by Aston, Alexa
Returning home, he told his butler to send Jones to him the moment the driver returned home. While he waited, he recorded what he could recall of his conversation with Elise Martin.
A knock sounded and Jones slipped into the room.
“I need you to contact Smith today. I need eyes on Elise Martin’s house.”
“You found her?”
“I did—and spoke to her.”
Burke handed the agent what he’d written out to read. When he finished, Jones whistled low.
“She definitely knows something. And thinks you’re a part of it, there to test her.”
“She also thought her house was being watched. I’m worried about her safety,” Burke said. “I know we’re supposed to meet with Smith tomorrow but she could be gone by then. We need someone watching her and then following her. She may be more willing to speak of what she knows away from London.”
“I’ll go to Smith now.”
Burke decided to leave himself and went to the lane where Mrs. Crawford’s house stood. He had his hansom cab stop across the street since another one already waited in front of the residence. Just before he got out, he saw the lady herself leave and get into the waiting vehicle.
“Follow that cab,” he instructed his driver.
He thought approaching her in public would be better than calling at her house, where she might not choose to see him. This way, she wouldn’t be able to avoid conversing with him.
She alighted and went inside a millinery shop. Burke paid his driver and followed her inside. The shopkeeper was speaking to another customer. Selina Crawford browsed.
Burke walked straight to her and said, “Good afternoon, Mrs. Crawford.”
Her eyes widened slightly and then a sly smile appeared. “Why, Mr. Nicholson. How good to see you.”
“You know me?”
She clucked her tongue. “How many dashing, handsome men of the ton wear a stylish eyepatch? Oh, Lord Hampton has told me all about you, Mr. Nicholson.”
“Anything flattering?” he asked seductively, giving her a lazy smile.
She looked at him thoughtfully. “You are very charming. I’m surprised she gave you up so soon.”
He had no idea of the she the woman referred to so he continued to smile.
“Speaking of charm, I’m looking for a woman . . . of your particular charms.”
Her brow creased. “I’m not in need of a new protector at this time, Mr. Nicholson. I’m quite satisfied with Lord Hampton.”
“Are you?” He trailed a finger along her arm slowly. “Hampton is old enough to be our father. Don’t tell me he’s capable of satisfying a woman such as you in bed.”
She shrugged. “I don’t matter. It’s my job to make sure he is the one pleased.”
Burke trailed his finger along her arm again. “You might wish to be gratified on the side. I could see that you were.”
Though he said the right words, they rang hollow within him. Sex had always been a part of the spy game, even in Spain. The Don had refused to participate, always claiming allegiance to his Gem. Burke had easily stepped up to fill the gap. Sex was merely a weapon he used in war and had enjoyed doing so. Now, the thought of having to touch Selina Crawford left him empty. It would be a betrayal of Gemma. Frankly, Burke didn’t even know if he could kiss another woman. Gemma had ruined all others for him.
Her eyes glittered with interest. “I will have to reject your offer for now, Mr. Nicholson. Lord Hampton is a jealous, powerful man. I doubt he’d let either of us live if we dallied with one another.” She sighed. “I would never have told Lady Covington to send you my way if I’d have known you would arrive this soon. Perhaps when Lord Hampton tires of me, we could come to a suitable arrangement, though.”
Burke smiled easily at her, though he clenched his fists behind his back. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out at this time for us, Mrs. Crawford.”
“Oh, please. Call me Selina,” she purred as she placed her palm against his chest. “You never know when I will be free from Lord Hampton, Burke. I look forward to getting to know you. Hopefully, sooner than later.”
“Good day, Selina.”
He left the shop and began walking with determination, anger oozing through him.
Gemma had met Selina Crawford—and neglected to tell him.
Chapter Seventeen
Gemma jotted a note to Sir Paxton regarding the latest code he’d sent and then folded and sealed it. She and Burke were supposed to meet with Mr. Smith tomorrow and she would ask that he pass along the message to his superior. In it, Gemma mentioned the code she had created. Though Sir Paxton had yet asked for her to do so, she wanted to make him aware it was available for use. She didn’t know how these things worked at the War Office. Perhaps they would have a trial in which it was used within a small, select group, in order to assess the cipher’s credibility and reliability. It didn’t matter. It was ready and she was happy to share it with the British government. The choice to use it or not would be up to them.
She heard a commotion outside the study and paused to listen. Normally, her household was very quiet. None of her staff whistled or sang as they worked. She’d grown used to the silence.
Someone was now shouting. A banging on her study door sounded. Quickly, Gemma crossed the room and threw the lock so she could open the door. When she did, a very angry Burke Nicholson stood on the other side.
“We need to talk,” he said, sweeping past her into the room.
She looked at Mr. Bosley, whose deep frown creased his forehead with lines.
“I tried to stop him, my lady.”
“It’s all right. I can soothe him.”
“Can you?” Bosley asked, his brows arching.
Gemma raised hers in response. She closed the door—but didn’t lock it. She remembered what had happened in this very room and didn’t want a repeat of it, especially with the Cramptons due for tea shortly.
Burke stood facing the window, his hands clasped behind his back. It was much as she recalled their meeting a few weeks ago, when she’d gone to Sir Paxton’s and become involved as an agent for the crown, partnered with this man. She’d admired the stranger then and still did the man she’d come to know.
And to love. Maybe. Gemma still wasn’t sure about that. Just because she thought about Burke most every waking moment didn’t mean it was love. And just because his kiss aroused feelings within her that she’d never known existed also didn’t mean it was love. It could be lust. She almost laughed. What would Rob have thought of her being in lust? Knowing her friend, he would have told her to pursue the attraction and enjoy life. It was hard for her to think about being in love with Burke because he wasn’t a man who would ever settle down with one woman. He was a man who lived to enjoy many women. Keeping to one—much less entering a state of wedlock—would never cross his mind.
Unfortunately, that’s what love meant to her. Being with one man. Remaining faithful through thick and thin. Marrying. Having a family. Growing old together. All these were things she associated with love, something she’d doubted existed much less would come to her. She sighed, knowing it was foolish to dream of a life with Burke. No matter what her feelings, she needed to push them aside. Focus on their mission.
And then let him go when it ended.
He whirled suddenly and paced toward her. That beautiful gray eye of his was dark. Not with desire, as she’d seen before. Burke was angry. Beyond angry.
His hands clasped her shoulders and he shook her, surprising her, and she winced with the pressure.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he demanded.
One of them had to keep their head. Gemma decided it would have to be her.
“Release me,” she said calmly. “You’re hurting me.”
Immediately, his fingers lifted from her. The anger flushed away, replaced by regret.
Taking her hands, Burke threaded their fingers together. “Gemma, I’m sorry.”
She stared at him coldly. “Do you h
ave an explanation?”
He moved his head slightly toward her and she turned hers away. When she felt he wouldn’t try to kiss her, she looked back at him.
“I was angry with you. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” His fingers gently squeezed hers.
“Obviously, I’ve done something wrong. I haven’t a clue. Might you share with me what—”
“You saw Selina Crawford—and didn’t tell me.”
“Oh. That.” She tried to pull away but he held fast to her hands. “It was nothing. I didn’t deliberately seek her out and then neglect to tell you if that’s what you think.”
She took a deep breath and licked her lips, immediately angry with herself. “I’m not flirting with you,” she quickly said.
His gaze searched hers. “I didn’t think you were.”
“Mrs. Crawford came up to me. I’d taken Aggie to the modiste and Madame Bertrand took her to the back to get her measurements. Mrs. Crawford must have entered the shop earlier and I didn’t notice. I know—I should have. I will be more alert in the future as to my surroundings.”
“Go on,” he prodded.
“She knew who I was.” Gemma felt the blush stain her cheeks. “She said Lord Hampton had told her of how he’d found the two of us together. That it wasn’t something the earl would share with his wife but he did with Mrs. Crawford. Because they were close. Because he found it amusing.”
Gemma closed her eyes, seeing the woman’s sly smile again and hating her for it.
“Gemma?”
She opened them. “She told me if I ever tired of you to send you her way.”
With that, she pulled her hands from his and went to stare out the window, wrapping her arms about her protectively. Burke came and stood behind her. His arms went around her, making her feel safe. She leaned her head back against his chest, savoring the scent of his cologne.
“She made me feel . . . dirty. That what we had done was like what she and Lord Hampton do together. She mentioned the earl had unusual tastes. It left me feeling . . .” Her voice trailed off.
His arms tightened about her. His lips brushed against her ear and a shiver ran along her spine. “Don’t ever listen to a woman like that, Gemma. She is full of poison. She will do or say anything to get her way. Make herself seem superior. We are nothing like her and Hampton. What we have—”
“Is a business partnership,” she interrupted and stepped away from him, knowing she had to protect her heart. “I will dance with you, Burke. Sit with you. Stroll a garden party on your arm. I will even kiss you passionately again if we ever find ourselves in a situation similar to the one in Lord Hampton’s study. But I want nothing personal between us anymore. We’ve crossed some line and I never knew we had. I realize it now, though.
“Please . . . don’t kiss me again.”
“Gemma,” he said softly and took a step toward her.
“No. I mean it. I will play my part. You will do the same. We are agents of the crown and we will work together to bring proof to the War Office of any traitors we discover. After that, we’re through.”
A hard knock sounded on the door and her butler stepped inside before she even bid him to enter.
“Lord and Lady Crampton are here, my lady. I’ve seated them in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bosley.” She stood a little taller. “We’ll join them now.”
Gemma left the study and moved toward the stairs. When Burke appeared beside her and took her hand, tucking it through his arm, she didn’t protest. He was only being gentlemanly. She would accept his good manners and show the same toward him.
But his touch made her ache.
They entered the drawing room and she smiled brightly. “I’m so happy you could come today. Mrs. Pettigrew makes one of the moistest cakes I’ve ever eaten.”
Charlotte laughed. “I’ve become quite a lover of cake.” She rubbed her belly. “Or this little one has. Either way, I’ll be happy to try some.”
“If you have any biscuits, have your Mrs. Pettigrew bring those, too,” the earl said. “Charlotte can’t seem to get enough of them.”
They spent a pleasant hour in conversation. Gemma was proud of how she and Burke came off as being friendly. As if nothing was strained between them. When it came time to leave to drive through the park, Lord Crampton begged off.
“The hour after teatime is when we read with Harriet and Jane. My nieces. It was something Miss Nott started with them and the girls are still eager for our reading hour.”
He took his wife’s hand and kissed her fingers tenderly. A yearning swept through Gemma so suddenly that she almost burst into tears.
Instead, she blinked them away and said, “I’m delighted you made tea. Mr. Nicholson and I will have to take our ride without you. Might you be at Lord and Lady Hill’s ball tonight?”
“For a short while,” Charlotte replied. “I’m finding it very difficult to stay up so late. We’ll come and dance a few tunes.”
“And then go to bed,” Lord Crampton added, his eyes lit with mischief.
Gemma coughed, trying to keep her blush from turning her face bright red. She knew exactly what Charlotte and her husband would be up to—and found herself envious.
They said their goodbyes and she went to fetch a shawl and pin her hat into place. She didn’t rush, not wanting Burke to think she was eager for this time in the park. Instead, she actually dreaded it. But she knew it was important to be seen together to maintain their cover.
Burke awaited her in the foyer and led her out to his barouche. She’d never seen it before and once more admired the pair of horses that would draw it. Jones climbed from the seat and gave her a nod before walking away.
Burke took the reins and drove to Hyde Park without attempting to make conversation. Once they entered, he slowed the vehicle and smiled at her.
“Lord and Lady Hampton are up ahead. Pretend as if you’re enjoying my company.”
Gemma laughed. “I do enjoy your company, Burke. I always have.”
“You just don’t want to kiss me anymore. Is it because of Smythe?”
“No. It’s because of you.”
With that, she turned and greeted the Hamptons.
*
Burke arrived at the Hills’ townhouse in a sour mood, all thanks to Gemma. No, he couldn’t blame her entirely. It was that damned Selina Crawford that had gotten into Gemma’s head. He also couldn’t discount her divided loyalties. She must be experiencing terrible guilt at being attracted to her husband’s murderer. Though Gemma wouldn’t word it as such. Even though Burke hadn’t been the one to torture The Don, whatever slip he’d made had led to Smythe’s horrible death.
No wonder she didn’t want to have anything to do with him.
The fact that she thought they could remain business associates was laughable, though. Not with what sparked between them. Whether Gemma knew it or not, they were on a course where they would collide—and that collision would result in the most passionate lovemaking of their lives.
He felt back at the beginning now. Trying to build her trust in him once again. It would be hard to keep his hands off her but he would do it. She needed time and a little distance between them. He’d play his role of public swain and do just enough to tempt her to want more—and possibly even make her jealous.
After stopping by the receiving line, he chatted with as many pretty women as he could, all the while keeping Gemma in the corner of his eye. He finally approached her shortly before the music began.
“A good evening to you, Lady Covington.”
“Yes. It’s a very pleasant night, Mr. Nicholson.”
“Might you wish to dance the supper dance with me?”
“I’m afraid I’ve already promised it to another but I thank you, all the same.”
“Who?” he asked quietly.
She smiled and looked around. “It doesn’t matter. You can dance with me later.”
“The first dance after supper then?”
“As you
wish.”
He excused himself and found the Hampton chit, whom he’d promised to dance with first. She was insufferable and thought herself much prettier than she was. She acted too self-assured. He asked some about her family and found her allied with her mother.
“My father is very distant to us both. Mama thinks it’s because she only produced me and I am a dreaded female. Father has very little to do with either of us. He’s always at the War Office all hours of the day and night.” She smiled. “That’s why I like you, Mr. Nicholson. You don’t seem serious about anything.”
“Oh, but I am, my lady. Just not about you.”
His words shocked her into silence and he escorted her from the dance floor and left her with her mother.
Burke sauntered into the card room to see who was present and where Lady Luck was hovering tonight.
Suddenly, he felt a presence next to him. Turning, he saw Lord Melton had joined him. He remembered the man’s lips on Gemma’s, his fingers marring her flesh with nasty bruises, and had to keep from slamming his fist into the earl’s face.
“Good evening, Melton.”
“Nicholson. I heard you went to visit an acquaintance of mine today. Elise Martin.”
This was interesting. Elise thought she was being watched by someone from the government. Melton did work in the War Office. And now he was letting Burke know his presence at Mrs. Martin’s had been duly noted. He didn’t want to endanger her any further and thought quickly.
“Yes. I’d heard from an acquaintance at White’s—Viscount Boling—that you’d given the lady in question an emerald necklace.”
“I did,” Melton said cautiously. “We ended our association and I gave it to her as a parting gift.”
“I am looking for a piece for Lady Covington and thought emeralds would bring out the fire in her hair. Knowing women such as Mrs. Martin might be willing to part with any gifts they’d received for a price, I took the bold step of going to see her.”
Melton eyed him with interest. “Did she sell it to you?”
“No. After waiting a good while to see her, she finally came in and told me the necklace had already been sold and that she was leaving town to nurse an ill mother. It was a total waste of my time,” Burke said dismissively.
