A Secret Code

by Jacki Delecki

  As the dance ended, Albert offered his arm. She waved her fan, trying to cool herself after the strenuous steps.

  “Shall we fight our way for refreshments?” Without waiting for her consent, he took her arm and directed her to the table set with lemonade.

  She didn’t want to spend time with Albert, tonight of all nights; especially when Lady Henrietta had offered her support for the match with Reggie. She also didn’t want the ton to conclude that because she was spending time with Albert, she had accepted him.

  “You must tell my father how absurd his plan is for us to wed. You must tell him emphatically that you don’t want to marry me. He will listen to you over his mere daughter.”

  “And why would I want to do that?” He handed her a small glass of lemonade.

  “You must be joking?” Joie tried to contain the panic rising in her voice.

  Albert’s already reddened face darkened to a deep shade of crimson.

  “The match is sound. You will have greater connections being associated with my family than you could acquire otherwise. I am the son of an earl. And your father’s support will make my ascendancy in the church a foregone conclusion.”

  Joie gripped the lemonade so tightly that she was afraid the fragile glass might shatter. The sharp stab of this betrayal from the boy whom she had grown up with and trusted made it difficult to pull air into her lungs.

  “How can you possibly want to marry me? You have no feelings for me.” Her voice trembled between despair and anger. “Does it not matter to you that I have no feelings for you?”

  “You will develop an affection for me once I’ve become your husband and we’ve shared our marriage bed. You’re a passionate woman, Joie. I remember our first kiss.”

  Disgust, fury, and fear blended into a frothing tornado of emotions. Albert was the first person she had kissed. Naïve and romantic, she had hoped to feel magic with the older boy whom she admired. She felt nothing, and, afterward, they laughed about how they were meant to be friends.

  “It doesn’t matter to you that I don’t want to be your wife in that way?”

  She scrutinized Albert’s face, looking for the young man she’d had affection for before he left for university. This man, with melting hair wax heavily applied to his Brutus haircut and a flamboyant waterfall cravat, was a stranger to her. Her life had suddenly careened out of control. She had remained confident that Albert would convince her father of the inadvisability of the match. But with both men in agreement, she and Reggie stood no chance of marrying.

  “Calm yourself. It doesn’t matter how you feel now. You’re too inexperienced to understand…”

  “You are mistaken if you believe that I would ever allow you to touch me.” She slammed the glass on the table and began to walk away.

  “You’re making a spectacle of yourself. If you don’t calm yourself, you’ll have a fit of vapors.”

  “In all the years you’ve known me, have you ever seen me have vapors?” Shock was quickly morphing into rage. He wanted to marry her only to further his connection to her father. Her feelings were not to be considered. He assumed in his arrogant manner that she should be delighted to share his bed.

  “You’ve always had a mercurial disposition. Once you’re a wife, you’ll be more content. Your unsteady nature is likely due to your French lineage.”

  She took two steps before turning to confront him, unconcerned about the attention they were drawing. “Never speak of my mother.”

  “Miss James, may I have the honor of the next dance?”

  Joie startled at the deep bass voice behind her. She turned to find Lord Rathbourne, Reggie’s superior and Lady Henrietta’s husband. She had met the enigmatic man for the first time on her arrival at the ball. She had curtsied but didn’t have any conversation since there was a long line to greet the host and hostess.

  Joie squirmed under his inscrutable gaze. His person was intimidating, with hard angles and a powerful presence. He loomed over both her and Albert. His eyes remained on her face, but she felt as if he were looking into her soul. No wonder the man was in charge of England’s security.

  “Or if you’d prefer to take a stroll outside?” He offered his arm. “I observed that your company was becoming tedious.”

  The cold, haughty stare that he directed at Albert was priceless, and Joie had to suppress the need to giggle.

  “It would be a pleasure to walk with you, my lord.”

  “I hope you won’t mind, Landry. Miss James is a dear friend of my wife’s, and I want to ensure that she enjoys tonight’s activities. I hold all of my wife’s friends’ happiness as my responsibility.”

  Lord Rathbourne spoke in a calm, even voice, but the fine hairs on her arms prickled in awareness. He had declared to Albert that she was under his protection. She wasn’t sure if she was misinterpreting his words until she looked at Albert. His rosy color had left his face. Now he was the same hue as his white cravat.

  Joie didn’t acknowledge Albert as she was led by Lord Rathbourne toward the French doors to the garden. “Was Landry importuning you?”

  Joie was unsure of how much to share. Did he know of Reggie’s proposal? And her father’s plans?

  He patted her hand on his arm. “Don’t fret about Landry. Lady Henrietta has decided that you will marry Talley. And once my wife sets her mind, be assured she rarely fails.”

  “My lord, Lady Henrietta is most kind, but Albert informed me that he wishes to marry me. I’ve been clinging to the hope that he would convince my father that we are a mismatch. There is no affection between us.”

  “My wife is signaling. It appears your father has arrived.”

  Joie felt all the blood rush from her body. She would have stumbled if not for Lord Rathbourne’s strong arm guiding her.

  “My father rarely attends social events.”

  “Steady, Miss James. You must trust me that all will be well. Once I learned of your desire to be of service to our country, I added my support.”

  Joie was regretting the lemonade that she had gulped once she glimpsed her father’s stern countenance and stiff bearing.

  “Smile. Nothing confuses a man more than a woman’s smile.”

  Despite the tremors rattling behind her knees, she laughed out loud, causing both her father and Lady Henrietta to turn and stare.

  Lord Rathbourne grinned, and Joie almost stumbled again. A tense and controlling Lord Rathbourne was intimidating, but smiling, he was breathlessly handsome.

  “That’s the spirit.”

  Demonstrating a surprising familiarity, Lady Henrietta linked arms with Joie before she could curtsy to her father. “Miss James, I was just telling your father of your kindness to my Uncle Charles and how my husband and I are in your debt.”

  Lady Henrietta had been shocked to see her uncle arrive at the ball and to have her uncle in good spirits and eager to socialize.

  “Thank you, my lady. But it is I who should thank you. Your uncle is a warm and interesting gentleman. He asked me if I would accompany him to his book lending library. If this meets with your approval, my lady, I would be very pleased. He and I share an interest in Egypt.”

  Lord Rathbourne groaned as Lady Henrietta smiled. “Oh my. Uncle is quite taken with everything Egyptian. Are you sure you want to spend time with elderly gentlemen and discuss mathematical and spiritual theories about the origins of the pyramids and why and how they were built?”

  “It sounds delightful to me. I would like to discuss something more than fabrics and hairstyles on occasion.” Joie still loved fashion, but she was more comfortable in Uncle Charles’s company than she had been with the ladies in London that she had met.

  “My instincts were correct. You are so much more than a beautiful young woman.”

  Embarrassed by Lady Henrietta’s praise, Joie looked at her father. “Uncle Charles shared that you went to school together, Father.”

  “Yes, it was many years ago. I’ll have to make my regards to Harcourt.”

>   “Your Grace, my uncle also shared that he remembers your wife, who was beautiful and charming, and that Joie closely resembles her. He also said that you were a lucky man to have married a diamond of the first order,” Lady Henrietta said.

  Her father’s face softened, and his lips curved into a partial smile. “I was a very fortunate man. My Marissa would be proud of Joie and all her accomplishments.”

  Stunned, Joie stared at her father. Her mouth surely was hanging open. He had never once mentioned her resemblance to her mother and had given her little praise for her accomplishments. Only Esme, her maid, told Joie how much she was like her mother.

  “I’m sorry that you lost your wife. I can’t imagine a life without my husband.” Lady Henrietta’s voice grew wistful as she stared at her husband’s strong countenance.

  “As it is for me, my dear.” Lord Rathbourne’s quiet words coupled with his passionate look directed at his wife made Joie look away. It was an intimate moment, not to be shared.

  The pain that crossed her father’s face was painful to witness. Her feelings for Reggie gave her more insight into how much her father had suffered. As a girl, she had never appreciated her father’s loss.

  “I’m sorry that your mother isn’t here to see your entry into society,” Lady Henrietta spoke to Joie. “Any mother would be glad to claim you as her own. And I hope, sir, that you’ll allow Joie to be under my tutelage in negotiating the ton’s demands. I plan to make sure Miss James enjoys the season.”

  “Yes, my wife is fond of Miss James. We hope that you can join us for dinner with your daughter very soon?” Lord Rathbourne invited.

  Her father, an astute man who had climbed to the highest ranks of the clergy, would never slight someone as powerful as Lord Rathbourne or his wife.

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  “Now, let’s go find some suitable young men for you to dance with.” Lady Henrietta linked arms with Joie. “Oh my. My favorite of all the young men has arrived—Lieutenant Talley. We’ve become very attached to him, haven’t we, Cord?”

  “Yes, the lieutenant has been working on a special project of the utmost importance to national security. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

  Joie tried not to gape as Reggie walked toward them. He wasn’t in his uniform but in black formalwear that hugged his broad shoulders and tapered to his lean waist. His sandy brown hair was brushed back, making his bright blue eyes mesmerizing.

  Her face flushed and her heartbeat went on a merry dance spurred by his closeness.

  Reggie bowed. “Lady Henrietta and Lord Rathbourne. Your Grace.”

  Her father barely nodded his head. “Lieutenant Talley.”

  Time slowed as she waited for him to address her. The ballroom’s sounds and lights faded into the background, condensed into this one magical moment.

  “Miss James.” His voice smoothed all of her shattered nerves, the painful encounter with Albert vanishing as soon as Reggie was near.

  “Your timing is impeccable, Talley. I’ve just told His Grace that I plan to make sure that Miss James has a wonderful evening. You, sir, are available for the next dance?”

  “It would be an honor to lead Miss James out. Of course, with your permission, Your Grace?”

  “His Grace and I are in full agreement that his daughter’s happiness is most important.” Lady Henrietta smiled at Joie’s father before taking his arm. “I want to reacquaint you with my uncle, who is looking forward to seeing his old classmate. I think you might want to defend the stories that my uncle has been sharing about your behavior at school.”

  Her father gave Lady Henrietta a disapproving look that was familiar to Joie. It had no effect on Lady Henrietta, who led her father to an alcove where Uncle Charles was seated with a large woman dressed in a purple dress with a fuchsia turban.

  “My lord, I’ve never seen anyone bend my father to their will as Lady Henrietta just did. Most impressive, but I’m afraid he won’t be swayed for long.”

  Lord Rathbourne grinned. “Your father doesn’t stand a chance. My wife has led him to my Aunt Euphemia, who is seated with Uncle Charles. I’ve seen my aunt make grown men cry. The king is afraid of my aunt.”

  Joie laughed, but neither man joined in.

  Reggie raised his eyebrows. “She is a force that few men can handle.”

  Now Joie wanted to meet her.

  “Talley, take Miss James on the dance floor or face my wife’s wrath.” Lord Rathbourne chuckled as he walked away.

  A devastating grin spread across Reggie’s face as he offered his arm. “Miss James, shall we dance?”

  She placed her hand on his arm. The strong muscles flexed under her touch. He covered her hand with his. His mere contact enveloped her in heat and possession. And suddenly the ballroom glittered, and the lights were brighter from Reggie touching her.

  Chapter Six

  Reggie stretched his arms, reaching for the ceiling. He had been sequestered in the small room since early morning, reviewing the activities in Rathbourne House. Unlike last night’s guests at the ball, a soldier had to report for duty, not loll in bed all morning. The idea of lolling in bed with a black-haired siren hardened his body and heated his blood to the boiling point.

  Joie, with her big black eyes sparkling in exhilaration, her glossy ebony hair swept up in daring ringlets, had glowed like no other lady at the ball. Every man present in the ballroom was aware of her radiant warmth. And he was the lucky bastard she wanted to marry. He couldn’t help but be a little smug about how he had captured the heart of the rare beauty. Now, if her father would only accept Reggie’s proposal.

  Unable to claim her as his own last night had been torture. Their first and only dance together, and he was barely able to speak or touch her. The blasted contra dancing required that they continually change partners, giving him little opportunity to quench his burning need for her. His fantasy of stealing away into the garden to continue her education on kissing remained exactly that—a dream.

  Lady Henrietta had made sure that her protégé would be a success in the ton’s eyes. Joie was never without a partner the entire evening. Not that he begrudged Joie enjoying herself among company, especially knowing how lonely her childhood must have been. But he had hoped for a few moments alone with her instead of watching her dance with other men. He had to pretend that he didn’t care that other men were touching her, smiling at her, and leering down her revealing dress.

  And who was he kidding? Joie wasn’t in need of any lessons in kisses. He was the one who needed tutelage. Her open and passionate response had sent him into a tailspin of feelings. All of his paid experiences didn’t require an honest exchange. He was venturing on new and unsteady ground.

  A loud knock on the door shook him out of his reverie.

  He stood to open the door, expecting that Mrs. Brompton had sent a tray to tide him over in the late afternoon hours. He salivated with the expectation of hot buns, ham and cheese, and cakes. The Rathbourne cook was extraordinary.

  Instead, Private Lewis, a brawny Welsh who matched Reggie in size, arrived to give a report.

  “Any luck?” Reggie closed the door.

  Lewis shook his head. “Either he’s very clever, or he’s very innocent.”

  “I think we should assume he is very clever.”

  Reggie sat behind the oak table that served as his desk. Papers were scattered over the entire surface. He’d reviewed the household receipts each week to see if there had been any changes in the pattern of deliveries. After the ball, there was a stack. This was not a likely way that the mole would be receiving or sending coded messages, but every possibility had to be considered.

  Reggie pushed the papers to one side of the table. Stringent surveillance of the estate had been put in place under Reggie’s leadership. Food and spirit deliveries were inspected by soldiers acting as footmen. The servants understood that Lord Rathbourne held an important role in the war against France, and there were many who would like to harm him
. What the staff didn’t know was that Lady Henrietta, her brother, Lord Kendall, and her Uncle Charles were England’s finest code breakers, working from the library on the estate.

  No one in the household except for Mrs. Brompton, the elderly housekeeper, and her husband, the butler, knew of the Harcourts’ secret work or Reggie’s newest assignment. The Bromptons had been Lady Henrietta’s servants and came with her when she married Lord Rathbourne. It was an unusual arrangement due to Uncle Charles’s failing mental faculties. He often became muddled in his thinking, but the familiarity of the Bromptons helped to lessen his confusion.

  Reggie had winnowed down the parameters of his search. Besides looking at all guests and deliveries that came and went, he now had all the servants who left the estate on a regular basis monitored. The assistant cook and her staff who did the shopping, as well as any servant who was sent on an errand, were followed by a footman/soldier.

  All the servants had been interviewed when Reggie took over the safety of the household. He suspected no one, or he wouldn’t have continued their employment. Working for Lord Rathbourne was considered a great honor, and the turnover in staff was basically nonexistent.

  The thought that he’d cleared someone who had sold information on Lady Henrietta to the French had him on edge. Recently hired staff included a stable hand, a scullery maid, and a tutor whom Lord Rathbourne’s man of business had hired. Young Edward Harcourt was as bright as his older siblings and had outgrown his previous tutor.

  Reggie had the stable boy and scullery maid followed in the first weeks of their employment, but they rarely left the premises. When they did, it was either to see family or, in the case of the stable hand, to visit the local pub. To make sure that the lad wasn’t meeting a French spy, one of the soldiers spent several evenings in the pub. The soldier was grateful for his assignment.

  “Go on.” Reggie pointed to the chair across from him for Lewis to be seated.