inform my father that I run an agency that doesn’t truly exist under the Alien Office.”
“Yes, and that you are responsible for all the agents of the Crown.”
“I won’t do that.”
“Why not?” Baldwin asked. “It might bring him some solace before he passes on.”
“I don’t think it would make a difference.”
“No?” Baldwin asked. “Your duty lies with King and country.”
Corbyn poured brandy into two glasses. “My father only seems to care about himself and his legacy.”
Baldwin walked over to the drink cart and picked up one of the glasses. “I think you might have underestimated your father.”
“Or you have overestimated him,” Corbyn countered.
“Despite that, you don’t have any intention of quitting, do you?”
Corbyn shook his head. “I will continue to run this agency until I am relieved of my duty,” he said. “Which could be sooner rather than later.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Lord Daniel came to speak to me.”
“He did?”
Corbyn took a sip of his drink. “He was furious that our building was compromised, and he wanted to know if we had any leads.”
“Do you?”
“That is a ticklish question,” Corbyn remarked, walking over to the settee, “but I do believe we have a suspect.”
“That is wonderful.”
Frowning, Corbyn replied, “The suspect is Adam Kerley.”
Baldwin blinked. “Adam Kerley?”
“The man who attempted to abduct Jane informed us that he was approached by a man with a scar that ran from his right cheek down to his neck.”
“I am sure Kerley is not the only one who could have a scar like that.”
“And he said that he had grey eyes.”
Baldwin looked heavenward. “Blazes,” he said. “What are the chances?”
“My sentiments exactly.”
Walking over to an upholstered armchair, Baldwin sat down. “But why would Kerley target you?” he asked. “We both left him in France.”
“I was the senior agent on the assignment.”
Baldwin placed his glass onto a table. “This is rubbish,” he declared. “Kerley wouldn’t try to kill you, and he wouldn’t have killed all these people to get to you. Furthermore, he has no reason to abduct Jane, since she is not a part of this.”
Corbyn reached into the pocket of his waistcoat and pulled out the crumbled piece of paper. He extended it towards Baldwin. “This message was supposed to be delivered to me after Jane had been handed over to Kerley.”
Baldwin accepted the note and frowned while he read it. “Why is Kerley under the impression that Jane is so important to you?”
“I am not sure.”
Baldwin dropped the note onto the table. “Do you hold my sister in high regard?”
“It doesn’t matter if I do or not.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I would never act on my feelings,” Corbyn replied honestly. “I refuse to let your sister get caught up in my life.”
With a knowing look, Baldwin said, “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I am well aware of that.”
Baldwin let out a sigh. “You deserve to be happy, Corbyn.”
“I am happy.”
“Are you?”
Nodding, Corbyn replied, “I am doing my duty to King and country.”
“And that is admirable, but there is more to life than what you are doing.”
Corbyn scoffed. “What would you have me do?” he asked. “Marry Jane and spend my lifetime lying to her about where I have been and whom I have spoken to?”
“No, but you could always tell her the truth about you.”
“I will not,” he declared. “I am responsible for all the agents of the Crown. That is a job that I do not take lightly.”
Leaning forward in his seat, Baldwin asked, “Do you have reason to believe that Jane holds some affection for you?”
“It doesn’t matter if she does,” Corbyn asserted. “I won’t bring her into this life. It is dangerous; I am dangerous!”
Baldwin leaned back in his seat. “Regardless, Kerley believes that Jane is important to you, so we will need to keep her safe at all costs.”
“I agree,” Corbyn said, “but there is more.
”
“How can there be more?”
Corbyn took a sip of his drink, then revealed, “Kerley is also forging banknotes.”
“For what purpose?”
“I know not, but I intend to find out.”
“How?”
“I intend to speak to my informants to discover if anyone has heard about forged notes being circulated amongst the shop keepers.”
Baldwin reached for his drink and tossed it back. “If Kerley is truly behind this, where has he been for the past three years?”
“I don’t know. But Kerley was known as the Ghost for a reason,” Corbyn reminded him.
“What other agents are assigned to this case?”
“I have Sanders looking into it, and I am working with a Bow Street Runner.”
Baldwin stared at him in amazement. “You are working with a Bow Street Runner on this case?”
“I am.”
“Willingly?”
Corbyn rose. “I am,” he replied. “The Bank of England hired the Bow Street Runners to look into the forged banknotes, but they have yet to turn up anything. So, they turned to Lord Daniel for help.”
“Then why not just ditch the Bow Street Runner?”
“I believe he could prove useful.”
Baldwin chuckled. “You hate Bow Street Runners.”
“I generally do,” he replied.
“What changed?”
Corbyn walked over to the drink cart and placed his glass down. “Stewart isn’t as incompetent as I once thought.”
“Stewart?” Baldwin repeated in disbelief. “Isn’t that the one who laid a trap for Oliver and his friends and turned them in for the blood money?”
“The very same.”
“I hope you know what you are doing.”
“As do I.”
“Would you like me to work this case with you?” Baldwin asked, rising.
“Your job is to keep your sister safe,” Corbyn said, “and yourself.”
“Why do you say that?”
“We don’t know if Kerley intends to kill you, as well.”
“I will be sure to be vigilant when I go out.”
Corbyn nodded his head in approval. “I believe we both know what Kerley is capable of.”
“That we do.”
Walking over to the door, Corbyn placed his hand on the handle and paused. “We were wrong to leave Kerley behind.”
“We both thought he was dead, and if we had gone back for him, we would have been killed ourselves.”