Free Eloquence and Espionage by Regina Scott Page A

surmised is that the
gentleman in danger is someone of great importance to the
government, most likely a member of the House of Lords, whose
advice underpins many decisions concerning our relations with
France.”
    Sinclair rose slowly to his feet. “My lord,
if your life is in danger, you must take steps to protect
yourself.”
    Hastings waved his hand again. “Not me. I
like to think I’ve left such a muddy trail that France cannot tell
whether I’m coming or going. And neither can I.” His eyes twinkled.
“There are a handful of men who fit that description, and most are
well aware of the dangers inherent in their positions. I have
alerted them each to be cautious.”
    His heart sank. Once more, everything had
been dealt with, by someone else.
    “Then what would you have me do, my lord?”
he asked.
    Hastings narrowed his eyes. “Each of our
prospective targets moves in the same circles as the Courdebas
family. Stick close to your betrothed, Hawksbury. She may lead us
to our villain yet.”
    *
    The clock in the entry way struck two and
then half past, with no sign of Ariadne’s supposedly devoted
groom-to-be. So much for her newfound power to command men. She was
only glad she had never mentioned the appointment to her mother or
Daphne. As it was, they made sure to usher every caller out by
three. Even Emily excused herself. Ariadne did not have to be told
why. Her mother said it for her as she closed the withdrawing room
door behind them.
    “We have a great many things to do if we’re
to be ready for Almack’s tonight.”
    As if she weren’t all too aware that “we”
did not include her.
    Given all the fuss today, she’d half
expected a voucher to arrive, addressed to Lord Hawksbury’s
betrothed, of course. For Almack’s, she was ready to make
concessions.
    “Perhaps it is a blessing Daphne was granted
the voucher instead of you,” her mother said as they climbed the
stairs to the chamber story. “After all, you are betrothed now. You
have no need to search for a husband.”
    “Lucky you,” Daphne muttered.
    And Ariadne could not tell her sister she
felt the same way.
    Oh, but this was maddening! She nearly
slammed the door of her bedchamber behind her. She couldn’t
remember a time without Daphne at her side. Daphne, the exuberant;
Daphne the daring. Daphne who tended to say the first thing that
came to her mind. That trait alone made her a poor choice for
confidences, much less secrets of international import.
    And how many times had she wished herself
brave enough or pretty enough to step out from Daphne’s shadow?
Here was her chance! Why did she feel so guilty in taking it?
    No, she would be happy her sister had this
opportunity to dance the night away at the most exclusive club in
London, the only club run by and devoted to the ladies. She would
hope Daphne attracted the perfect suitor: kind, clever, handsome,
wealthy. She kept her smile bright through dinner with her parents
and sister, wished them all farewell from the entry way as they
headed for the carriage in their finery, lamplight setting their
jewels to sparkling. As their butler Pattison closed the door, she
felt as if the night air wrapped around her, darkening the glow
from the chandelier.
    A good book, that’s what she needed. Perhaps
she’d reread Pride and Prejudice for the fourth time. She
wanted to determine how the anonymous author made her readers part
of the story and left them longing for more. Surely reading great
writing would make her a better writer. She was painfully aware
that her journal had been calling for hours.
    But she hadn’t even reached the top of the
stairs before the knocker sounded, echoing through the house. She
turned and glanced back as Pattison went to answer.
    “Lord Hawksbury to see Miss Courdebas,” his
lordship announced, striding past the butler into the entry. The
swirl of his tweed greatcoat seemed to invite adventure inside with
him. The light glowed on his dark hair as he pulled off his