Free Regency Spymasters 01 - Spy Fall by Diana Quincy Page B

ton. Yet, in that, as in everything, Aldridge maintained the highest reputation. All accounts held that he’d been faithful to Cosmo’s mother during their marriage and exceedingly discreet about his affairs since her death.
    On paper, and indeed, from everything she’d seen of him herself, Aldridge gave the appearance of intelligence, decency, and honor. Yet her information suggested that the marquess was a dangerous man, particularly to her family.
    “Your move,” he said.
    “Your chess set is most impressive.”
    “It is French. I ordered it before the revolution.”
    She moved her knight. “That explains why you still retain a king and queen.”
    Aldridge smiled, a wry curve so like his son’s. “Indeed. As I understand it, all of the French chess sets are kingless since the revolution.”
    “We are very serious about this point,” she said with mock gravity. “Our government made a gift of exquisite ivory Dieppe chess pieces to the American Thomas Jefferson. However, the kings were missing because we were loath to offend a man who’d worked so diligently to rid the colonies of royalty.”
    “Your two countries appear determined to stand against us.”
    “Discussing politics, are you?” Cosmo strode into the room, bringing a restless energy with him. “I vow you are full of surprises, Miss Lamarre.”
    “Actually, we are discussing chess,” she said, irritated by the excitement that arrowed through her at the sight of him. By her own design, she’d seen Cosmo briefly, only in passing, since the night he’d been drunk. He dropped his oversized frame into a comfortable chair by the fire. “What a relief. I thought you were attempting to squeeze government secrets out of Aldridge.” The ironic words held an uncharacteristically sharp edge.
    “Stuff and nonsense.” Aldridge kept his eyes on the board. “As you know, Miss Lamarre and I share an interest in chess.”
    Cosmo crossed one expansive thigh over the other, his dark gaze intent on her. “I’m curious, Miss Lamarre. What are your other interests? We know so little about you.”
    Awareness prickled at the back of her neck. “I am an aeronaut,” she said with deliberate blandness. “That occupies all of my time.”
    “All? Surely there are other pursuits to fill the hours when you are not tempting fate.”
    She didn’t quite know what to make of this curious mood of his. “I read occasionally, but, with the exception of chess, I do not care for playing games.”
    “Hm. You strike me as someone who enjoys games.”
    “I don’t have a great deal of time for leisurely pursuits because I must work to help support my mother and sisters in France,” she said. “That concept is no doubt a difficult one for you to grasp.”
    “Not at all. I am not completely ignorant of the working class. We do have servants, after all.” He tilted that head of luxurious dark waves. “And the serving wenches in the village obviously work to earn some coin.”
    “Yes, forgive me,” she said tartly. “I had not properly considered your involvement with the lower orders.”
    “Stop distracting her, Cosmo,” Aldridge said with some irritation. “Your move, Miss Lamarre.”
    “A thousand pardons,” Cosmo said. “Far be it from me to divert Miss Lamarre from her pursuits.”
    A sudden rustle of activity was audible in the hallway; the front door pulled open and shut, followed by the sounds of men talking. One voice she easily recognized as the butler, but she couldn’t immediately place the other.
    Exuding supreme satisfaction, Cosmo came to his feet. “There is our guest now.”
    “Do bring him in to take tea with us.” Aldridge turned to Mari. “An old friend of Cosmo’s is visiting for a day or two.”
    “Why don’t you and Miss Lamarre finish your game?” Cosmo’s eyes glittered. “Our guest would no doubt like to rest from his long journey. We can all convene at supper.” He sauntered out, all large, loose-limbed confidence. The click