She would never believe Ethan’s sincerity unless he showed her proof. He had to tell her the truth about what he had been doing these last years. All the men had pledged an oath of secrecy to Sir Darnley’s agency, but the only way to gain Kate’s trust was to confide in her. Ethan hoped she would be proud that he had made something of himself other than being the self-indulgent son of a Marquess.
He sat next to Kate. “If I tell you a secret, will you promise not to tell anyone?”
Kate’s brow wrinkled. “What do you mean? What secret?”
Ethan took her hands in his. “There is something about me, something only a few people know, and it must stay that way.”
“Ethan, you are scaring me.”
“It’s nothing bad,” he laughed. “I promise I have done nothing dastardly.” Only when needed, he thought. “It just cannot become common knowledge.”
Kate saw the urgency in his eyes. “All right, I promise.”
“My friends and I are part of an agency of sorts. We work for the English government in an unofficial capacity.”
“Doing what?”
“Whatever is needed to protect our country. We travel abroad on missions or simply collect information here and there to arrest those who wish to do England harm. I have been on the continent more recently with the war.”
“What have you been doing? Fighting?” Her hand squeezed his.
“I fight, shoot, kill, and whatever else I have to do to complete my assignments.”
“You’re a spy,” accused Kate.
“That’s one way of putting it. I do not pretend to be someone I am not. In fact, my title has helped me more than once. I help fight for those who cannot. I’m very good at what I do, Kate, and I can help you.”
Kate studied him and shook her head in disbelief. She opened her mouth to speak but, instead, sighed and peered into the distance. Ethan waited for it all to sink in. Would she believe him or think him daft? It did not matter. He would aid Kate, whether or not she wanted him to.
“How did you come upon this new calling?” Kate showed no emotion.
Ethan wondered when Kate would ask. He sat back in his seat and explained, “After you left, I felt lost. I spent a week or so in a drunken stupor. Finally, the boys decided to take me away. We traveled the continent. One night in Italy, unknowingly, we helped a chap who already worked for the agency. He told us what he was doing and introduced us to Sir Darnley in London. Before we knew it, we were agents for the Crown. My work has been a lifesaver for me. It has been a way to focus my attention on something other than you.”
“I suppose this is what Emily was inferring when she told me earlier today that you had changed.”
“Yes. I am no longer the selfish boy who thought only of himself and what the next amusement would be. Phillip, Hugh, and I have a purpose, and it has made all of us better men.”
Kate averted her gaze and her chin quivered.
Ethan had to tell her everything. Only then could they move forward. If he told Kate the entire truth, she could not doubt his sincere desire to assist her. No matter what had occurred in the past, he would do everything in his power to make sure she remained safe now.
“Kate, no matter what our past, you are a friend, and I want to help you. Think of your son. If he is in danger, don’t you want to do everything in your power to protect him?”
At the mention of Robbie, Kate’s eyes misted. He knew it was a low blow, but the mention of Robbie was the best leverage to get her to agree.
Kate paced about the room while considering her options. She paused with her back to Ethan, which gave him time to study her. Kate was not a thin waif like other women he had met. She had always been curvy and desirable to him. Her waist pinched in just enough, then flared out into hips he longed to put his hands on.
During their time together, before Kate’s marriage to Nathan, they had only kissed. Many nights he had dreamed of what else could have been between them. The kiss they had just shared intensified his secret desires. He questioned his motives and wondered if he had offered to help her out of pure kindness or if part of him wanted to win Kate back. For now, Ethan would be satisfied if she agreed to let him get to the bottom of her current predicament.
Kate’s voice roused him from his thoughts. “I accept your help for Robbie’s sake.”
Ethan nodded and said, “Very well, then the first thing I need to do is take you and Robbie to my house.”
“What, now? Why?”
“It’s obvious someone is watching you. It’s not safe here.”
“If someone is watching me, it won’t be any safer at your house. Plus, there is Emily to consider. It might put her in danger.”
“I will contact the chaps I work with in London. They have helped me in the past and can guard the house. They are already familiar with the layout of my home. It will be easier for them to protect you in a place they know, rather than learn the layout of your parents’ home.”
Ethan cocked a finger under Kate’s chin and tilted her face to meet his gaze. “Trust me, Kate, please.” Unable to help himself, he laid a gentle kiss on her lips, then walked over and pulled the bell for the servant.
A knock sounded on the door, breaking their silence. Ethan said, “Enter,” and the butler came into the room. “Have her ladyship’s and the young master’s things packed. They will be staying at my home for the time being.”
The butler looked to Kate for confirmation. “Do as Lord Norris asks, please. His lordship has informed me that Lady Emily greatly wishes my company for the next few days.”
The butler bowed and left the room. Kate sat down, slumped her shoulders in exhaustion, and rubbed her head.
“How long has this been going on?” Ethan asked.
“What are you talking about?”
“Earlier today, you told Emily you feared you and Robbie were in danger. That was before the incident tonight, so obviously something else must have occurred. I need to know what I’m dealing with.”
Kate hesitated. She found it hard to reconcile the man Ethan was now with the boy he had been when they had last met.
Ethan also struggled with the past. It was difficult to accept the fact that Kate had a child, a child that was not his. She had been with another man; she had laid in his arms and shared his bed. Over the years Ethan had tried not to think about it too much. But now with Kate so close, and the memory of her kiss still on his lips, it was difficult not to be angry, perhaps even jealous. Tonight, the sight of Kate had brought back old memories, both good and bad, and the wound of her betrayal had reopened.
Five years ago, Ethan had believed they were in love. He had even considered asking Kate to marry him before she had run away with Nathan Montgomery. He had not known Kate was in a relationship with Nathan until he had received a letter saying she had gone to the continent. Later, Ethan had discovered she had given birth to a child, and it had thrown him into a rage. He had been betrayed and cuckolded. It had taken years to control his outrage over the situation, but it had all washed away the second he saw the anguish in Kate’s eyes earlier this evening.
Over the years, Ethan had learned to keep his emotions close to his chest. In his line of work, it could mean the difference between life and death. Now, he feared his feelings for Kate might cloud his judgment. No matter what he told himself, or how bitter he had been in the past, he still loved her. In the end, she was the only woman he had ever desired. If he could not be with Kate, at least he could protect her so she could live her life in peace.
Ethan asked, “Do you have any idea as to whom is behind this?”
“I believe it is Nathan’s cousin.”
“What’s his name?”
“Arthur Penbrooke.”
Ethan leaned forward; now, they were getting somewhere. “Why would he want to harm you or Robbie?”
“Because he would inherit the estate if Robbie…” She could not get the last words out, but Ethan understood.
The bastard had at
tacked a helpless boy and his mother for a title. Ethan would put a stop to it. He fought to hide his icy wrath at the idea of anyone harming Kate. “How did this all start?”
“I have always known about Arthur,” Kate explained. “He was not close to Nathan, but he had been to the house a few times during our marriage. At Nathan’s funeral, Arthur offered to stay on and help me settle the estate and run the household. I told him I was fine and could handle things on my own.”
“Did he get angry?”
“No, he left the following day. I thought nothing of it. About a month later, he came back, claiming he wanted to visit. I couldn’t throw him out, so he stayed for a week or so.”
Ethan clenched his fists at the thought of that man in the same house as Kate. “Then what happened?”
“He offered his assistance again. He said Robbie needed a man around the house. I laughed at him, which I now realize was not the smartest thing to do. I believe that is what set him off. After that, Arthur left, but I could tell he was not pleased with me.”
“Did he return?”
Kate nodded. “Yes, almost two months later. Robbie and I had been getting along fine at the estate. I have a wonderful estate manager who has been most helpful. Arthur was not happy; he stormed into the house and demanded to live there.”
“Under what authority?”
“He said it was not fitting for Robbie and me to be in the house alone. As the closest male relative, he felt it was his duty to act as a guardian for Robbie and the estate.”
Ethan grunted, “Did he think you would believe him?”
“Once again, I told Arthur he was not needed, and he became enraged. He said he was the one who should have gotten the estate, not a sniveling brat and his mother. He rambled on about getting what he deserved. He looked like he could commit murder.”
“What did he do after that?”
Kate's eyes clouded over, and she did not speak for a moment. Finally, she found her voice. “After his rage subsided, Arthur smiled at me and asked me to marry him. I told him no. The man is mad. I demanded he leave and never come back.”
“Did he come back?”
“No, but after that, strange things started happening.”
Kate’s lips trembled. He enfolded her in his arms, hoping to comfort her. He knew it must be difficult for her to speak about past events. “Tell me.”
“I noticed minor things at first. Someone had broken the carriage wheel and damaged the fences and walls around the property. I did not take any real notice at first. Then, one day, I was out riding, and my horse threw me. My groom saw that the horse had thrown a shoe. I knew it was not because of my servants or the blacksmith. Then, a few days later, the horse died.”
The idea of anyone killing an animal appalled Ethan. “How did you come to suspect Arthur?”
“We examined the horse’s stall and found a small bag hidden under the straw. I took it to the doctor, who confirmed it was poison. It took me a while to think of who would do such a thing. That’s when I remembered the other incidences, and I put it together. At first, I did not want to believe it was Arthur. It would be pure madness for someone to go to such lengths.”
“Did anything else occur?”
Kate’s hands shook inside of his. Ethan needed to know the rest of the story but already he wanted to kill the man who had caused Kate so much distress.
“After the horse incident, I became more attentive. Still, odd things continued to happen: a railing on the stairs broke, and Robbie fell down the steps; most of the household got sick from something in the bread we ate, and somebody almost ran my carriage off the road. That was when I knew I had to do something.”
“You decided to leave?”
Kate nodded. “I thought, if I left, he wouldn’t follow us. I thought he would leave us alone. But now, it looks as though he has found us.”
Blood pounded in Ethan’s ears as he struggled to control his rage. “How do you know?” he whispered.
“Earlier today, while Emily visited, Robbie became ill. The doctor said it was most likely something he had eaten. Robbie told me that when they were in the village, he had gotten candy from a stranger.”
“You think it was Arthur?”
“Who else could it be? Who else would want to make a little boy sick or even kill him?” Kate cried.
“Did Robbie ever meet Arthur during any of his visits to your home?”
“Yes, although it was only briefly.”
“Wouldn’t Robbie have told you that Arthur was the man that gave him the candy?”
“Yes. Robbie is good with remembering faces. But he did not say it was Arthur. What does that mean?”
“It means there is a possibility that either it was a complete stranger, Arthur might be in disguise, or he has other people helping him, which will make it harder to find him.”
A sob escaped Kate’s lips. Ethan gathered her closer to him. Weariness wore heavily on her face. He noticed the subtle rings around her eyes and the paleness of her skin. Kate had been putting on a brave face for Robbie and the staff, but it had taken a toll on her. Well, no more. Ethan would ensure her safety. He might not have been able to help in the past, but now, he had men and resources at his disposal, and he would use them. Kate and Robbie would have his protection until they took care of Arthur. In the back of his mind, he realized that having her at the house would give him more time with her. No matter what Ethan told himself, he knew he still loved Kate. He would do everything in his power to keep her this time.
Chapter 7
As soon as the bags were loaded into the carriage and the staff given instructions, they left for Ethan’s house. Kate rode with a sleeping Robbie in her lap and Nana next to her. Ethan sat across from them. He had remained silent since they had gotten into the carriage. Kate worried that Ethan was rethinking his offer to help them, but there was no reason to doubt his sincerity. He had said little when she had told him about Arthur. He had asked a few questions, but nothing more.
After what Ethan had told her about his new ventures, she was not sure if she knew him anymore. From the moment she had seen him, earlier this evening, she could tell he had changed. At first, Kate had thought his aloofness was because of his unresolved resentment over her past betrayal. Perhaps this was simply the new Ethan: colder, more distant, and calculating. But he had not been cold when he had taken her into his arms. His lips had been warm and gentle on hers. The very memory made Kate blush, and a warmth spread across her body.
They had both changed over the last five years, but Kate could not deny the attraction she still felt for Ethan. She had never stopped loving him. Perhaps, he would forgive her if he knew the truth behind her marriage and the sacrifice she had made. For now, Kate would take his help. It relieved her to have someone else to lean on.
The carriage arrived at Ethan’s home. A footman took Robbie from Kate while she stepped down. Once everyone was out, Ethan led them inside. Emily met them as they entered.
Emily demanded, “What’s going on? Has something happened?”
“Kate and Robbie are staying here until they are no longer in danger. It is safer and more secure. I will send word to Hugh and the men to come up from London.”
Ethan turned to the butler and said, “Please make sure her ladyship and the young lord are comfortable.” After the butler left, he turned to Kate. “I am going to write to Hugh. Emily can see that you are settled in for the night.” Without another word Ethan walked down the hallway to his study.
Kate was left standing in the hallway. An emptiness filled her heart when Ethan left. Just a short while ago he had kissed her and vowed to protect her. Now he turned his back on her without a glance back. The contrast reiterated the fact that Ethan was indeed not the man she remembered.
Emily took Kate’s arm and led her up the stairs. “Come, I will show you to your rooms.”
Kate smiled. “You are a good friend, Emmy, thank you.”
“You will always have a place here wi
th us, Kate. You and your family.” Emily gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Emily showed Kate where Robbie and Nana’s rooms were located, then left her to settle into her own room, a short way down the hall.
After Emily left, a maid helped Kate undress for bed. It had been an interminable day, and Kate was exhausted. She fought to keep her eyes open, and her arms felt like lead weights. For once, she would sleep peacefully, something she had not done in a long time.
The next morning, Emily greeted her cheerfully at breakfast. “Good morning, Kate. I hope you slept well?”
“Better than I have in quite some time, thank you.”
“Well, consider this your house for as long as you need it. You spent enough time here as a child, I’m sure you remember the layout.”
Memories of them running down the hall after each other came flooding back. How carefree they had been. “Yes, I remember, but I do not want to impose any longer than necessary. I mean to leave at the earliest convenience.”
“We’ll see what Ethan has to say about that,” Emily said with a smug smile and a giggle.
After they ate, the friends checked on Robbie, who had settled into his new room. He thought they were on a grand adventure. They took Robbie out to play in the gardens. Kate watched him run around the paths and bushes, whooping with joy. That was the wonderful thing about children; they would persevere through hard times. Last night, Robbie had been pulled out of a sound slumber and taken to a strange house. Today, he played as though nothing had happened.
Emily came up next to her. “I’m glad you are here. I feel better knowing you are safe. Plus, once the other men get here, Ethan will put an end to whoever is behind all this.”
Kate told her friend about Arthur. She recounted the story while they watched Robbie play. Emily reacted the way Kate knew she would, with kindness and understanding. Being with Emily made her realize how lonely she had been over the years. After she had married Nathan, they had moved to his home in Leicester. Kate had not known anyone in the area, and her new duties as the Countess had left no time to make any true friendships. Then after Nathan’s death, she had been too busy with managing the estate and taking care of Robbie. Five years had flown by in the blink of an eye. The current situation made Kate recognize how important it was to have friends to lean on. She was grateful for Emmy, and Ethan as well.
The Spy's Lady: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 2) Page 4
