“Girl, my memory may fail me at times, but I’m not that heartless. I would never have agreed to you marrying that imbecile. Pfft… Ellingsworth.”
She wanted to buckle, bury herself in the comfort of her papa’s strong arms, and confess that he hadn’t. It had been she who had agreed to Burke’s demands, with the caveat that the betrothal announcement to be postponed until the start of the upcoming season.
Her papa’s lips were pressed tight into a straight line, signaling his displeasure, the look she feared most as a child. It pained her to disappoint her papa, but she had no choice. In order to preserve control of the Foreign Office and ensure the safe return of Matthew and others held in captivity with him, she had agreed to marry Lord Ellingsworth, and her papa had signed the marriage settlement.
In previous moments of lucidity, Grace had shared her concerns in marrying Burke’s son. Lord Ellingsworth ran with an entirely different set. She could only recall one instance of having been near the man, and that was many years ago. Her fiancé was admiring the Elgin Marbles, surrounded by his cronies, acting the fool he was reported to be. Lord Ellingsworth had made the most indecent gestures, causing his mates to giggle like a pack of hyenas. She was fully aware that it would take every ounce of fortitude she possessed to convince the ton she was happily engaged to a man who was purported to have air for brains.
Her papa continued to stare at Grace as if he was waiting for her to provide some reasonable explanation. She needed a diversion. There was no time today to rehash the matter. Nothing came to mind. Grace wrapped her arms around her waist. What was she to do? Lucy had confirmed that Matthew would be in attendance per orders from Archbroke. Her head ached. She would soon come face-to-face with Lord Ellingsworth. A wave of nausea rolled through her.
Grace asked, “Will you escort me down?”
He took one of her hands in his and gently rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand like he had when she was a little girl and upset. “Gracie girl, you know my wish was for you to marry Harrington.” Her papa released her hand and huffed, “I should have drawn up the contracts prior to him venturing off. A partner is what you require—someone to assist you with Foreign Office affairs. Harrington wouldn’t have abused the status, and I could retire. All the agents respect him and would have supported his appointment.”
Grace was fully aware of her papa’s wishes and hopes.
Her papa’s dreams of Matthew and her running the Foreign Office in partnership would have been realized if Matthew had not dashed off on the dangerous mission of hunting down the foolish Lord Addington, who aided Lord Burke in his devilish schemes. But Matthew had made his choice. Without so much as a by-your-leave, he left for the Continent, got himself captured, and had been held until Grace managed to arrange for his rescue. What irked her the most was that the blasted man had returned to England and completely ignored her.
“I won’t ask again.” Her papa cringed at his last words but continued, “Explain the events that have resulted in you being betrothed to the scallywag Ellingsworth.”
Grace sighed. “There is no time, Papa. There is much to do before Lord Burke, his family, and the other guests arrive.”
“No more excuses, Gracie girl. I will have this out with you now.”
Her papa was in fine form today. She should be grateful he was of sound mind for this auspicious occasion, yet it rankled her that he pressed her for details of the events she sorely wished had never occurred. “Very well. I… we received word that Harrington, Addington, and Hereford, along with a Home Office agent named Mr. Jones, were being held captive in Salamanca, Spain. Lord Burke came to us and informed us he had critical information that would assist us in obtaining their release. He also indicated he was aware of my role at the Foreign Office and that it would be his duty to advise the Crown to appoint a new head of the department.”
With a frown, her papa declared, “He has no authority over who is appointed.”
“Lord Burke may not have direct authority, but he is a formidable man with many resources. He has the potential to make things difficult for us. I… we needed Lord Burke’s assistance. The price for Harrington’s safety and your condition to remain a secret is one I am willing to pay.”
Her papa stroked his chin and began to pace. “Burke wants his son in place to take control of the office, thus gaining additional resources to aid in his private affairs.”
She smiled broadly at her papa. This was the man she admired and who had taught her everything she knew.
She took advantage of his lucid state. “What do you suppose those affairs comprise?”
“Power and coin. Burke has always been a greedy bastard, unlike his papa before him.”
Grace fell into step alongside her papa. She had noted that when he exercised, the periods of lucidity were lengthier and successive.
Her papa continued. “By putting his son in place, he would have access to foreign trade deals, information on diplomatic arrangements and agents readily available to do his bidding. Hmmm… There is more to his plan.” His blue eyes caught her gaze. “Gracie, remind me of the timeline of events, please.”
This was her chance. Her papa was in fine form this afternoon. While he had made the request before multiple times during the past six months, each time she had refined her response, kept succinct, not knowing when he might lose his concentration. All in the hopes he would assist her in devising an alternate plan to avoid life with Lord Ellingsworth.
“Two seasons past, we issued orders for Devonton to return from the Continent. Midway through the season, we received word of a plan to abduct Devonton. Against orders, Harrington and Devonton attended the Redburn House party, from which Devonton was kidnapped. Lucy deciphered intercepted missives indicating Addington was involved in the matter.”
“Addington? But he is one of our agents.”
She too had initially been confused by Addington’s betrayal. “Lord Burke had threatened to ruin Addington’s sister, Lady Cecilia, who was set to make her debut the following season.”
Her papa paused to look at her directly. Grace needed to steer the conversation back on course. “In any case, Lucy ventured to the Continent to fetch Devonton, which resulted in her becoming Lady Devonton.”
“Ah, as it should be. A love match, no less.” He resumed pacing, but with shorter strides to match hers this time.
Grace sighed, “Yes, well, not all marriages can be a love match. Back to the timeline, Papa. Harrington left in search of Addington against our orders. I sent Lord Hereford to assist. Archbroke, the meddling fool, sent Mr. Jones, one of his own messengers, from the Home Office to the Continent.”
Her papa came to stand next to her. “Lord Archbroke broke protocol? That’s unlike the man.”
Grace said, “Yes. Well, he did.”
“What happened next?” Her papa hooked his arm about hers and began to walk once more.
“After Lucy’s wedding, Aunt Emily and I went to the Continent in search of Harrington. However, we discovered that they were being held as prisoners in a Spanish insurgent camp. Heeding Aunt Emily’s advice, we returned to London. I made further inquiries, which led to Lord Burke presenting us with the deal that landed me in this predicament.”
“Who then rescued Harrington and the lot?”
“Archbroke sent Waterford.”
He tapped her arm. “And who did you send?”
Grace smiled as she recalled the night she stole Lady Cecilia away from Lord Archbroke to assist her in carrying out the complicated rescue plan. “Lady Cecilia. I might have also seen to it that certain information fell into the hands of the newly minted Lord Hadfield.”
“Smart girl, Gracie.”
His belief and trust in her were unfailing while her own confidence in her abilities had waned. Grace continued, “With the information Lord Burke provided, Lady Cecilia, Waterford, and Hadfield successfully tracked down Harrington and the others and freed the lot. Harrington and Hereford returned home. Addington and Lady
Cecilia fled to Canada. Neither wanted to face Lord Burke.”
“And what of Mr. Jones?”
Curious. Papa hadn’t shown any emotional reaction to the others. Grace eyed her papa for clues as she answered. “I believe Archbroke ordered him to follow Harrington to Halestone Hall.”
His shoulders relaxed, and a smile Grace hadn’t seen in months appeared. “Wonderful. Now, what of Waterford and Hadfield?”
She missed the wise man before her, the mastermind who recalled details and never let a loose end go unanswered.
“They did not return with the others. According to the intelligence I received, Hadfield wished to remain and tour the Continent. It was rumored Hadfield was avoiding his new cousin by marriage—Archbroke.”
Turning to pace in the opposite direction, her papa asked, “Have you seen Matthew since his return? How does he fare?”
Grace’s heart sank. Her papa had already forgotten his advice to seek Matthew out. She chose her next words with care. “He has yet to obey our orders.”
Matthew had again failed to provide her with the information she requested. There had been no written report awaiting her this morning. Initially, she was disappointed, but then the idea he might come in person to present the information had her giddy with anticipation. She had even delayed leaving the gazebo for a full extra hour in the hopes he would comply, but neither man nor report had appeared.
Her papa said, “I would expect Harrington will accompany Lucy and Devonton to this evening’s event.”
“Yes, Lucy informed me that both she and Matthew are well enough to attend.”
“What ails Lucy?”
“Nothing. However, she is still recovering from the birth of her sons, Pierce and Rowland. They are but six months old. Devonton shared his displeasure at having Lucy return to town so soon after her lying-in.”
“Nothing slows that girl down. Twin boys, huh.” Papa stopped by the window and keenly watched some activity outside. “If anyone is up to the challenge, that would be our Lucy.”
On her tiptoes, Grace peeked over his shoulder but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
He turned away from whatever it was. “Gracie, one last query, and then I shall take you down to see that all is ready for the evening. Have you ascertained what Lord Ellingsworth knows of the whole matter?”
“No, Papa. But I did receive a message from him this morn asking to meet in private before dinner commences. I assume it is so he can formally propose. You and Lord Burke have already signed the marriage contract.”
“I have?” Concern and confusion clouded his eyes, but he shook it off. “Not to worry, Gracie. All will be well. I’ll see to it.”
But she had heard that exact promise numerous times throughout the years. While her papa meant well, she understood he might not recall his pledge as early as tomorrow morn or in a day or two at the outset. Grace moved to place her hand on his winged arm but found herself caught up in an affectionate hug.
Before he released her, he instructed, “Make sure Cook prepares the same light fare for my breakfast tomorrow, and you take me for a nice long walk out in the gardens like we did this morn, Gracie. Don’t forget.”
“Yes, Papa, I’ll remember.”
Chapter Four
Chaos. Utter Chaos.
Matthew’s head pounded with the increasing volume of the voices surrounding him. Seated at his desk, fingertips steepled beneath his chin, he took another deep breath. Briefly, he closed his eyes to make the gathered group disappear. What he really wanted to do was cover his ears and order the meddling lot to get the bloody hell out of his study. Leave his townhouse. Leave him alone.
Blake and Archbroke occupied one side of the room, facing their wives, while Matthew’s mama stood, quiet but present, beside him.
He slid a pleading look to Blake. His best friend always read his mind, and he was counting on the skill right now.
Blake shuffled to Lucy’s side, and Matthew released a sigh of relief as he read Blake’s lips. Sweetheart, perhaps the ladies would like to adjourn to the drawing room. Allow the men a moment to partake in a drink… or two.
His sister’s gaze darted past him before landing on their mother. The crease between Lucy’s eyebrows deepened as she said, “Mama, Theo, let’s adjourn for tea. I need some sustenance before we continue discussing matters.”
Matthew observed Blake’s reassuring hand on Lucy’s lower back as he escorted her and the other ladies to the door. The touch was merely one of the ways Matthew’s brother-in-law displayed his love. Praise the saints, Lucy had married the only man alive who had the skill and patience to handle her.
Matthew waited for the ladies to leave the room, but before the door even clicked closed, Archbroke faced Blake. “What the devil? We were finally getting somewhere in the discussion…”
Blake glared down at the man. “How many times must I remind you? You may be the head of the Home Office and Lucy’s superior, but you are not—”
“Will the two of you shut up!” Matthew said before the discussion deteriorated. “I need a bloody drink!”
Both men stared at him as if he had grown horns and a third eye. Matthew wasn’t the devil or a monster, but he was no longer the carefree, indolent marquess who sought to restore the peace. Damnation. If they weren’t going to pour him a drink, he’d do it himself. Matthew pushed back his chair and quickly stood—and just as quickly grabbed for the back of his chair.
Stars appeared before his eyes, a reminder of his months of captivity. Beating after beating had left him with constant headaches and sudden dizziness. He opened his eyes to a double image of Blake inches away and a glass of brandy being urged into his shaking hand. He didn’t care about the concerned looks he was receiving. He didn’t want or need pity. He put the glass to his mouth and poured the fiery liquid down his throat.
At least, that is what he had intended, but the glass slammed down on the desk. His judgment of distances was impacted during these irritating episodes. While their frequency had lessened over the past few months, they still bedeviled him.
“Steady on there.” Blake refilled the glass and pushed it closer.
Alcohol no longer dulled the ache in Matthew’s head, but he accepted the drink anyway, and Blake came back into full focus. He was more than a best friend and brother-in-law. Blake was Matthew’s hero. Against all the odds, the man had survived and escaped enemy captivity numerous times during the war. Blake was considered the Foreign Office’s most valuable agent. He never once uttered a complaint when his tour abroad was extended.
Matthew had advised Grace to summon Blake home many times, for his sister’s sake, but the acting Foreign Secretary had argued that Lucy was resilient and would manage without the assistance of a man. It was true Lucy had managed. But having seen the unparalleled love and understanding the pair shared, after experiencing captivity himself, guilt ate at Matthew’s soul for having failed to persuade Grace to order Blake’s return home sooner.
Matthew hadn’t understood Blake’s annoyance when he first returned at how frivolous and selfish the majority of the ton behaved. Matthew did now. He had been guilty of taking the lavish meals, the conveniences of bed, bath, and clean clothes for granted. Lucy had told him of the scars evident on Blake’s body. But her husband never shared the horrific conditions he must have endured during his time on the Continent with anyone.
Blake showed no signs of the distress that Matthew was now experiencing after being held prisoner. Matthew hadn’t been alone like Blake. Held captive with three others, they were now like brothers, sharing a deep bond that would never be broken.
Matthew glanced down at the glass in his hand. It was empty, like him.
The crimson material of Archbroke’s waistcoat caught his attention as the man paced in front of him.
Matthew barked, “Speak up, Archbroke. What the devil are you rambling on about now?”
The Home Secretary came to stand mere inches away. “I remain your superior. I do not take o
rders from my subordinates.”
They stared at each for a full two minutes. Matthew respected Archbroke. The man was a genius and a fabulous leader, but Matthew had plans for his time, and they didn’t involve the Home Office. Matthew was the first to release his gaze and lower it to the floor.
Archbroke released a barely audible sigh before saying, “Devonton, since you shooed your wife away, you will have to answer my questions. Did Lucy receive any further news from Lady Grace?”
“No.” Blake’s lips curved into a devilish smile. Unlike Matthew, Blake dared to question the Home Secretary. “Has Mr. Jones provided a report? I assume he was able to immerse himself into Ellingsworth’s set.”
Archbroke’s shoulders slumped. “To his dismay, yes.”
Matthew didn’t want to hear Grace’s betrothed’s name uttered in his house. Every single muscle in his body tensed, and he carefully placed the empty glass on the sideboard before it shattered in his hand.
How was he to endure an entire evening in Grace’s presence along with her fiancé?
An image of Grace floated in his memory. Candlelight glinting off her bright eyes as he twirled her about the dance floor. Her laughter filling his heart with happiness. Leaning down, he tucked a wayward tendril behind her ear, but instead of seeing his own reflection in the depths of her eyes, Ellingsworth’s idiotic grin stared back.
Matthew’s heart seized. His only solace was that Burke would pay for upending his life.
Blake joined him at the sideboard and poured two healthy fingers of brandy for each of them. His best friend took a long sip and swallowed. “Archbroke, if we are to puzzle out why Lord Flarinton and Lady Grace would agree to the outrageous match, you must share the intelligence in your possession. Don’t make me subject Theo to an inquisition.”
Confessions of Lady Grace Page 3
