Free A Cantata of Love (The Code Breakers 4) by Jacki Delecki Page B

duty. And Michael acknowledged that he was the best choice to pursue the possibility of coded messages. Amazing. Hen would be pleased. He just wished he could explain everything to Gabby.
    “She has arrived safely at your sister’s home. Your aunt accompanied her.” Michael didn’t want to admit to anyone how disappointed he had been by Gabby’s rejection of his help.
    She had asked him to find her brother’s solicitor. And once he had accomplished the task, Ashworth had stepped into the role of Gabby’s protector. A single man couldn’t serve as her protector. As if he didn’t understand the rules of propriety, both Aunt Euphemia and Ashworth had explained how he must distance himself from Gabby to stop any rumors about the coincidence of his return from France and her arrival. A plan had been agreed upon. Her new identity was to be that of a family friend of the Rathbourne family.
    He wanted to call on her, but he remembered Hen’s words about not pushing her when she was grieving. But he missed her. He wanted to take care of her, comfort her utterly in the way men knew how to offer ease.
    “Yes, I understand that Aunt Euphemia and Gwyneth have been helpful. And tomorrow the lady will be meeting her brother’s solicitor?”
    “Yes, Gabby and your aunt will be meeting with him. Ashworth has also volunteered to accompany them, but the ladies didn’t feel it was necessary.”
    “My aunt has managed her own estate for many years. I’m sure she will be of great assistance.”
    Michael leaned forward in his chair. “Gabby has asked me to look into the circumstances of her brother’s duel and where his body is buried. But this is the tricky part. How can I lie to her about something so important?”
    “You will be protecting her by lying to her. How will it help the lady to know that her brother was assassinated, possibly by the same men who are pursuing her? The story is that Valmont was killed in a duel with the Duke of Wycliffe.”
    Michael sat forward. “I can’t believe Wycliffe was a traitor. By Jove, I encouraged Hen to marry him.”
    Rathbourne stroked his chin with his index finger. “Appears he had gambling and opium problems.”
    “My mother and I thought it was an excellent match. My God, he was a duke. But thankfully, Hen had more sense.”
    “Your sister is a very discerning woman. She did tell me that you supported her decision to refuse him, despite the social pressures.”
    Michael raised his eyebrow in the same supercilious manner as his brother-in-law. “And, despite your reputation, she married you.”
    Rathbourne stiffened, his manner all taut and pompous, ready to take on the challenge. His brother-in-law really was a prickly sort of chap.
    Michael grinned. “And I can see how happy she is.”
    Rathbourne gave a small smile, his body relaxing slightly. “It took some time convincing her to look past my reputation.” He shrugged his shoulders. “But hell, a lot of it was a cover that I had established to hide my covert activities in France. And what Ash said is correct. If you hadn’t stolen the code book, I’m not sure Henrietta would have had the opportunity to see me in a favorable light.”
    “But that’s my point. Gabby will never see me in a favorable light if I am pursuing an opera singer.”
    “Your sister got past my reputation once I was able to share my work. Mademoiselle Gabby seems like a very sensible woman. And since my wife has convinced me that mademoiselle is a gently bred woman with no hidden or devious agendas, you will be able to share your work with her in the future. But presently, you must keep your distance from the mademoiselle. It won’t take long for Napoleon’s men to make the connection between you and the lady. And you have a vital role to play in discovering what the French are planning.”
    “But if only I could tell Gabby about the mission.”
    “Think, man. If you told her of your mission, you’d be putting her at risk.”
    “But you