Dare to Love a Spy (Book 3, Age of Innocence)

by Debra Elizabeth

  "Just as I thought. You crave wickedness and wanted me to kiss you. Perhaps it would be prudent for you to return to the other guests now. Unless, of course, you'd like me to kiss you again? Is that why you're still out here in the garden?"

  It looked like she would speak, but instead whirled around and headed back inside.

  Camden chuckled as he watched her march off. Truth be told, he couldn't wait to kiss her again. The feeling of her softness pressed against the length of him had set his body on fire. He'd never felt such temptation before, and he was determined to put himself in her path at every opportunity. Something about her boldness called to him, challenged him and, against his better judgment, begged him to kiss her. He was a patient man and would wait for another opportunity to taste the sweet lips of Miss Hannah Richardson.

  He pulled out a cheroot, lit it, and inhaled deeply. He needed to calm his racing heart before heading back to the dinner party. Kissing Hannah was the last thing he'd expected to do when he came out into the garden tonight, but it had been the most pleasurable few moments he'd had in a very long time. It made him want to explore every inch of Hannah's lush body, and only the ongoing investigation hanging over all of the king's spies kept him from pursuing her tonight.

  Perhaps next time, he'd even ask her permission before he kissed her.

  Perhaps not.

  Chapter

  9

  HANNAH SLIPPED BACK THROUGH THE doors and into the parlor. She could still feel the heat of the blush that had crept up her face. What had she done? What could possibly have possessed her to slap the Duke of Wetherby? He had surprised her in the garden, and perhaps frightened her a little, but that was no excuse for her actions. She'd thought he was out in the garden kissing Lady Sargent, but instead she'd turned out to be the one being kissed… and what a kiss it was.

  She closed her eyes to relive every moment of her very first kiss, and found herself lost in the sensation of his exquisite mouth. A shiver slid down her spine as she remembered how soft his lips had been on hers, how his tongue had tasted as he explored her mouth, and how he'd smelled of sandalwood. Something wonderful and thrilling had awakened in her during their kiss, and now she had gone and ruined it all. Would the Duke of Wetherby ever forgive her, or even talk to her again? Would this be her one and only kiss from the devilishly handsome duke?

  As she hurried back into the parlor, she was greatly relieved that there had been no one else out in the garden. No one had seen them kissing, thank goodness. She did not want to face her uncle's wrath if even a hint of scandal surrounded her. She had to stop being so impulsive or next time, she may not come away unscathed.

  Hannah opened her eyes to see Aunt Mary walking toward her. Her insides clenched, and she prayed that the duke would not choose this moment to reenter the parlor. The last thing she wanted was for her aunt to realize that she and the duke had been out in the garden together. She did not think her aunt would be pleased.

  "Hannah, dear, are you feeling ill? You're quite flushed," Mary said, placing her hand on Hannah's arm.

  Hannah shook her head. "No, Aunt Mary. I am quite well. Perhaps a bit overheated in the parlor, that is all."

  "Good. Come now, I'd like to introduce you to another couple new to London this Season."

  "I would be delighted." Hannah was grateful for the distraction. Getting her aunt away from the balcony doors was paramount, especially since she didn't know how long the duke would stay in the garden. She followed her aunt to the far side of the room.

  "Lord Knightly, it is a pleasure to see you in London again," Mary said to a tall, smartly dressed man whose blue eyes sparkled when he saw Mary.

  "Lady Tisbury, delightful to see you. It has indeed been too long since we've shared a conversation together. I do have a special reason to be in London this Season." He lovingly looked at the dark-haired beauty by his side. "May I present my wife, Lady Knightly?"

  "I'm happy to meet you, Lady Knightly," Mary said. "Is this your first time in London?"

  "Yes. Lord Knightly and I have been traveling abroad and only just arrived in London a few weeks ago," Lady Knightly said.

  "You must pay a morning call upon me soon," Mary said with a smile.

  "I'd like that very much. Thank you for your kind invitation."

  "It is my pleasure. May I introduce my niece, Miss Hannah Richardson?"

  Hannah had been studying Lady Knightly while they were conversing. She wasn't sure why, but there something about the lady that didn't seem right. Her hazel eyes continually swept the room, as if she were looking for someone. In response to her aunt's introduction, Hannah curtsied to the couple. "My lord, my lady, the pleasure is mine." She was about to engage in conversation with Lady Knightly when she heard a familiar voice behind her. Anxiety wove tightly through her chest, and she wasn't sure what would happen next. This could be her undoing.

  "Lady Tisbury, forgive my manners for not having greeted you when you first arrived," the Duke of Wetherby said.

  Mary turned and curtsied to the duke. "Your Grace, there is nothing to forgive. May I introduce you to Lord and Lady Knightly? They are newly arrived in London for the Season."

  Camden gave them a quick nod while Lady Knightly sank into a deep curtsey.

  "Your Grace," she said.

  "Knightly, I haven't seen you in London in some time," Camden said.

  "Yes indeed you are correct, but pleasing one's wife seems paramount to enjoying life these days, Wetherby. No doubt you'll find out one day."

  Before Hannah had a chance to speak privately to the duke about their shared kiss, dinner was announced.

  "Lady Knightly, may I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?" Camden asked.

  "The honor is mine," Lady Knightly said as she placed her hand on his proffered arm.

  Dinner was almost more than Hannah could endure. She stole glances at Camden while he spoke with Lady Knightly on his right and Lady Sargent on his left. It was torture watching him, most especially because he seemed to be enjoying himself immensely. For their part, the two women took every opportunity to lean just a little too close to the duke.

  She had hoped for a chance to speak to him before they went in for dinner, but with him seated at the far end of the table, that would now be impossible. Was he angry with her? Would he tell Aunt Mary what she had done? She was mortified by her actions, but there was nothing she could do about it until she had a chance to speak with him. At the very least, she wanted to apologize for the slap although he had deserved it for taking liberties with her. It certainly was not in her nature to raise her hand to anyone, let alone a duke. She didn't know why she'd done it, but if she didn't speak to him soon, she feared the worst. She would be humiliated by the scandal that would race through the ton if anyone heard she had been alone in the garden kissing the Duke of Wetherby even though she had not given him permission to kiss her. What if she had wounded his pride sufficiently and he cut her or spoke badly of her. The last thing she wanted was to bring shame on her aunt and uncle.

  When she glanced his way, she found herself encountering the duke's dark penetrating stare. He utterly captivated her, and she couldn't turn away. Falling into the depths of his gray eyes stirred something in her. The mere thought of him sent a fluttering through her insides. She was mesmerized by him, but was it because she couldn't wait to be near him again or due to the cold, harsh truth that he could ruin her with a few words?

  "Miss Richardson, are you not enjoying your dinner?" Lord Dalton Hunt, heir to the Hunt fortune, asked.

  Hannah heard a voice, but it seemed so far away. She finally tore her eyes from the Duke of Wetherby and focused on the gentleman to her left. "My lord, I beg your pardon. I'm afraid I did not hear your question."

  "I was merely inquiring if your dinner was to your satisfaction. You've hardly eaten a bite."

  "It was delightful, of course," Hannah sa
id before popping a wedge of potato into her mouth.

  "Good. My mother would be most unhappy if one of her guests did not like their dinner. She holds Mrs. Spaulding's culinary talents in the highest esteem."

  Hannah nodded. "I can understand why. She's a most talented cook."

  "How are you enjoying London so far?"

  Hannah nearly choked on the potato and took a sip of wine to clear her throat. "It has been quite lovely, thank you for asking."

  "I'm glad. Georgette was remarking how much she enjoyed your recent visit."

  "I did, as well. We had a lovely chat."

  When dinner was finished and the ladies were retiring to the drawing room, Hannah was the last to rise from the table. She was hoping to catch the duke, but Lady Knightly held his attention until he sauntered off down the hallway to join the other gentlemen for port and cigars in Lord Hunt's billiard's room.

  She watched him take powerful strides with his well-muscled thighs and couldn't help but imagine how they would feel pressed against her. Just as she was about to enter the drawing room, he turned and caught her staring after him. She paused, hoping this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She opened her mouth to speak, but Wetherby merely smiled, a smile that hinted at wickedness, before going into the room. She inhaled sharply. What did that smile mean? Did he want to kiss her again? Or had her worst fears come true? Would he ruin her? They'd had a perfect moment to talk, and he'd turned away from her. Feeling that she had embarrassed herself enough for one evening, she quickly joined the other ladies in the drawing room.

  The rest of the evening dragged by. Even when the men rejoined them, the duke kept his distance. Hannah was so confused and didn't know what she should do.

  Isabel appeared at her side. "Hannah, are you feeling unwell? You look pale."

  "Perhaps a little tired, that's all."

  "I've asked Colby to have our carriage brought around. Would you care to retire with us?"

  Hannah's shoulders sagged in relief. "I would like that very much. Thank you."

  Isabel leaned in to whisper in Hannah's ear, "Once we are home, you can tell me what has upset you so this evening. Come, let us say good-night to our hosts and inform Lady Tisbury we are leaving."

  Hannah wasn't sure she could tell Isabel what had transpired that evening, but she was grateful to at least be leaving the Hunts' dinner party. She cast one last look at the Duke of Wetherby before joining Isabel and Colby as they went outside to their carriage.

  Back at the Tisbury home, Hannah's maid, Muriel, was eager to hear the details of the Hunts' dinner party. "Was it grand?" she asked.

  "It was indeed," Hannah said.

  When Muriel could not coax out more than a few polite replies to her questions, she quickly helped Hannah out of her gown and into her night rail. The covers were pulled back on the bed, and Hannah slipped between the cool sheets. Trepidation surged through her, and she squeezed her eyes shut, wishing that this night had never happened, or at the very least, she had thought more about her actions before impulsively following the duke into the garden.

  "Good night, Miss Hannah."

  "Good night, Muriel."

  It wasn't long after Muriel had closed the door before there was a soft knock.

  "Come in," Hannah said.

  Isabel slipped into the room. She was wearing a cream-colored night rail and robe. Her raven hair was in a thick braid that fell over her shoulder. She looked like an angel sent from Heaven. The minute Hannah saw Isabel's concerned face, tears blurred her vision and spilled down her cheeks.

  Isabel rushed over to the bed. "Hannah, dear, what is the matter?" she asked, taking hold of Hannah's hand. "What has upset you so?"

  "The most dreadful thing happened tonight," Hannah choked out between sobs.

  "Hannah, please confide in me. I promise to keep your confidence. What was it?"

  "The Duke of Wetherby kissed me in the Hunts' garden."

  "You were alone in the garden?"

  Hannah nodded.

  "And he kissed you?"

  Hannah nodded as her tears continued to fall.

  Isabel sat next to her and handed her a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. "Please don't cry. Why was kissing the duke dreadful? I thought you felt an interest in him."

  "I do, and the kiss was more than I ever expected. His lips were soft, and when they covered mine, I melted into his arms. It was the most wonderful moment of my life, but it's what happened after the kiss that has my insides so tangled. I don't know what to do. I am quite terrified of what will happen next."

  Isabel wiped a tear from her face. "Hannah, did the duke force himself upon your person, taking liberties where he should not?"

  Hannah shook her head. "Nothing of the sort. After he kissed me and released me, I was so flustered that I slapped him."

  Isabel eyes widened. "You slapped him? Pray tell, where?"

  "Across his cheek. Then I fled the garden, trying to hide my shame at returning his kiss so enthusiastically, and returned to the parlor as quickly as I could. I've spent all night waiting for him to denounce me for my reckless behavior. Oh, Isabel, I'll be ruined if word of my behavior gets out."

  Isabel pulled Hannah into her arms. "Hush now. If the Duke of Wetherby was going to mention what happened, he had plenty of opportunities at dinner, and then later in the drawing room. He made no such pronouncements, so perhaps circumstances are not as dire as you fear. One thing is clear: the Duke of Wetherby owes you an apology. He had no right to kiss you without your permission."

  "He did offer one, but it is my wanton behavior that troubles me the most. I didn't push him away when I should have. How will I ever face him again? I'm terrified of what he will say next time we meet."

  "Perhaps we should ask Lady Tisbury for her advice in the matter."

  "No, no, that would not do at all. Aunt Mary would not understand, and she would be most displeased with such unladylike behavior. Please don't mention it to her."

  "Why would she be displeased? The Duke of Wetherby is not married and is one of the most handsome men I've ever seen. Except for Colby, of course. If he is showing an interest in you, I'm sure Lady Tisbury would be most pleased."

  "Aunt Mary told me not to encroach on the duke's privacy, and yet, I followed him out into the garden. Don't you see? I did the very thing Aunt Mary asked me not to and have risked my reputation needlessly."

  "Did anyone see the duke kissing you?"

  "I don't think so. There wasn't anyone in the garden as I made my way back to the parlor.

  "That's good at least. Seems you have escaped detection this time."

  "I agree."

  "Very well, I'll keep your confidence, but we must think about what you will say the next time you meet the Duke of Wetherby. In the meantime, wipe your eyes. We don't want Lady Tisbury to see you crying. It will bring the exact question you have no wish to answer."

  Hannah nodded. "Thank you, Isabel, for being here. I'm fine now and I bet Colby is missing his wife."

  Isabel kissed Hannah's cheek. "Good night, Hannah."

  Chapter

  10

  "WETHERBY, WHERE'S YOUR MIND today? I've hit you twice in the last ten minutes."

  Camden took off his mask and looked at the blunted foil aimed at his heart. "Charles, I dare say you are the better man today."

  Charles Bainbridge, the Viscount of Edgerton, lowered his foil and took off his mask. "I sincerely doubt that. I haven't bested you in all the years we've been dueling. My only conclusion is could there be a young lady clouding your judgment."

  Camden looked at his friend, a smile dangled at the corner of his lips. He had not been aware that thinking about Miss Hannah Richardson and her sweet lips had affected his performance today, but perhaps Charles was right. He couldn't get enough of the sassy young woman. She was not the least bit timid i
n his presence, as evidenced by the slap she'd given him last evening after his impetuous kiss. It might have stung a bit, but it had been well worth it, and he planned on getting more of those kisses, although not the slaps if he could help it. She was an innocent and he planned to be the one to instruct her in the ways of proper kissing.

  "There's no such young lady. Why would you say that?"

  "Come now, Wetherby. I saw the look on your face when Miss Richardson entered the parlor last evening. I've never seen that look on you before. Are you interested in pursuing the young lady?"

  Camden wasn't ready to discuss Hannah with anyone, not even one of his best friends and a fellow spy. He quickly changed the subject. "What news of Lady Sargent? I saw the two of you slip into the Hunts' garden last evening before dinner was announced."

  "Honestly, I don't know what to make of her. I can tell you that she knows how to kiss a gentleman. She's intriguing and says cryptic things. My sense is it would be worthwhile to continue watching her."

  "What of her husband? Lord Sargent did not look happy with his wife's flirtation. Did she mention him before or after she kissed you?"

  Charles laughed. "Somehow, the mention of her husband did not come up while she had her tongue in my mouth."

  Camden chuckled. "Will you be attending the Ashford ball?"

  "Yes. Lady Sargent has already requested my presence, and you know how I hate to disappoint a lady."

  Camden nodded. "Be wary, Charles. She may be a killer. I must warn you again. Do not let your guard down for a pretty face, not even for a moment. I don't want to lose you."

  "I'll be careful. I'm as eager to catch this killer as you are, whether or not that killer is wrapped in a very desirable package. Seeing as your head is not in the game today, shall we go to White's instead?"

  "Excellent idea," Camden said as they walked away from the fencing area.

  LATER THAT AFTERNOON, MARY heard the telltale sound of the hidden gate opening in the rear of her garden. She waited patiently for Camden to announce himself.