Camden swallowed the brandy in one gulp, welcoming the amber liquid as it burned his throat. "What information?" he asked as the anger leaked out of his body.
"Concerning a Lord and Lady Sargent. Seems Sargent only married the lady when they were caught in a compromising position a few months ago. From what I've been told, Lady Sargent is an outrageous flirt and not at all happy to be married to a country gentleman. She was not inclined to marry Lord Sargent, but she was left with little choice when her father insisted. He had informed her that if she was going to flirt so outrageously, then she would pay the price of her loose behavior when it was exposed. A special license was obtained, and she was married within the week."
"I see."
Jeffries took a sip of his brandy and stared at his spymaster. "That's not all. She was last seen talking with Henry on the night he died."
Camden's head snapped up. "Is your source secure in this information?"
"Yes. They were seen together at a soiree, but there is no proof she was around when he was killed. I want you to keep a close eye on them. She may be the lure, but a jealous husband may actually be the killer."
Camden scratched the stubble on his chin. "What of the other death? Is there any connection?"
Jeffries shook his head. "Can't be sure. That's why I need you to investigate. I'm told that Lady Sargent is a great beauty, and I need someone who will not lose his head over her while getting close to her."
Camden nodded. "Lady Hunt is hosting a dinner Friday. It will give me ample time to observe both of the Sargents."
Jeffries extended his hand. "We need you, my boy. These killings must stop. I will not lose any more valuable men. If Lady Sargent proves to be the killer, she will be dealt with harshly, and no amount of family money will buy her freedom. I promise you that."
Camden took the offered hand in a firm grip. "I will do my best, sir. You know I'm determined to find out who killed Henry. His death will be avenged. Is there any information about Lord and Lady Knightly?"
"Nothing yet, but I'll keep you informed."
Camden strode out of the room and down the stairs to where a groom was holding Ares's reins.
"Your Grace," the groom said, handing the reins to him.
Camden gave him a nod as he bounded up into the saddle. He had much to think about as he rode home. Had Henry succumbed to a pretty face? That didn't sound like Henry at all. His wife meant everything to him, and with the birth of his son, Camden found it hard to believe that Henry would risk it all, but something or someone had lured Henry to the docks. Perhaps, he was looking at this situation all-wrong. Lady Sargent was gently bred and would certainly not be at the docks alone. So what had happened? It certainly was a mystery; one that Camden wasn't sure he could solve easily given there was no evidence to link Henry's death with anyone.
Chapter
8
THE EVENING OF LADY HUNT'S dinner, Hannah could hardly sit still in the carriage on the way to the Hunt home. She tugged on her gloves and smoothed down invisible wrinkles in her light-pink muslin dress. A hint of lace at the neckline only emphasized Hannah's full bosom. Her hair was dressed in the latest style, and Muriel had woven the new ribbons through it.
"Hannah, dear, do stop fussing. Muriel was fastidious in her ironing, and there are no creases whatsoever in your dress," Mary said.
Hannah stole a glance at her aunt, who was sitting beside her. Mary was well aware of the source of Hannah's nerves, but even with her aunt's previous warning not to intrude on the Duke of Wetherby's privacy, Hannah knew the first thing she would do upon arriving at the Hunt's townhouse was search for the handsome duke. He would not be hard to spot, as he was one of the tallest men in the ton. What would she say to him? Would he acknowledge her? Her body hummed with anticipation at seeing him again.
"Hannah, you are a respectable young lady of the ton, and I expect you to act as such. I shall not tolerate silly behavior, especially from you," Lord Tisbury said in a gruff voice.
Hannah stared into her uncle's ice-blue eyes. Albert Tisbury was a man of few words, and one did not cross him. Although her aunt and uncle barely spoke to each other, Hannah tried hard not to disappoint him. She had often wondered why their relationship was so strained, but it really was none of her business, and she had never pressed the issue. As long as she acted appropriately, her uncle seemed to be pleased, or at least, as pleased as he could be.
"Yes, of course, Uncle Albert," Hannah said as she sat up straighter. "I would never do anything to embarrass you, I assure you."
Mary patted her hand. "I understand there will be quite a gathering this evening. Lady Hunt has informed me that many new people have accepted her invitation, but there is no reason for you to be nervous for there will be many you've already been introduced to."
Hannah didn't care about any of the other guests. Her sole focus would be on the Duke of Wetherby.
Their carriage stopped, and Lord Tisbury opened the door and exited. He held out his hand for Mary and Hannah as they descended the steps. Behind them, Colby and Isabel were also exiting their carriage.
"I'm looking forward to an enjoyable evening," Colby said. "Haven't seen my friends in some time." He extended his arm to his wife. "Are you ready for every man in the room to be enthralled with you, my darling?"
Isabel chuckled at her husband. "As long as you are enthralled with me, my dear husband, no one else matters."
Colby extended his other arm. "Hannah, it will be my pleasure to escort you through the receiving line."
Hannah placed her hand on her cousin's arm. "Thank you, Colby."
After paying their respects to Lord and Lady Hunt, Colby escorted them into the large parlor.
Hannah's eyes quickly scanned the room. It didn't take long to find the object of her interest. He looked every inch a duke in his expertly tailored superfine black jacket and silver waistcoat. Polished Hessian boots and a crisp white shirt and cravat completed the picture of male perfection. She was so caught up in admiring him, she nearly missed Colby's question.
"I'm sorry, Cousin. What did you say?"
"I asked if you'd like to meet some of my friends."
"Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you."
Colby introduced Hannah and Isabel to a number of his friends, and it took a while to make the circuit of the room. When Hannah realized that Colby was steering them straight for the men surrounding the duke, her breath hitched.
Lady Hunt was introducing a couple to the duke, and Hannah stared at the blond beauty curtsying low to Camden, giving him a tantalizing view of her full breasts, which nearly popped out of the top of her dress.
Jealousy licked through her and became white-hot fury. It took every ounce of willpower she possessed not to march over to the woman and give her a piece of her mind. It was so unlike her to respond so strongly. Where had this jealous streak come from? She'd only spoken a few words with the duke and had not even shared a dance with him, yet she wanted to push the woman out of his sight. She had no reason for her reaction, she told herself. She'd never experienced such an intense emotion before, and she didn't like how her heart hammered in her chest or the sickly sensation that clawed at her middle.
Hannah heard Lady Hunt introduce the couple as Lord and Lady Sargent. She watched as Camden gave a slight nod at the introduction. Maybe he wasn't tempted by Lady Sargent's wanton display of her breasts. Confusing thoughts whirled around in her mind as Colby addressed the duke.
"Wetherby, good to see you. I didn't know you were in town this Season," Colby said, extending in hand.
Camden took his hand in a firm grip. "Tisbury, glad to see you've recovered your health."
Colby nodded. "Yes, all that nasty business is in the past. May I introduce my lovely wife, Lady Isabel Tisbury, and my cousin, Miss Hannah Richardson?"
Both Isabel and Hannah curtseyed to the duke.
&n
bsp; "Your Grace, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Isabel said.
Camden lifted Isabel's gloved hand and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Isabel. So, you are the lovely lady who finally tamed Tisbury."
A blush stole up Isabel's face. "I certainly try, Your Grace."
Camden's gaze turned to Hannah, and a fierce and unexpected arousal nearly seared her bones.
"The duke and I are already acquainted," Hannah said when she had gathered her wits about her once again. "It's lovely to see you again, Your Grace." She waited with breathless anticipation to see if Wetherby would kiss her hand as well, but he gave her a nod instead. She shoved down her disappointment at his formality.
"Miss Richardson, you're looking quite lovely this evening."
"Thank you, Your Grace." Before she could say anything more to Camden, Colby was introducing her to Charles Bainbridge, the Viscount of Edgerton.
"I don't know how Tisbury got so lucky as to be escorting two of the loveliest ladies this evening," Charles said.
Both Hannah and Isabel curtsied. "You are too kind, my lord," Isabel said.
"A pleasure to meet you, my lord," Hannah said.
WHEN CAMDEN ARRIVED AT THE Hunt townhouse earlier, Charlotte had pulled him aside. "Your Grace, it is a pleasure to see you this evening," she said with a curtsy.
"Lady Hunt, the pleasure is mine."
"May I have a word in private? There is something I'd like to discuss with you," she whispered.
He nodded and followed her as she steered him to the open balcony doors and away from the other guests. With a quick glance of the balcony to make sure no one was there, she slipped outside. "Your Grace, may I speak plainly?" she asked when Camden reached her.
"Please do, Lady Hunt. Is there something on your mind?"
"There is, Your Grace. A very delicate matter. Lady Tisbury and I had a chat and she told me of the special work she's involved with."
"Special work?"
"Your Grace, I know you are in the Crown's employ and Mary has been involved for several years. Believe me, she didn't want to mention it, but she explained that circumstances are dire and she needs my help."
An arched eyebrow was the only indication that he was surprised at her revelation. Mary had never divulged their relationship in the past, and he wondered why she had chosen to do so now.
"Please do not be angry with Lady Tisbury. She has kept these secrets for more than two decades, but she is at her wits' end and has recruited my help. Please know, Your Grace, that I will do everything within my power to assist you in your investigation. With my help, we can broaden the network in the ton and, hopefully, capture this vile creature who killed Lord Sunderland."
"Lady Hunt, I appreciate your assistance, but you must take special care that you do nothing to endanger yourself or your family. Anything you may uncover or overhear, I would like you to tell Lady Tisbury immediately. She will know how to contact me."
"Of course, Your Grace. I will be careful and discreet."
Camden reached for her hand and his lips brushed her knuckles, "Lady Hunt, your service is invaluable. Thank you."
"You are most welcome, Your Grace."
He looked around before taking his leave. He was surprised at Lady Hunt's revelation, but he soon agreed that widening their network would give them the best chance of catching whoever it was that was killing the Home Office spies. The killer was clever, and they would have to use every means available if they were to unmask him or her before there was another death. He had to protect his spies and vowed he would not lose another one on his watch.
While Lady Hunt was greeting her guests, Camden took a position in the large parlor opposite the doorway so that he could see the people as they arrived. He was most interested in talking with the Sargents and the Knightlys, but he would be lying to himself if he didn't admit that he was looking forward to seeing Miss Richardson again. She had a way of disarming him, and that was something entirely new for him. He was not immune to the wiles of women, but it was different with her. She was not trying to be coy or manipulative; she was just being herself—the breath of fresh air that he craved these days.
When she entered the room on the arm of Lord Colby Tisbury, he was momentarily overwhelmed by her loveliness. Her pale-pink dress showed off her porcelain complexion to perfection, and the cut of her bodice emphasized the swell of her breasts and her long, slender neck. Rich brown curls were piled high on her head, with a single curl caressing her neck. His fingers itched to trace a line from her face to the hollow of her neck. What would it be like to kiss her lips? While his insides were in turmoil from his reaction to seeing her again, the muscle twitching along his jaw line was his only outward show of emotion. She was the most beautiful woman in the room, and he was glad there would be no dancing this evening, for once he had her in his arms, he knew he wouldn't want to let her go.
He dared not kiss her hand when they greeted one another and was glad when Tisbury carried her along to meet some of his other friends. A lady's twittering caught his attention, and he turned to see Lady Sargent standing a little too close to his friend Charles. Lady Sargent was very pretty, and she had no compunction, it seemed, about using her assets to capture a man's attention. From the look on Charles's face, he was totally captivated with her. With his golden hair and intense blue eyes as well as a flair for conversation, Charles was considered an excellent match and husband material. Every mother of the ton who had an eligible daughter sought him out. It appeared that Charles had no trouble entertaining married ladies as well and Camden had not missed Lady Sargent's obvious interest in him.
Camden glanced around the room and saw Lord Sargent conversing with Lord Hunt. He was either used to his young wife flirting with other men or he didn't care, although Camden found that hard to believe. He hadn't met a man yet who liked it when his wife was overly friendly with other men. He wondered how much indulgence Sargent would give her before he hauled his pretty young wife back to the country.
A man of Sargent's age had only one thing on his mind—getting an heir. From Lady Sargent's actions this evening, that did not look like a priority for her. Could her outrageous flirting be how she had cornered two of Camden's fellow spies? Were they so captivated by her beauty that all caution drifted off in the wind? Had Henry been tempted by the young blond beauty? Perhaps these recent killings were not targeting spies after all, but were the actions of a jealous husband finding his wife in the arms of another man? Would Lady Sargent have just stood by while her husband killed a rival? More and more questions whirled around Camden's mind as he watched her command Charles's utmost attention. He would have to keep a close watch on Lady Sargent.
Camden scanned the room again, and his gaze fell upon Miss Richardson as she talked with some of the other guests. Whatever she was saying, the group of young ladies she was with were enjoying themselves. She turned her head and looked at him. He felt mesmerized by her soulful brown eyes. He wanted nothing more than to study the depths he found there, and a fierce, unexpected arousal blazed through his core. He broke contact and looked away. What was happening to him? He'd never had trouble controlling his reactions before. He blamed it on not having had the pleasure of a woman lately, because that was more palatable than admitting he was absolutely enchanted by Miss Hannah Richardson.
When Camden turned to talk to Charles, he was shocked to see that his friend and fellow spy was gone. He scoured the room and caught a quick glimpse of silk going through the balcony doors. Had Charles gone out into the garden with Lady Sargent? Unease slid through him. Even though Charles was a competent spy, Camden didn't like the fact that Charles evidently was off meeting Lady Sargent alone. He had briefed Charles on his meeting with Jeffries and had gotten word to all his spies that they needed to be extra cautious in everything they did. He hoped Charles remembered that, but he didn't want to take any chan
ces. He sprang into action and quickly made a circuit of the room toward the balcony doors. When no one was paying him any particular attention, he slipped out into the cool night air. He could hear a woman's giggle floating on the wind. Damn Charles! He was not supposed to be alone with Lady Sargent.
Camden descended the stairs leading into the garden and kept to the shadows as he moved closer to the couple. He had to make sure that Charles was safe. Just as he was about to turn the corner and spy on them, a sound alerted him that he was not alone in stalking Charles and Lady Sargent. He turned, ready to defend himself and Charles, if necessary, only to be confronted by Miss Richardson. What was she doing in the garden? She could easily foil the opportunity for Charles to get answers from Lady Sargent. He did the only thing he could think of.
He pulled the delectable Miss Richardson into his arms.
Her eyes flashed and she opened her mouth to protest, but before she uttered a sound, his lips captured hers. The kiss was hard and demanding, and when he teased his tongue across her lips, they parted, inviting him in.
He deepened the kiss, and his tongue swept over hers as he explored every inch of her exquisite mouth. He wanted to keep on kissing her all night, but he heard Charles and Lady Sargent whispering as they headed back into the parlor. He reluctantly broke the kiss and set Hannah back on her feet.
She stood dazed, staring at him while she got her bearings back. He was about to apologize for his impetuous kiss when she slapped him hard across the face. "How dare you?" she choked out. "You wicked man."
Camden rubbed the sting on his cheek. "That's quite the slap; certainly not something I'm used to. My apologies, Miss Richardson, but tell me this—if you didn't want me to kiss you, why did you follow me into the garden?"
Hannah's entire being was burning with indignation, her cheeks a flaming red and her lips swollen from his kiss. She was irresistible. He wanted to kiss her again, but did not relish the idea of another slap. He waited for her answer, but none was forthcoming.
Dare to Love a Spy (Book 3, Age of Innocence) Page 5
