Once Upon a Spy: A Secrets and Seduction Book

by Sheridan Jeane

  “But how will you convince him to hear my case?” Antonia asked. “You can’t expect him to simply push another case aside to take up this one.”

  “He’ll be grateful because of our help in locating Imogen. That should work in our favor,” Catherine said.

  “Does that mean you sent her home?” Robert asked.

  “Not yet. I intended to escort her there later this afternoon after I’d established my presence here.” Catherine glanced at Antonia. “We can change those plans. I think it would be better if you and Robert visit Lord Tidmore and bring him to my house to collect Imogen. I must admit, I was worried the child might bolt if she knew what I’d planned. If you and Robert are involved in returning her to her family, it will be much easier for you to ask his help.”

  Antonia nodded, but then narrowed her eyes and looked at Frederick. “Do I have your word that you won’t arrest me for treason as soon as I recover the book, and that you’ll let me use it as evidence in court?”

  “You do. Since Robert trusts you, so do I.”

  Robert met his brother’s eyes, and the look of confidence in them threatened to overwhelm him. It shouldn’t have surprised him. After all, they’d been helping each other for years. What had made him believe that would suddenly change? He should have had more faith.

  Antonia glanced at them and then gave a decisive nod. “Then I’ll place my faith in Tidmore the Tyrant. And in you.” She took a deep breath and then met Frederick’s gaze. “I gave the book to Monsieur LeCompte. Do you know him?”

  “LeCompte? That’s ridiculous. The man’s nothing more than a feckless dandy.”

  Frederick let out a heavy sigh. “Or a French spy. He’s the very man I tried to follow the night of the Koliada ball.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  Make a habit of two things: to help; or at least to do no harm.

  - Hippocrates

  Although Antonia was happy to see her sisters and Miss Galloway when they arrived a short time later, she was worried as well. What if their presence here made them targets? The Russians might be watching the house even now.

  For their part, Stephanie and Evalina were thrilled to be guests at Woolsy House.

  “Lord Wentworth,” Antonia said, “I’d like to introduce my sisters, Evalina and Stephanie Winter.”

  The two girls curtsied and dipped their heads. Miss Galloway smiled at their show of good manners.

  “And this is Miss Galloway,” she said, reaching out to grasp the dear woman’s hand in hers. “She’s so much more than a governess. She’s more like a beloved aunt.”

  As Miss Galloway curtsied, her corset strings creaked ever so slightly.

  Robert greeted them and then turned his attention on Miss Galloway. “I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to bring Miss Winter’s sisters.”

  Miss Galloway smiled, but Antonia knew it wasn’t an expression that had crossed her face often in recent months. The crinkling of lines at the corners of her eyes gave evidence of the many years she’d spent smiling, but there was a new groove of worry between her brows that was so deeply etched that it didn’t fade as she tilted her head back to gaze at Robert. “I’d never hesitate to come to Antonia’s aid. She’s always been a delight. I don’t know what her sisters and I would do without the assistance she provides us.”

  “From what Miss Winter tells me, she couldn’t have a better friend.”

  Antonia withdrew her arm from Stephanie’s waist and reached out to squeeze Miss Galloway’s arm. “You mean the world to us. I’m thrilled you were able to come to visit me.”

  Some of the worries weighing Miss Galloway down seemed to lift as she returned Antonia’s smile. “That will be nice, won’t it? I’ll enjoy a bit of reminiscing. You have a talent for making everything so much more delightful.”

  “Can we perform a pantomime?” Stephanie’s expressive face did nothing to conceal her excitement.

  Antonia glanced at the others. “I’m sorry to say that I have an urgent errand to run and I’ll have to leave you here with Emily for a couple of hours. But perhaps the three of you can prepare the pantomime while I’m gone.”

  Stephanie’s face fell. “You’re leaving us?”

  “Not for long.”

  Emily stepped forward, smiling broadly at the two sisters. “I’d be happy to take you to the playroom. We have many costumes to choose from. I rarely have the opportunity to stage a pantomime. Mother and I used to love them so.”

  Evalina grinned at her, but then composed her face into a more prim expression. “Thank you, Lady Emily. You’re most generous.”

  Stephanie’s face went slack. “You’re a— a lady?”

  Antonia squeezed her hand reassuringly. “She’s Lord Wentworth’s sister.”

  “But you must call me Emily. I insist. It will become quite tedious otherwise. Would you like to come to the playroom with me? We can sort through the costumes.”

  The two sisters exchanged glances and then grinned broadly, nodding in unison.

  A moment later, the girls fled the drawing room, and Miss Galloway moved to follow them.

  “Miss Galloway, could you stay? We have a favor to ask,” Robert said.

  She straightened her shoulders. “Of course, my lord. I’d be happy to be of whatever use I can. You came to my Antonia’s aid when she was in danger. I’ll be forever grateful.”

  Robert cocked an eyebrow and gave her a conspiratorial grin. “Here’s your chance to help her, too, if you don’t mind running a small errand.”

  Miss Galloway assessed him and then gave an approving nod. “That I can manage, my lord.”

  §

  Less than an hour later, Antonia waited for Catherine and Miss Galloway to join her in Robert’s foyer.

  Miss Galloway’s eyes widened at the sight of her. “If I didn’t know you, I never would have recognized you.”

  Antonia had been leaning against the wall and now she stood up straight, adjusting her to top hat and brushing a bit of nonexistent lint from the lapel of her gentleman’s morning coat. She gave Miss Galloway a small bow.

  “Oh, bravo,” Miss Galloway said, clapping her hands in delight. “I’d never guess you were really a woman.”

  Despite her seemingly casual attitude, Antonia was nervous about the upcoming outing. Miss Galloway’s comment might have eased some of her tension, but it wasn’t until Robert came to stand next to her that the knot that had been forming in her stomach finally eased.

  He positioned himself behind her, like a guardian, and his presence provided a sense of security that wrapped around her in an embrace. It seemed strange to have come to rely on him so quickly and so instinctively.

  This past year had been full of turmoil, but Robert seemed to be the one solid thing in her life she could rely upon. She might not have a place in his life, but maybe— maybe allowing herself to care for him wouldn’t be her undoing. Just a taste—

  “I’m nervous,” Miss Galloway said.

  Antonia’s attention snapped back to her friend. “You have nothing to worry about,” she said, taking a steadying breath. “You’ll be fine. All you need to do is walk to that cab stand on the corner and hire a hackney.”

  “That’s not it. I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about you.” Miss Galloway’s eyes widened, and she clutched Antonia’s forearm. “What if those men come after you again?”

  “That’s exactly why I asked for your help. You’ll put them off my trail. And don’t forget, Lord Wentworth will be with me. Did you know he carries a sword hidden in that cane?” She nudged him with her elbow.

  Robert shot Miss Galloway a wicked grin as he lifted his cane, released a small catch at the top, and partially extracted his blade.

  “Oh, my,” Miss Galloway said, stepping back and raising her hand to her chest in surprise.

  Antonia gazed reassuringly at her friend. “You can do this. You’ve procured a cab hundreds of times in your life. This time is no different.”

  Miss Galloway straight
ened her shoulders and gave a terse nod. “You’re right. This is such a little thing you’re asking of me. I’ll be back in a trice.”

  Miss Galloway adjusted her head scarf and stepped outside into the cold afternoon sunlight. Through the window, Antonia could see her striding down the street as she headed toward the cab stand around the corner. Robert moved closer and placed a hand on Antonia’s shoulder in a reassuring gesture, and she instinctively leaned into its strength and comfort.

  A few minutes later, Antonia watched through the window as a hansom cab drew to a stop in front of the house. The coachman jumped down and then assisted Miss Galloway as she stepped out of it. She spoke to the man and then hurried up the stairs and back into Woolsy House.

  Antonia gave Miss Galloway’s hand a quick squeeze. “That was perfect. Were there any problems?”

  “None at all.” Miss Galloway’s smile was thin and tight.

  Antonia ushered her friend into the adjoining drawing room and then paused at the doorway to glance back at Robert. When their gazes met, the corner of his mouth tipped up. A great deal could be communicated with a single look, and this one spoke volumes.

  He radiated confidence in her, a confidence that seemed imbued with a fundamental belief in her abilities. But beyond that, there seemed to be something more in his expression. Something deeper and more carnal. Something that made her stomach flutter and sent a wave of heat sliding through her body.

  The depth and intensity of his gaze nearly overwhelmed her. She found herself wanting to melt into him. She knew immediately that if they were alone together, he’d pull her into his arms and devour her.

  She also knew she’d let him.

  Despite the sensations growing within her, she forced herself to turn away. Whatever this was that was developing between them, it would have to wait.

  But— not for long. Please let it be not for too long.

  She held that thought close as she stepped through the doorway and into the drawing room. Once inside, she set her top hat on a side table and faced the others.

  Catherine and her lady’s maid were already there, waiting for Antonia and Miss Galloway’s arrival. They had drawn the curtains closed so no one could see inside, and gas lamps helped brighten the gloomy space.

  “This is so exciting,” Catherine said. “I do hope our plan works. Where are your sisters?”

  “They’re with Emily. I expect we’ll be treated to a pantomime following dinner.”

  Catherine grinned. “We’ll all be playing dress-up today.” Her smile slid away. “I only hope we’ll have cause to celebrate when we return. What if something goes wrong?”

  Miss Galloway draped her head scarf over the back of one of the chairs and tossed her cloak over it. “Nothing to worry about. I’m sure everything will go smoothly.” Apparently now that her part of their plan was over, she was feeling much more confident.

  Catherine began undoing the buttons down the side of her bodice, and her lady’s maid stepped forward to pull at the ties holding her skirts in place. Across from them, Antonia assisted Miss Galloway in removing her dress.

  Once their gowns were off, Miss Galloway handed hers to Antonia. Catherine’s rounded belly from her pregnancy wasn’t large yet, and as Antonia passed her Mrs. Galloway’s more generously cut gown, she felt certain that it would fit. Catherine made quick work of donning the costume. It suited her so well that no one would ever guess that it had been made for someone else.

  Once she was done, Antonia stepped back and scrutinized Catherine’s attire. “Perfect. You look exactly like a governess.”

  Catherine shot her a nervous smile as she swirled Miss Galloway’s cloak over her shoulders.

  This was it. They were ready.

  Miss Galloway touched Antonia’s forearm. “You’ll be careful, Miss Antonia, won’t you?” The pink dress Miss Galloway now wore gave her an incongruously youthful appearance, especially when combined with her shy smile.

  “I promise.”

  As they stepped out into the hallway, Daniel inspected his wife. “You may have swapped dresses, but you still don’t look like a governess. Do you have anything you can use to cover your hair? That might help. It might also conceal part of your face.”

  “The head scarf!” Catherine cried. “Where did I leave it?”

  Miss Galloway hurried inside the drawing room and returned carrying her black wool scarf along with Antonia’s top hat.

  “I’d forgotten that,” Antonia said, as Miss Galloway handed the hat to her.

  “We’re all a bit nervous,” Miss Galloway said, as she draped the scarf over Catherine’s head and knotted it securely under her chin. “Remember to behave as a servant,” she said, meeting the marchioness’s gaze, “not as a lady. Keep your eyes downcast. Look as though you’re trying not to offend anyone.”

  Catherine nodded and gave Miss Galloway's hand a squeeze. “Thank you. That’s excellent advice.” She glanced down and managed to abruptly transform into a humble governess.

  Frederick’s critical gaze swept over Catherine from head to foot before he nodded approvingly. “You’re even wearing sensible shoes. That’s what often gives people away. Footwear. Even the best of agents sometimes forget about them and wear expensive boots when trying to pose as a poor rag picker.”

  Antonia examined her as well and gave her a nod. “You look perfect.”

  Robert moved closer to Antonia. “Watch for me,” he murmured to her. “I should already be outside his house when you arrive, but I won’t approach it until I see you.”

  Antonia nodded.

  Mimicking Miss Galloway’s perfect posture, Catherine pulled her shoulders back so far that it looked painful.

  As Antonia turned and began to don her top hat, she fumbled her grip and it toppled to the floor. She leaned over and swept it up, checking it carefully for any damage. Fortunately it wasn’t marred. She smiled at Robert for her own clumsiness and noticed a stunned expression on his face. It took her a moment to realize that he’d been staring at her bottom.

  Antonia grinned.

  “Trousers suit you,” he said.

  Catherine and Daniel both chuckled. “Women in trousers can be quite deadly,” he said.

  Catherine nudged him with her elbow. “Keep your eyes to yourself, husband.”

  “You know there’s only one woman in trousers I’d ever—”

  “Shh!” Catherine hissed, her cheeks turning pink.

  Antonia shot Robert a questioning look, but he only shrugged. “Married people,” he said. “They’re forever speaking in code. Their conversation is much too esoteric for the likes of us.”

  “Perhaps a bit on the obscure side?” Antonia said.

  “I was trying to be enigmatic,” Catherine said, shooting Daniel a wifely glare. He merely grinned back at her.

  Antonia realized she liked these people. She liked them very much. It was hard to believe they’d help her so readily. Their chatter helped distract her from what they were about to do and made it a bit easier to ignore the butterflies slamming into her stomach.

  Catherine clutched the scarf under her chin and pulled open the front door, allowing Antonia to step through it first before she followed close behind.

  A sharp gust of cold air hit both women, causing Antonia’s trousers to flap against her legs. She missed her layers of petticoats as she hurried toward the hansom cab. The sooner they were inside it, the safer they’d be.

  The driver of the cab perked up as they approached, and he hurried to open the door. He seemed oblivious to the complete transformation of the woman who’d hired him. Once he had them inside, he tucked a traveling blanket over their laps and shut the cab doors, effectively trapping them inside until he released them at their destination.

  Trying not to turn her head, Antonia glanced around to see if anyone was observing them. There were two men standing near a cart selling roasted chestnuts who might have been watching them as they drove away. She watched them surreptitiously and thought she re
cognized them from the embassy. Unfortunately, their tall hats partially obscured their faces, so she might be mistaken.

  As the carriage turned at the next street, Catherine glanced past Antonia toward where the two men were standing, but she didn’t train her gaze on them. Instead she focused on Antonia and smiled. “Our charade seems to be working. Those men have been watching the house since Daniel and I arrived an hour ago. It would seem you and I aren’t worthy of their notice.”

  “Do you mean the ones standing near the chestnut stand?”

  Catherine looked surprised. “You noticed them too?”

  Antonia nodded. “They looked familiar, but I didn’t want to stare.”

  “Well done,” Catherine said, smiling her approval. “We need to stop at a shop and pick up a package so we have something to carry inside with us when we return from visiting your friend. If anyone is watching the house, they’ll assume we went shopping.”

  Antonia nodded. “I know just the place. There’s a shop near LeCompte’s house that sells tea. We can stop there.”

  “Perfect,” Catherine said, in a satisfied tone. “It’s so nice to spend time with a clever woman such as yourself.”

  A clatter of hooves against paving stones interrupted them as a man on horseback trotted past. Antonia knew it was Robert, but she also knew better than to look at him.

  The two men near the chestnut cart scurried off toward a pair of waiting horses, but by the time they rode past Antonia and Catherine, Robert was nowhere in sight. Antonia tensed.

  Catherine glanced at her and then grabbed her hand under the blanket. “He’ll be fine,” she said, squeezing her fingers in a comforting gesture. “He’ll lead them on a merry chase in the wrong direction and still arrive before we will.”

  Antonia nodded, thankful for the physical connection. She hated Robert risking himself for her sake. What if those men set a trap for him? What if they kidnapped him? “I’m worried something terrible might happen.”