Cord raised his eyebrows. “Gwyneth might surprise you.”
“Why have you had a change of heart? The Cord I knew would never countenance his sister being involved in the spy business.”
“Marriage to Henrietta. I’d never considered how resourceful ladies can be. And Aunt Euphemia feels you’re doing Gwyneth a great injustice by not allowing her to be involved on the periphery of your work.”
“Your aunt, the foremost spy in our business, thinks Gwyneth should be involved in a clandestine operation?”
“My aunt, like me, thinks it will be a mistake to have Gwyneth working on her own, trying to prove to you that she can be helpful. My aunt believes if you’re there to guide Gwyneth, she won’t rush into danger. It’s safer to make her an ally and work with her, instead of leaving her to go off alone.”
He shook his head in disbelief. “This is a half-cocked plan. It could become perilous.”
“With any other man, I wouldn’t consider placing my sister in the situation. But my aunt and I both agree that you are totally capable of keeping her safe.”
Ash stood up and paced. The walls felt as if they were suffocating him. “I refuse to have Gwyneth at the party. I can’t imagine the scenario.”
“Well, I have it on the best authority, that of my wife and my aunt, that unless you include Gwyneth in your work, you’ll lose her.”
Ash turned sharply. He couldn’t control the savage desperation in his voice. “What the hell does that mean?” He wanted to wipe the knowing smirk off Cord’s face.
“My sister has had five marriage proposals. Lord Henley is very interested in her, and according to Henrietta, Gwyneth likes him greatly. Right now the way I see it, you have the advantage of her girlhood infatuation. The ladies are of the opinion that you need to start to see her as a competent woman or she might look to a man who doesn’t remember her in short skirts and curls. Women like men to see them as capable—or that’s what I’ve learned from my wife.”
“Capable of handling spies?
“My wife did.”
“Your wife is an exception.”
“I agree.” There was that lost sappy look on Cord’s face again.
“But Gwyneth is so young.”
“Yes, and smart, brave, and ready to help her country. After the king’s demonstration of our military strength against the possible invasion of Napoleon at Hyde Park, she wants to be of service. I’m proud of her.”
“But our job is to protect the women, not have them involved in war.”
Cord laughed again.
He might have to throttle his friend, new baby or not.
“All you have to do is ask Gwyneth to let you know if anyone or anything seems out of place at the party. You don’t have to go into any lengthy explanations.”
“Does your aunt plan to chaperone Gwyneth for the party? I’d feel better if the old girl was keeping an eye on the situation.”
“My aunt has reassured me that she will come to the party. She is tracking down an old contact who might have more information about the Jacobins. Gwyneth and Amelia have already departed. Aunt Euphemia is hoping to leave in two days’ time. Are you leaving today?”
“I went to Edworth a few days ago to get everything in place. I’ve got Brinsley in the stables and men in the house.”
“Keep me posted. And send a man if you discover any information on the threat. If it comes to it, I’ll go to the king to stop Prinny from attending.”
Chapter Four
Gwyneth peered upward at the impressive façade of Edworth mansion. The stone manor house looked like a castle from medieval times, complete with turrets dwarfing each corner and an enormous entranceway.
She envisioned the large wooden door decorated with holly and ivy soon to come. Here was the perfect setting for a Christmas party.
A footman held an umbrella over her head as she looked at the edifice. Amelia had rushed out of the rain to the entrance and the waiting butler. Her friend had wanted to freshen up before meeting the other guests.
The sheets of rain and gray clouds couldn’t dampen her cheery mood. Gwyneth hoped for snow to blanket the muddy hills behind her. Christmas was a season of hope and goodwill, and she felt exhilaration for the adventure she was about to embark on with Ash.
Before leaving London, Aunt Euphemia had confided in Gwyneth that Ash had agreed to her assistance in his clandestine work, including attending the house party. She couldn’t believe the craftiness of her aunt and Henrietta—implying to Cord and Ash that she was interested in Lord Henley. She still had a lot to learn from her aunt and sister-in-law on spy-craft and dealing with the male species.
A towering, authoritative butler waited for Gwyneth. She hurried up the stone steps into the foyer.
“Lady Gwyneth. Welcome to Edworth House. I’m Brunton.” He had an accent that she initially might have thought was French, but quickly realized must be Welsh. That would explain the singsong rhythm of his speech.
“It’s lovely to have finally arrived. I’ve never visited Edworth house, but my parents were frequent visitors and spoke often of the friendliness of those who live and work here, and the efficiency of a well-run house.” Gwyneth looked into the butler’s eyes waiting for a softening in his formal, stiff manner.
“Milady, I’m newly in service at Edworth house.” His small eyes flitted away from her close inspection.
She couldn’t hide her disappointment that Brunton didn’t know her parents. She hadn’t confided in anyone that coming to the estate of her father’s close friend for Christmas was a way to feel closer to her parents. It also suited her purpose with Ash perfectly.
“Well, Brunton. You and I are both new to Edworth house, but that won’t deter our holiday celebration.” She stripped off her sodden pelisse.
“Yes, milady.” Brunton didn’t meet her eyes and obviously didn’t share her enthusiasm. Cord always warned her that she was too familiar with the staff. Growing up in the country, she was used to more relaxed manners. Obviously Brunton was from Lord Edworth’s London home and embraced the proper ways of society.
“There are refreshments in the drawing room unless you’d like to retire to your room.”
“Thank you, Brunton. I’ll join everyone in the drawing room. I’m very excited to meet the other guests.” She was starving and didn’t want to take the time to freshen herself as Amelia had.
Gwyneth couldn’t contain her eagerness for her first house party and a Christmas party. A haughty, bald butler couldn’t dampen her excitement.
A footman walked ahead, leading her toward the drawing room.
As the door was opened, Gwyneth saw Ash standing close to Lady Charolois. He leaned toward her in an intimate way, his shoulders and head bent to her as if she were the sun and he a flower.
Fiery jealousy sent flames flicking up her spine. Were Ash and the lady involved? She couldn’t bear the thought. Her brother had reassured her before she left for the party that Ash’s intentions were honorable, but years of watching women pursue Ash and him allowing himself to be caught burned through her body like acid.
Her eagerness and enthusiasm for Christmas and the party plummeted.
How had Ash arrived at the party before her and Amelia? Had he travelled with Lady Charolois? Jealousy was a horrible sensation. Gnawing at one’s well-being.
She stood paralyzed at the door until she heard her name.
Lord Henley walked toward her. She tried to mask her surprise. She hadn’t expected the gentleman would be attending. This was going to get complicated. She didn’t want Ash to know of Aunt Euphemia’s and Henrietta’s subterfuge and that her interest in Lord Henley was a ruse.
His genuine smile of regard helped to diminish her worries. “Lady Gwyneth. I’ve been awaiting your arrival. How was your journey? I hope you’re not too fatigued by the dreadful weather?”
“Lord Henley, I didn’t know you were attending the house party. I thought you’d be returning to your estate.”
Lor
d Henley raised her hand to his lips, holding her gaze. “I changed my plans when I heard that you were attending.”
Oh, not good. The sinking feeling in her stomach returned, and her hunger disappeared. Now what should she say? She genuinely liked the gentleman.
“This is my first house party, and it’s the Christmas Season. Could anything be more wonderful?”
Lord Henley’s eyes darkened and his voice got gravelly. “Most assuredly.” His eyes bored into hers.
She felt like a terrible charlatan, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
“Am I interrupting anything?” Ash stood next to her. His deep baritone voice had the effect of a feather trailing down her spine, but she could also hear his antagonism.
“Ashworth, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Lord Henley said.
“Lady Gwyneth.” Ash tilted his head in a slight bow. “Henley, I’m also surprised to find you here. What brings you to Bath?”
Oh, my goodness. A faint color tinged his cheekbones as the worldly gentleman, Lord Henley stuttered, “I’ve just…arrived.”
Recognizing the poor man’s embarrassment, Gwyneth could feel her own cheeks color. “Was your travel difficult, Lord Henley?”
“The trip was easy. And what about your trip, Ashworth?”
“I am newly arrived, but I’m only here for a few days before I travel home to celebrate with my family,” Ash’s tone became formal—almost haughty.
Her attention toward Ash intensified. Did he really plan to leave before Christmas or was this part of an elaborate subterfuge?
She had to speak to Ash alone to find out who he was really here to spy on.
“Lady Gwyneth, may I get you some refreshment after your long journey?” Lord Henley asked.
She smiled warmly at Lord Henley. “Thank you. I would enjoy a little something to eat.” Who was she kidding? She was ready to eat an entire meal.
“Shall I prepare you a plate?”
She nodded in acquiescence. He was a most kind gentleman. She must find him another woman to capture his interest. She considered the debutantes of the season who might be a good match for the very handsome earl.
“I can’t believe I’m witnessing Henley acting like a besotted fool,” Ash muttered under his breath.
“What?”
“With you working your charms on him, he doesn’t have a chance. I saw the way you got all moon-eyed before I came over. The man needs to grow some bollocks.”
“Of all the crude comments. For your information, I wasn’t making mooneyes at him. I was being friendly.”
“Friendly? Henley wants more than friendly.”
Ash’s face was contorted with emotions she didn’t recognize. “What is it Ash? I’ve never seen that look before.”
His voice was rough. “Never mind. We need to talk about this little enterprise you’ve embarked upon.”
“Yes, I’m so excited to have you tell me my assignment. What do you need me to do?”
“You don’t need to…” He rubbed the blond stubble growing on his strong, square chin. It made her all warm and wobbly inside to see his manly features.
“When everyone is getting ready for dinner, meet me in the conservatory. It is in the east wing of the house.”
“Of course. I’ll dress for dinner before meeting you,” she gushed with enthusiasm. The adventure with Ash was finally beginning.
“Say nothing of the meeting to anyone including Amelia. Do you understand?” His voice had the same patronizing tone she remembered from childhood.
“Yes, I understand. And I can be discreet.”
Ash rolled his eyes toward the sky. “You and the word ‘discreet’ can’t be in the same room.”
And with that bon mot, he walked away.
Chapter Five
Gwyneth had dressed carefully for the secret rendezvous. Her heart beat a rapid tattoo against her chest as she peered furtively out her bedroom door. Waiting for her maid to leave had been unbearable. Lizzie had wanted to fuss with Gwyneth’s simple chignon. She had finally submitted to a more complicated style with braids at her temple and an emerald necklace and drop earrings. It had been easier to give in to Lizzie’s ministrations than to explain why she’d dressed early.
Gwyneth lifted the hem of her emerald silk dress. She had chosen the color for the holiday season, but she wore it tonight as a camouflage to blend in with the greenery.
Amelia didn’t know that the simple elegance of her design was perfect for moving stealthily. Gwyneth smoothed her hand along the lustrous fabric that hugged her waist and fell in rich folds to her feet. Although cut low and resting wide on her shoulders, the dress was perfect for the easy movement of a spy. She wore her soft slippers to minimize the noise as she descended the stairs.
She had wanted to add a sprig of holly to the ribbon that wrapped around her waist. But Lady Edworth had delayed the gathering of the holiday greens until the blasted rain stopped.
Anticipation and apprehension thrummed along her nerves as she slowly made her way down the long, narrow hallway. She could hear bits of conversations behind the closed doors, but the hallway remained empty.
She descended the long marble staircase. Brunton directed the footmen from the center of the foyer as they scurried between the salon and the dining room.
Surprise registered across Brunton’s face when he saw her, but he quickly hid any reaction and returned to his usual stony countenance. “Lady Gwyneth, may I be of service?”
She knew he wanted to ask why she had arrived early for dinner, but no butler worth his salt would question the thinking or behavior of a lady or a gentleman.
“Brunton, can you direct me to the conservatory? I’m very interested in the study of botany and couldn’t wait to see Lady Edworth’s collection. My mother often spoke of the amazing, rare species.” She was confident that the Edworth’s conservatory, like the whole estate, would be exemplary and Brunton would have no reason not to believe her. That Gwyneth was the only Beaumont fascinated by botany was known to no one but her family.
She gave her sweetest, most charming smile—the one that always melted the most hardened, including her brother and aunt. The dour man wasn’t as easily swayed.
“I’m not familiar with Lady Edworth’s plant collection, but I’m happy to have Thomas escort you.”
“Thank you, Brunton. I don’t need an escort since I know you’re all very busy with the dinner preparations.”
Brunton stiffened. His neck and shoulders grew more rigid, which was hard to imagine since the man looked as unbending as a tree trunk. Brunton opened a door off of the entranceway. “Follow this corridor. The conservatory is at the end, on the east side of the manor. Are you sure, my lady, that you don’t want Thomas to accompany you?”
She could barely contain her enthusiasm for her secret appointment with Ash. So far this spy business was invigorating. She could appreciate why her brother and Ash did undercover work. “Thank you, Brunton. I’m sure I can find my way.”
She passed the ballroom, now empty, but soon to be filled with happy couples celebrating the most magical time of year. In anticipation of the coming holiday season, she hummed the “Twelve Days of Christmas” as she moved quietly down the corridor.
The conservatory was straight ahead. The door to the expansive glass room was closed. Suddenly the light hairs on her neck and arms stood on end. She turned around quickly, feeling as if someone were watching her. She saw and heard nothing.
Assuming her vivid imagination was getting the better of her, she slowly pulled the door open with a loud squeak. Her heart hammered against her tightened corset, making it hard to breathe. She scanned the dark room searching for Ash. She hadn’t thought to bring a candle. She would remember in her next assignment to come prepared.
The warm, humid air enveloped her. Memories of playing alone on cold, wet days in Rathbourne’s conservatory rushed through her. Her interest in plants dated back to her lonely childhood days spent among tropical plant
s, dreaming of exciting exploits. Alone in the deepest jungle, she was the first woman discoverer to bring back exotic plants.
She could barely see the main path down the center of the conservatory. Her gown swept the flagstone, making a swishing sound that resonated loudly. She walked further into the room. In the stillness, all of her senses heightened. Someone else was here. If it were Ash, why didn’t he declare himself?
She lifted her gown with both hands, rushing to hide behind a potted Palmaceae, a palm tree from the tropics.
She froze, determined to remain still. She held her breath, afraid that the gush of air she held tightly in her chest might burst out.
Above the clamor of her heart reverberating in her ears, she could hear the distinctive sound of someone in a gown moving on the opposite side of the room. Had she interrupted a tryst?
Unfazed by the presence of a woman, she leaned around the plant to search. Nothing. She heard and saw no one. She leaned a little farther around the giant palm when suddenly she felt a push from behind. Her head jerked as her body was thrust forward. She fell to her hands and knees.
Stunned but not injured, she couldn’t get her bearings. She twisted from her position on the ground when she heard the conservatory door opening. A blond woman in a blue gown ran through the door. Lady Charolois, if Gwyneth wasn’t mistaken. But the lady couldn’t have shoved her.
Anger and fear slammed into her body, making her shaky. Was her assailant still in the conservatory? She slowly and silently pushed herself to a standing position. She needed to get away.
Looking carefully around the darkened room, listening for every sound, chills of cold and hot chased over every inch of her skin.
The door to the conservatory squeaked open pouring light into the room. She jumped behind the Palmaceae. Her heart accelerated wildly. She waited, her ears drumming with the silence.
“Gwyneth?”
Ash’s whispered voice was a balm to her shattered nerves.
She stepped out from the plant. “Ash, I’m here.”
He walked toward her. His strong profile and confident walk made her want to run into his arms, but she controlled the impulse.
A Christmas Code (The Code Breakers Series Book 2) Page 3
