Once Upon a True Love's Kiss

by Julie Johnstone

  This action caught Augusta's eye. Yes, the man had a well turned-out leg but he was arrogant and too self-assured by half for her taste. His words eventually sunk in and she answered his question. "I never said I could solve the problems of the world. If I could, don't you think I'd start with getting rid of Napoleon so all the soldiers could come home?"

  "I'll concede that would be a fine goal but I still fail to see how you can assist in our endeavor." Cuthbert pulled up a chair and sat. "I hope you don't mind if I take a seat for the entertainment."

  "What entertainment is that, sir?" Furious that the man seemed to be making light of her interest in assisting her brother in whatever he needed help with, she addressed Cuthbert in the icy tone she reserved for those occasions when she needed to play the role of lady of the manor. She might be more comfortable in her guise as an astride-riding hoyden but she knew how to be a lady when it was time to present that persona to the world.

  "You have to admit you put on quite a show. I imagine if you weren't the daughter of a duke that you might actually go on the stage."

  Augusta gasped, then glanced over at her brother. "Are you going to allow him to speak to me in such a manner?"

  Lance rubbed his chin with his thumb and index finger and didn't respond right away.

  "Lance? Answer me. Are you letting this man slander me?" Augusta almost stood but before she could, her brother responded.

  "I say, old chap. I believe I have a solution to our problem." Lance smiled at his friend.

  "What's that?" Myles leaned forward.

  "Augusta can assist us, I think."

  "No, no. I don't think so." Cuthbert shook his head. "She's volatile and I don't believe we should bring in a civilian."

  "You were willing to recruit one of my brothers."

  "Wait one second," Augusta said.

  The men ignored her, carrying on their conversation as if she weren't in the room.

  "No way can she pull it off. Look at her. She's come out in the night all alone to find you because she thought you were hurt. She's rash and spontaneous. She'd give away the mission within the first five minutes."

  "Excuse me." Augusta interrupted the insufferable man. "I can hear you and I resent the implication that I, one"--she held up her right index finger-- "don't know how to behave, and two"-- she added her middle finger--"that I can't keep a secret. I'll have you know I'm a champion at keeping things quiet."

  "I have my doubts about that," Cuthbert said.

  "No, she's telling the truth there, Myles. I've been on the receiving end of that silence on more than one occasion at the races when she's ferreted out some factor about a pony's abilities from one of the trainers and adjusted her bet to win big. In fact, that's another reason right there that I think she'd be perfect for our scheme. She's so good at manipulation she could talk a bitch out of her newborn litter of pups."

  "Wait one second there, Lance. Calling me manipulative is as bad as him calling me a stage actress." Augusta slid off the bed and onto her feet. "I believe you must've forgotten I can best you at épée any day. Do you want me to have to challenge you to a duel?"

  "Is she always this melodramatic?"

  "Yes. And don't you see why she's perfect? We needed someone to get close to our man and what better person than an attractive woman who has no fear of any man? That would be much easier than you trying to win his confidence on short acquaintance, wouldn't it?"

  "It's going to be a disaster if we use her."

  "I disagree and even though you're my commanding officer, I'm the lead on this action since it's my home territory. I say she's in."

  Myles looked Augusta up and down with what she presumed was disdain but with a touch of fire in his eyes. Eventually, he dipped his head in a motion Augusta determined was acquiescence. Suddenly nervous about what she'd tacitly agreed to, she sat back on the edge of the bed. "So, what exactly did I volunteer to do?"

  ONCE MYLES FINISHED LAUGHING at the pert girl in front of him, he'd had to admit that it might be better to have a woman in on the mission since the fairer sex could certainly charm men into saying something rash and indiscreet.

  "The plan was to get me in the house and hidden in the old nursery. I would then have free rein of the manor without anyone knowing I was there," Lance said.

  "You already have free rein, you ninny. You live there in case you forgot." Augusta smiled at her brother. A genuine smile that lit up her entire countenance.

  "Yes, I do recall that, but in this case, I don't want to be seen," her brother said.

  "How can you accomplish anything that way?"

  "If you would stop being so impatient, I'm sure Lancelot will explain it all."

  "You need to quit berating me, sir. I'm merely trying to find out what I need to do." Augusta turned her back on Myles.

  "You haven't seen berating until you see Myles in commander mode so if you're going to be part of this mission, I have to ask you to respect his authority, Gus."

  "Fine." She nodded her head curtly, not quite sure she would be able to manage it but willing to try in order to be of some use to her beloved brother. "Now, finish telling me the plan."

  "We were going to have Myles come by tomorrow and claim his horse had gone lame and have William or Ambrose invite him to stay. Then he would have a chance to get close to the man we need to ensnare. Myles would report to me in the nursery and when we were ready to move in, I'd be there to take him into custody."

  "You have a number of things wrong with that plan, dear brother." Augusta shook her head as if she pitied the man.

  "What things?" Myles asked even though he knew she wouldn't be thrilled at his interruption. She'd sure made clear what she thought of him.

  "The fatal flaw is the fact that old Lance here imagined either of our boorish brothers would go along with such an idea. The other flaw is since it's a house party weekend, the nurseries are full with children and nannies since many of William's friends are new parents and wanted to bring them along."

  "Since when does a weekend party include offspring?" Lancelot looked so aghast, Myles almost laughed.

  "Since your brother got married. His wife hasn't conceived yet but she loves babies and encourages their friends to bring them."

  "It might be better to wait until our man returns to Town. We could try a plan there at one of the clubs." Myles didn't really want to wait but if the house was full of women and children, it might be more dangerous to act.

  "What exactly are we trying to do? Maybe I can think of something," Augusta said.

  Lancelot glanced to Myles. "May I tell her?"

  "Might as well. We've come this far."

  "I know you think I'm in the army, Gus—"

  "You are, aren't you?"

  "There you go, interrupting again." Myles almost shook in his boots at the glare she gave him. Almost. He had to admit to himself that she was fiery and he found it strangely attractive. Not his usual type for sure but she was compelling.

  "I still have my commission but I was recruited by Myles here to assist in some espionage missions of which this is one."

  "You mean we have a treasonous guest at the manor?"

  "You are quick, aren't you?" Amazed at how fast the lady arrived at the heart of the matter, Myles realized his old friend Lancelot might be right. Augusta may be exactly who they needed to help them. She was bright and he presumed she'd be more than adequately attractive in a gown with her hair dressed in the modern fashion. Yes, this would be an excellent way to get Nigel Hastings in their grasp. She could flirt with him and before he knew it, he'd give himself away.

  "What do you mean by that?" Her eyes narrowed.

  "Wait." Myles held his hands up in surrender. "That was a compliment."

  "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not used to those from you." She huffed and turned back to her brother. "Go on."

  "There's a plot afoot that we've heard whispers about but we have no real details about, only that a gentleman by the name of Nigel Hastings has someth
ing to do with it."

  "He's on the guest list. He's a friend of William's wife, Margaret."

  "We know he's on the list. That's why we're here," Myles said. "I was going to get into the house so I could try to gain his trust."

  "I agree with Lance that it'll be easier for me to get close to the man. I hate to be cruel and point out your faults, Mr. Cuthbert, but you aren't very friendly on first acquaintance. I'm sure this Mr. Hastings will take a very long time to warm to you."

  It was all Myles could do to keep from laughing. The chit sure had gumption. She was definitely fearless since he was at least a foot taller than her and weighed more than double what she did, but she didn't have any qualms about addressing him in a completely inappropriate manner. He only hoped she had some charm hidden in there to work on Hastings. "I appreciate your honesty, Lady Augusta." He bowed to her but didn't say anything else.

  Lancelot slapped his hands on his thighs. "We need to get you home now. It's getting late and now that I know you're out on your own, I can't let you return to the manor unescorted."

  "It's not a problem. I have two groomsmen on the way with the cart so they can take your wounded body home. I rode Socrates so I could arrive at your bleeding side faster. They will escort me home."

  "Not on my watch," Lancelot stood. "Come on. My horse is in the stables."

  "Even if you come home with me, I still have to sneak inside up the servant's stairs since I'm supposed to be in bed."

  "I'm going to see you to the back door then return here until tomorrow when Myles and I will arrive together."

  "I thought you didn't want to be seen for some reason."

  "I don't but since the nurseries are occupied, what else can I do?"

  "Did you forget about my dollhouse? You can hide there. No one has a key except me. I'll bring food."

  "Dollhouse? What's this?" Myles asked.

  "It's a failed attempt by our father to turn Gus into a proper young lady. He left us to ourselves a lot after our mother died and sadly, with only the three brothers, when the time came, Gus wasn't ready to be presented to society. Father built the three-room house for a ladylike retreat for her. He hired someone to stay there with her to teach her the niceties of how to behave at Almack's and house parties."

  "Sadly, it's more like a folly now. It didn't seem to work out as Father intended."

  "Really? I would have never guessed." Myles kept a straight face as he said the words but he almost had to bite his tongue off to keep the smile from coming.

  "No need to try to flatter me, Mr. Cuthbert. I see you're trying to be kind but I already have a very good idea of your opinion of me." Augusta flipped her braids back to the top of her head and shoved the cap over them. "Let's go."

  Picking up a leather bag, Lancelot opened the door. The three of them made their way down the stairs and to the stables where the groomsmen were waiting with the cart.

  Augusta walked over and spoke to the two men for a few moments. They turned the cart around and left the yard.

  Lance instructed the inn's stable hand to bring his and Augusta's horses. The two of them mounted and before they rode away, Lance said, "Come in the morning around ten. The household will be up and about by then. I'll be in the folly if you need me. You can trust Gus to keep me informed about what's going on and she can sneak you out to see me when needed."

  "I hope you're right about this, Covington." Myles held his hand out to shake Lancelot's.

  "Trust me. I'm sure it's going to work out."

  Augusta, sitting as a proper lady would on her horse, let go of her reins and held one hand out. Myles stared at it for a moment before taking it in his.

  Her skin was warm and soft and for a brief second, Myles forgot she was dressed as a boy and treated her as he would any young lady in a ballroom. He held her fingers and pressing her knuckles to his lips, gave them a light kiss.

  "Watch out, Mr. Cuthbert, I might start thinking you're a true gentleman and we can't have that, can we?" She laughed and pulled her hand back.

  Before Myles could respond, Augusta switched her seat on the horse and, now astride the horse as if she were a man, galloped off at a fast pace, followed closely by her brother.

  Myles shook his head and moved toward the inn. He muttered under his breath, "No one would ever mistake you, milady, as a true lady, would they?"

  Milady and Her Spy: Chapter Three

  BREAKFAST THE NEXT MORNING WAS TENSE for Augusta. She was jumpy waiting for Myles Cuthbert to appear. Every time someone addressed her, she was startled and did a little leap in her chair. She sat at the table after helping herself to some of the items on the sideboard. Her sister-in-law, Margaret, filled her own plate and sat beside her. "How do you feel this morning?"

  "I am much better. Thank you for asking."

  "If I may say so, you look the picture of health today in your new gown. That color is quite flattering with your complexion."

  Suddenly suspicious of why the woman was being so friendly when she'd always been standoffish before, Augusta was grateful to see Cassandra enter the room. "Look, here's my friend."

  "Speaking of friends," Margaret continued. "I'd like it if you helped introduce Mr. Hastings to everyone. He's an old family acquaintance and doesn't know many of the people here. Could you assist me in making sure he's not ignored or bored?"

  This was perfect. Now Augusta had an excuse to talk to the man a lot. She could use Margaret's request to her advantage and no one would question her or think she'd formed an attachment to the man. "I'd be happy to assist."

  Cassandra set a plate of food at the place beside Augusta and pulled out a chair. "Assist in what?" She asked as she sat.

  "I was asking Augusta to make sure my family friend, Mr. Hastings, felt welcome."

  "That's nice. I had a moment to speak to him last evening and I think he's quite charming. I'm sure Augusta will think so as well as soon as she has the opportunity to meet him." Cassandra took a bite of her breakfast.

  "Where are all the men this morning?"

  "William wanted to take them out to show them the new hunting cottage he's started to construct. He plans to have several shooting parties this year and thought he'd pique their interest in coming back to visit then."

  "I rode out there a few days ago. It's coming together very nicely."

  "William is very proud of it." Margaret wiped the corner of her lip with her linen napkin. She pushed her chair back. "Please excuse me. With your father not in attendance, that leaves me as the hostess." She stood and left the room.

  Augusta turned to Cassandra. "I don't think my father would be the hostess even were he here."

  "Can you even imagine that?"

  "Not in a millennium. The duke does not dress in gowns nor does he own a snood."

  Cassandra and Augusta broke into laughter.

  The arrival of Emerson beside her chair sobered Augusta. "What is it, Emerson?"

  "There's a gentleman at the door and as the senior member of the family present, I would like your permission to show him in to the drawing room, my lady."

  "Yes, please do so. I'll be in to greet him in a moment. Please send for my maid to accompany me."

  Emerson left and Augusta rose to follow him. Before she left, she whispered to Cassandra, "Too bad Lady Margaret wasn't asked to attend to the gentleman being as she's the hostess here."

  Cassandra shook her head and snickered. "Someone needs to tell Emerson who's in charge."

  "Don't be silly. We all know that would be Emerson himself."

  The laughter of her friend followed Augusta out of the morning dining room.

  Knowing Myles Cuthbert was the man waiting in the drawing room, Augusta wished for a companion to accompany her inside. The man got under her skin for some reason. She wanted to be polite and ladylike but with no one to rein her in, would she be able to? Her maid would never dream of correcting her behavior and even though she would be the official chaperone, she really wouldn't have an effect on wha
t the conversation would be.

  Rapping on the door with three knocks to let him know she was coming in, Augusta turned the knob and entered the room.

  Myles Cuthbert stood as soon as she came in. His eyes widened, making her glance behind herself to see if some kind of monster or goblin had followed on her heels.

  When she looked back at him, he smiled. "Good morning, my lady. I was passing this way when my horse pulled up lame. I was wondering if your family would be so kind as to allow me to stay for a day or two while I have him tended to."

  "We would be happy to accommodate you. We're in the midst of a weekend party so you may join in that and make yourself at home. I'll ring for Emerson to show you to a room."

  He stepped over toward her and held his hand out to shake it. "I look forward to the visit. My name is Myles Cuthbert."

  "And I am Augusta Covington."

  "Surely you mean Lady Augusta Covington?"

  She tilted her head to one side. "While it's true that is my title, I am not in the habit of using it with friends."

  "So we're to be friends then?" He quirked an eyebrow.

  "If you're staying in my home, we must be, correct?" She couldn't resist a sly grin.

  "Point taken."

  "Let me ring for the butler then. If you haven't had breakfast, the sideboard is full and we'd be happy to have you."

  "I've eaten but thank you for the hospitality."

  She turned to pull the cord for Emerson but Myles took hold of her wrist. Augusta knew the way they were standing prevented the maid from seeing his hand but a tingle of apprehension ran up her spine anyway. Or at least that's what she told herself it was.

  "Well done. You can be the lady of the house," he whispered.

  "I told you not to doubt me." She responded in a whisper lower than his.

  Aloud, he said, "Thank you for your kindness."

  AS SOON AS AUGUSTA entered the room, she took Myles' breath away. His thought at the hotel that she might look nice with her hair done and a gown on was so wrong. She didn't merely look nice, she was beautiful. It was hard to reconcile the girl with the braids from the night before with the woman before him now.