The boxes were piled in Hannah's bedchamber. Muriel stood by the window, waiting to for Hannah to open them. "Isn't it exciting, Miss Hannah?"
Hannah smiled at her maid's enthusiasm. "Yes, indeed it is. Shall we see what Mrs. Phillips has sent?"
Muriel nodded.
Her aunt separated the boxes on the bed and said, "This one needs to be opened first."
Hannah's fingers shook as she untied the ribbon and opened the box. She inhaled sharply when she saw the exquisite lavender silk ball gown with a delicate lace at the bosom. She gingerly lifted the dress from the box and held it against her.
"Oh, Aunt Mary. It's the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. How can I ever thank you?"
"I'm glad you approve. That color will look striking on you. Now, let's see what else these boxes contain."
Hannah opened a myriad of boxes, revealing stays, a petticoat, silk stockings, ribbons and pearls for her hair, and dancing slippers. She was awestruck by her aunt's generosity and she hugged her tightly. "It's all too much. Thank you."
"Nothing is too much for my favorite niece," Mary said with a twinkle in her eye. "You shall be the most beautiful young woman in the room. Now I must go. There's still much to do before this evening."
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, my dear. You should get some rest before the festivities begin."
MARY LEFT HANNAH'S BEDCHAMBER, pleased that Hannah had perked up with the gifts. It was good to see the light back in her eyes, but Mary was still conflicted. Had she done the right thing in sending Camden away? She wasn't sure now. Hannah had become a mere shell of her exuberant self these past weeks. It pained Mary deeply to see her niece so unhappy, but what choice did she have? Hannah's safety was paramount.
The investigation thus far had left no stone unturned. Everyone was a suspect from the dockworkers to lords and ladies until they were cleared from involvement in the spy deaths. It was tedious work, but from the latest reports, Lady Sargent was still the number one suspect in the killings. Camden had informed Mary that he and Charles were planning a trap for her this evening at the ball. They hoped to unmask her and find out why she was targeting the Crown's spies. Mary prayed this nasty business ended tonight, not only to stop the killings, but so Camden could court Hannah once again. Her greatest fear was that Hannah would not accept his attentions after his disappearance from her life. How could she convince her niece that Camden had not abandoned her without revealing him as one of the best spies in the Crown's service?
With the final details in the capable hands of Mrs. Swain and the kitchen staff, Mary retired to her bedchamber. She slumped into her chair.
"My lady, would you care for some tea?" Bowden asked.
Mary nodded. "That would be lovely."
Her lady's maid left the room, softly closing the door behind her.
Mary rested her head against the back of the chair and closed her eyes. A few moments of rest was just what she needed before this evening's event.
"My lady," Bowden whispered.
Mary's eyes flew open. "Is something wrong?"
Bowden shook her head. "No. I've reheated the water for your tea. I thought you needed some rest, but if you don't wish to be rushed getting dressed for the ball, a cup of tea now would suit."
"How long have I been sleeping?"
"A mere thirty minutes."
Mary accepted the teacup from her lady's maid. She had obviously been more tired than she'd thought. The spy business was weighing on her, and her niece's future happiness was entwined in it. She said a silent prayer it would all be resolved tonight.
THE CARRIAGE DOOR OPENED, and Camden stepped out, then turned and offered a hand down to his mother and sister.
"Thank you, Camden," Katherine said.
"I'm so excited to be here," Courtney added.
"You look quite lovely, my dear," Camden said.
Courtney smiled widely at her brother's compliment. "You are too kind."
The trio made their way up the stone steps and greeted Lord and Lady Tisbury in the receiving line.
Camden's took Mary's hand and brushed a kiss against her gloved knuckles. "You're looking quite beautiful tonight, Lady Tisbury."
"Thank you, Your Grace. Such a flatterer," Mary said with a chuckle.
When Camden entered the ballroom, his eyes scanned the room, looking for the one woman who had claimed his heart. He abhorred abiding by Mary's request to withdraw his attentions from Hannah, and it had taken every ounce of willpower he possessed to comply with her wishes. A flash of lavender silk passed him, and he saw her. There she was—the woman of his dreams. She was dancing with one of the lesser lords. She looked radiant, and was the most beautiful woman in the room. She had not seen him yet, and he moved through the shadows of the room, seeking out Charles.
Their timing must be impeccable if they were to trap Lady Sargent into a confession. He spotted Charles talking with Connor Preston at the far end of the room and made his way there. At a glance, the two men looked remarkably alike—both were tall, blond, broad-shouldered, and impeccably well dressed. The difference, however, was that Preston was an unreformed rake who pursued any woman willing to lift her skirts while his wife waited at their country estate for his return. Charles on the other hand was a charmer, but he had never taken up with a married woman, at least not before tonight. But it couldn't be helped. Lady Sargent had to be comfortable in Charles's company if they were to expose her.
"Preston, I see you're enjoying a bit of London before you head for the country," Camden said.
He saw Preston stiffen at his remark. "One more night and I'm headed out, Wetherby, not that it's any concern of yours," Preston said.
"I'm sure your wife will be pleased to see you again."
Preston's mouth thinned to a grim line. "I'll leave you gentlemen to converse," he said before stalking away.
"A little harsh, weren't you?" Charles asked.
"Not at all. Preston doesn't have a decent bone in his body. No doubt he'll corner a woman who won't mind lifting her skirt this evening without a shred of guilt about his wife awaiting his return. The man will never change."
"Is there history here? Something I should know?"
Camden shook his head. "Nothing important."
Charles looked past Camden and saw a flash of lavender pass by. "I see Miss Richardson is looking especially lovely this evening. Have you claimed a dance yet?"
"Charles, leave it. I have more important things to think about this evening."
"Really? More important than pursuing the woman you love?"
Camden stood stock-still. Had Charles guessed his feelings for Hannah?
"Come now, Camden," Charles said. "I am an accomplished spy, after all. This is my business, and I've watched you with her. If ever I've seen a man in love, it is you."
"The mission is more important. We cannot let anything distract us. Have you spoken with Lady Sargent this evening?"
Charles nodded. "Indeed. We are to slip out after dinner and meet a few blocks away in Hyde Park. She promises to tell me her secrets then."
"Good. I'll be right behind you. And Charles," Camden said before walking away, "be careful. Take no undue chances at all tonight."
Camden made another circuit around the room, taking special care to stay out of Hannah's field of vision. It wouldn't do either of them any good to speak tonight, at least not yet. He had abided by Mary's request, but he didn't know if he could control his emotions if he got too near Hannah. All he wanted to do was hold her close, kiss her senseless, and tell her that he loved her. Yes, love. He could deny it no longer. He was hopelessly in love with Hannah Richardson and wanted her for his wife. If they could unmask Lady Sargent this evening, he might be able to tell her how he felt about her, but until then, he continued to steer clear of her.
Chapte
r
18
HANNAH STOOD BY THE BALCONY doors, getting a bit of fresh air as she tried her best to enjoy herself at the ball. Her dance card was full, but not a single dance was with the one man she wanted to dance with. She had seen Camden enter the ballroom, although she'd kept her attention fixed on her dance partner. How could one man command the room or look so impossibly handsome? Every young woman's eyes were upon him, though he had not asked any of them to dance. Would he ask her? Would he at least explain where he had been the past few weeks? And why was ignoring her when their last encounter had been filled with such passionate kisses?
She took a deep a breath, determined not to let the Duke of Wetherby see how much he had hurt her. She was shaken out of her reverie when Isabel asked, "How are you faring, Hannah?"
Hannah hesitated. She didn't want to cry anymore. She had shed enough tears over the Duke of Wetherby, and she refused to shed any more. She pasted on a smile and turned to her cousin. "It's a lovely turnout, isn't it? I'm sure Aunt Mary must be ever so pleased."
"I'm sure she is."
"Isabel, please forgive me. I have not complimented you on your dress this evening. You look quite beautiful."
"As do you, Cousin. I can see every eligible bachelor in the room anxiously awaiting his turn to take you out on the dance floor."
"Yes, my dance card is quite full," Hannah said with little enthusiasm.
Isabel squeezed her hand. "I wish I could help heal your heartache. Know this, though. Sometimes, the path to love is not a straight road but a winding path. Do not close off your heart just yet without knowing all there is to know."
"Unfortunately, it appears the Duke of Wetherby would rather talk with every other woman in the room than with me. I'm not sure there is even a curvy path left for us." Hannah gave herself a mental shake. "It is of no consequence. I did not come to London to find a husband."
"CHARLOTTE, I FEAR I have made a terrible mistake," Mary whispered to her friend.
"How so?"
"Shall we walk to the refreshment table?" she asked, flipping open her fan to hide her mouth.
Once the two women each had a glass of punch in hand, Mary led Charlotte to a small alcove at the far end of the room.
"Mary, what has you so concerned?" Charlotte asked.
"Three weeks ago, I asked Camden to stay away from Hannah, at least until this situation is resolved."
"You did? That took courage. What did he say?"
"He was not pleased, but said he would honor my wishes."
"Isn't that a good thing? These are dangerous times, and most especially for the duke. If he and Hannah are meant to be together, I believe they will find each other once again."
"I'm not so sure. Hannah's spirit and her generous heart have been grievously hurt. She has not been the same these past weeks."
Charlotte squeezed Mary's hand. "Young hearts have a way of healing, don't you agree?"
Mary stole another look at Hannah as she danced with a handsome lord. "Perhaps."
CAMDEN FOUND HIMSELF SEATED between Lady Sargent and a young woman in her first Season, Miss Longley. Miss Longley was very pretty, with blond hair and expressive blue eyes, and she was intent in engaging him in conversation, but she could not compare to Hannah. He stole a glance down the table where Hannah and Lady Knightly were seated on either side of Charles. He had never been envious of his friend until this night. While Charles enjoyed the pleasure of Hannah's company, Camden suffered through the chattering around him.
He needed to wrap this mission up. He turned to his right. "Lady Sargent, have you enjoyed London? I hear you will be leaving for the Sargent country estate soon."
Lady Sargent batted her eyelashes at him and leaned toward him, giving him an unobstructed view of her ample bosom, which nearly spilled out of her dress. "I'm trying to convince Lord Sargent to stay in London a bit longer. There are still so many secrets to uncover, don't you agree?"
Camden gave her a sly smile. "I'm afraid I'm not privy to any secrets. Care to enlighten me?"
Lady Sargent giggled. "I'm not sure I should." She looked around the table before continuing. "Very well, I see no one is paying any particular attention to us. I've heard it on the best of authority that Lady Beeson and Mr. Woosly are carrying on a torrid affair while her husband is away."
"You don't say?"
"Indeed I do."
"You seem quite informed for only having been in London for such a short time," he said.
Lady Sargent nodded. "You'd be surprised at the information you can glean if you know where to look and how to listen."
Back in the ballroom after dinner, Camden continued to scan the room. He was more convinced than ever that Lady Sargent was the one they were after. She clearly knew what she was doing, teasing him at dinner with her secrets. She was either the most ruthless spy he had ever met or the most brazen flirt. He wasn't sure which. He hoped he would have his answer by the end of the evening.
He spotted Lady Tisbury and made his way over to her. "Lady Tisbury, another wonderful ball. You are to be congratulated."
"Thank you, Your Grace. I hope it is everything you hoped for."
"I do believe it is," Camden said, certain their spy-killer would be caught this evening.
"I'm so very pleased."
"If you'll excuse me, Lady Tisbury? I could do with a bit of fresh air."
"Of course, Your Grace."
Camden could no longer see either Charles or Lady Sargent in the ballroom. She must have made her move, and now it was time for him to ensure that she never had another opportunity to kill.
Making sure no one was paying him any undue attention, he slipped out the balcony doors, out the side gate, and strode toward Hyde Park. He had to give Charles enough time to unmask the lady, but not leave too much time in which she could hurt him. He entered the park and looked around, but neither Charles nor Lady Sargent were anywhere in sight. He listened for any voices that might be carrying on the wind, but only silence greeted him. Where were they? Charles knew enough to leave him a clue as to his whereabouts. They had worked out the plan, down to each meticulous detail, for every contingency they could think of.
He heard a woman giggle and started toward the sound. A male grunt made him hurry toward a stand of bushes. He would not let another man die at the hands of this ruthless killer, especially not his friend Charles. He came around the corner of the bushes and saw Lady Sargent backed up against a tree with Charles kissing her.
He could only surmise Charles was still trying to tease out the information he needed as evidence, so he hung back behind a tree.
"My lord, I have told you everything," Lady Sargent said in a breathless whisper.
"Are you sure?" the man whispered.
"Yes, of course."
"Then shall we proceed?"
"You tease me, my lord," Lady Sargent said as she lifted her skirts and allowed him full access to the treasure between her legs. Her eyes widened as her lover thrust into her without any preamble.
Camden was uneasy watching this scene play out and didn't like how events were progressing. This was not what they had planned. Charles was too close to her. Whatever she had told Charles earlier should be enough to arrest her. "Charles."
The man's head whipped around.
Except.
It wasn't Charles.
"Damn it, Wetherby. Must you dog my every step?"
"Preston," Camden said. "I see you haven't changed."
Connor Preston stepped away from Lady Sargent, buttoning his breeches while she smoothed her skirts down. "What do you want, Wetherby? I can assure you I do not need a chaperone."
Camden looked at Lady Sargent. "What secrets has she revealed?"
A look of uncertainty passed over Preston's face. "Secrets? None that I know of, except that her husband was well into his cups
and would not miss his wife for some time."
"Is that all?"
"What is this about? Do you have designs on the lady?"
"Of course not. Seeking the company of married women is your specialty."
Before Preston had a chance to retort, a woman's scream pierced the cool night air.
Chapter
19
HANNAH HAD ENJOYED DINNER WITH Lord Edgerton as her dinner partner. He was handsome, with dancing blue eyes, and he certainly knew how to charm the ladies. No wonder women swooned over him. Well, not all women. Though the Viscount of Edgerton would make some young woman a fine husband, he was not the man for her, but that did not mean she couldn't enjoy his attention and some fine conversation. Lady Knightly had sat on his left during dinner, and Edgerton had taken note of whatever she had whispered in his ear toward the end of the meal. All Hannah heard was the word "secret." What secret could Lady Knightly have that would stop Lord Edgerton in mid-sentence? Though it was none of her business, she continued to watch them when they returned to the ballroom. It wasn't much longer before she observed Lord Edgerton and Lady Knightly slip out the balcony doors.
What were those two up too? Perhaps Hannah was not the only one who enjoyed a few passionate kisses in the garden. She knew she shouldn't intrude on their privacy, but she wanted to stop thinking about Camden and her curiosity won out in the end. Where all men devious with a lady's affection? Why would a married woman act like this?
In a split-second decision, she decided to follow them. Surprisingly they didn't stay in the Tisbury garden but continued out the side gate. Was Lord Edgerton having more than a secret rendezvous with Lady Knightly? Although he had not struck her as a man who pursued married women, she followed them to learn the truth. She wondered if all men would say what they assumed a woman wished to hear and only to get what they wanted in return?
She slipped out of the gate and was surprised when they entered Hyde Park. Where were they going? She hesitated a moment at the entrance to the park, undecided whether to continue following them or return to the ball. She knew she shouldn't be out here alone, but she wanted to know the truth. Could any man be trusted? She looked around to make sure no one had seen her before she hurried after them. They ducked behind a tree, and she paused, wondering if she should move any closer. They had obviously felt the need for more privacy than her aunt's garden afforded them. It was one matter to follow them and see a few stolen kisses, but an entirely different matter to eavesdrop on their private conversation. Hannah had never done it before and decided she had enough of this intrigue. It was time to return to the ball.
Dare to Love a Spy (Book 3, Age of Innocence) Page 11