Free Son of a Duke by Jessie Clever Page B

has caused you and your staff.   The powers that decide these things do not always think on the repercussions of their actions.   They only think of the best way to resolve an unfavorable situation."
    Nora did not speak.   He turned slightly to look at her.   She had not moved from her spot by the lantern, and her face had not lost its sheen of curiosity.   He needed to finish what he had to say and leave.   He was already feeling the strain of keeping his emotions in tact.   If was he alone with her any longer, he could not be held responsible for what would occur.   And something in the back of his mind made him feel disgusted with his own urgings, and he checked himself.
    "It is unwise for you to share this information with anyone, and I advise you to think of another story to tell the lord and lady of the house.   Knowledge of this information could prove deadly if discovered.   Do you understand, Miss Quinton?"  
    He had been watching her, and at the last of his words, he watched the delicious spell that had swept over her break away and dissolve into the air.   He wished it back almost instantly, but he knew it was for the best.
    "I understand, Mr. Black."  
    Her voice was neither that of the demanding Miss Quinton he had met in the ball just hours before nor that of the mother who directed her son so carefully.   He suspected this was the Eleanora Quinton that stayed hidden in the depths of the infallible housekeper in an ardent need to feel safe.
    Nathan was suddenly very tired and let his gaze drop down to the fire in the hearth.  
    "Thank you, Nathan," she said then, and he looked quickly back up.   "Thank you," she continued, "For explaining the situation."  
    He nodded and reached for his great coat.   It was past time for him to leave.  
    "I only regret that I cannot tell you more," he said, but then he paused.  
    "Nora, I am uncertain as to what will happen next with this situation.   There may be an issue with you knowing about Franklin Archer.   I will not know until I speak with my colleagues."
    Nora only nodded, and the simple response made him want to take her into his arms, close her within his grasp and keep her safe from anything the world wanted to do to her.   But he did not have the luxury of being in such a position to protect anyone.   He never really had.
    "I will be in touch as soon as I learn of what is to be done next, but I want you to understand that I do not know when that will be or what it will entail.   I apologize now for this could cause an upset in your life."  
    Nathan recalled the many innocent people who had gotten in the way of War Office business and were suddenly transported to obscure places like the colony of Rhode Island or whatever such thing it called itself now.   He wanted Nora to be able to grasp the gravity of the situation without frightening her.
    She nodded again, and he moved toward the door.   He had almost made it to the hallway when a question made him stop.  
    "Nora, do you have any family?"  
    Her face revealed nothing as she replied, "It is just Samuel and I."  
    He had suspected as much, and he wondered both why he had asked the question and why the answer had made him sad.
    He nodded.   "Thank you for your corporation, Miss Quinton.   I bid you good night."
    He turned once more to the door, but this time continued through it before the enticing image of Miss Eleanora Quinton could get the best of him.  

CHAPTER FIVE

    Nathan turned left at the end of the drive heading toward the park.   The air was crisp, making the part of his face exposed above the collar of his coat sting with each step.   His footfalls were silent on the pavement, the fabric of his greatcoat eerily swooshing in the stillness.   In the distance, a carriage passed on a cross street, the horses hooves striking the road in a syncopated rhythm.  
    He reached the cross street and turned left, heading up along the park.   It would have been quicker to cut