"I don't know, but we must trust in him and Charles to unmask the killer. We can only pray they do it quickly."
Mary looked at the dance floor again and the radiant smile Hannah wore. "I pray they do. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to my dear, sweet niece."
Chapter
15
"I'M TOLD THIS IS THE loveliest rose garden in all of London," Camden said two days after the Ashford ball.
"Then you've been told correctly," Mary said.
"What is so urgent that you've summoned me here again so soon? Have you learnt something vital to unmasking our killer?" Camden asked.
Mary turned toward the spy, her heart heavy with what she was about to ask of him. "No, there is no news on that front."
"Lady Tisbury, this is not like you. What is worrying you?"
"Camden, I love you like a son. I hope you realize that."
"Yes, Lady Tisbury, and I'm grateful for all your support these many years. We have worked very well together. But tell me, what has you so troubled today?"
Mary wrung her hands and paced back and forth. She hated what she was about to do, but she believed that it was absolutely necessary. She stopped in front of him. "It's Hannah," she said as she stared at him. Her features softened at the mention of her niece's name, but her insides were clenched in a tight coil. She wondered if Camden had fallen in love with Hannah. She could see how easily it could happen. She had always believed Hannah was special, and it seemed that the Duke of Wetherby was of the same high opinion. That had been especially evident at the Ashford Ball when they took to the dance floor. How could she ask him to break it off if he indeed did love her?
Tears welled in her eyes. She had no choice until the spy-killer was caught. She grasped Camden's hand. "Forgive me, for what I'm about to ask you, but you need to break off your courtship of Hannah."
She felt him stiffen.
"Why would I do that? She appears to enjoy my company as much as I enjoy hers. She's a special young woman, and I'm quite enamored of her."
Mary swiped a tear from her cheek. "That's exactly why. Oh, Camden, don't you see? I would love nothing more to see you and Hannah happy together, but how can I allow it when there is a vicious killer out there targeting the Crown's spies?"
Camden took a step back, letting her hand fall to her side. "Charles and I are working on this problem, and we believe we have identified the killer, or at least an accomplice. But it is a delicate matter and must proceed at its own pace."
"That's what I'm afraid of. The longer it takes to unmask this heinous person, the more Hannah will be drawn into your world. What if something happens to her because of her acquaintance with you? I could not bear it."
"I would never let anything happen to her," he said. "You have my word."
"I know you'll try your very best, but I'm sure Henry tried his very best and yet he was still murdered. Please, I'm asking you not to pursue Hannah until this nasty business is resolved."
She saw him hesitate. She hated bringing the tragic death of Henry into the conversation, but she was desperate to keep Hannah safe. Had she convinced him? He was a duke, after all; one that wasn't used to taking directives from anyone except maybe the Home Office.
She could not mistake the formality in his tone.
"I believe you are making a mistake, Lady Tisbury." He gave her a curt bow. "But I will honor your wishes. For now."
Before Mary could thank him, Camden turned on his heel and slipped out the back gate. Had she done the right thing? Hannah would be heartbroken, she was sure of it; but better a broken heart now than for her to be the target of a ruthless killer. Mary would have to take extra special care of her niece in the coming days, but would it be enough? Hannah must never find out she had asked this of Camden. At her tender age, she would not understand Mary's anguish over the situation.
Mary sighed, and fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. She hoped she'd done the right thing. This was the part of the spy business that she hated the most. There was always the possibility of innocents being hurt with any mission, and she was determined that Hannah was not going to be one of them.
CAMDEN WAS SEETHING WHEN he left the Tisbury Gardens. How could Mary ask this of him? He hadn't known until the moment she asked him to break it off with Hannah that he was falling in love with her. Now that he'd admitted that fact to himself, he realized she was everything he wanted in a woman and a future duchess. There had been nothing in the world but her when he was dancing with her at the Ashford ball. No one and nothing else mattered, just the feel of her in his arms, the sensations of her sweet lips on his, and the way her body molded to his as they'd shared passionate kisses out in the shadows of the balcony.
It had taken him a very long time to find a woman who stirred such passion in him, and he was loath to let her go. He wanted to marry her. How could he let another man's hands touch her or another man kiss her? It was unthinkable. He had given her her first kiss, and he wanted to be the one who showed her all the pleasures a man and woman could have together.
But.
Mary had every reason to be nervous about the current situation. Even though Charles and he believed that Lady Sargent was somehow involved in the killing of their spies, they had not been able to trap her into any action yet. She had set her sights on Charles, that much was clear. But was it because Charles was handsome and loved to flirt with the ladies, or had she somehow guessed that Charles was in His Majesty's service? Time was running out. There were only three more weeks of the Season left, and once Lady Sargent left London, the chances of catching her were slim.
He had to talk to Charles and devise a plan. They had to set their trap, and they had to do it within the next three weeks. He didn't think he could stay away from Hannah any longer than that.
Chapter
16
HANNAH FELT LIKE SHE WAS floating on air and it felt absolutely wonderful. She was falling in love with the Duke of Wetherby, and by the way he had kissed her, he was falling in love with her. She hardly remembered the Ashford ball all except dancing with the handsome duke. She couldn't remember what they had talked about at dinner; all she remembered was him saying, "Meet me out on the balcony. I think more penance is due." His kisses had seared her heart. She could not imagine kissing anyone else ever again. Even though she had had no intentions to look for a husband this Season, it looked like she had found the man of her dreams.
Aunt Mary had delayed her, introducing her to more lords and ladies of the ton. She would be hard-pressed to remember their names again, as her only thoughts were about slipping out on the balcony unnoticed and being swept up in the duke's arms.
When she had finally been able to slip out unnoticed, she thought for sure she was too late. The duke was nowhere in sight, until all of a sudden, he was there beside her. Relief flooded through her, and the sweet anticipation of more of his exquisite kisses once again collided in her chest.
"I thought you had abandoned me," she whispered.
The duke pulled her into his arms and stepped back into the deep shadows. "Never. You have invaded my soul, Hannah Richardson. All I can think about is kissing you," he said before his lips crashed down on hers in a possessive and passionate way.
She matched his kisses, and when he swept his tongue inside her mouth, she moaned with delight. She pressed her body against his and could feel the hardness in his breeches. She knew what it meant, although the exact detail of what men and women did in the bedroom was still a mystery to her. She planned to rectify that and ask Isabel for the more intimate details of marital relations.
When Camden had lifted his mouth from hers, she whispered, "Your Grace, you make me senseless. I never knew penance could be so enticing."
She could see him smile as the moonlight bathed his profile in silvery light. "Call me Camden. I think we are beyond the formalities, don't you agree?"
&nbs
p; "Camden," she said in a breathless whisper. When she uttered his name, she knew that she was hopelessly in love with him. "I feel you have been too kind this evening and much more penance is due. I'm not sure I'll ever be done with it."
"You have no idea," he said, running his finger along her cheek and down to the hollow of her neck. He left a trail of scorching kisses along the path his finger had taken, driving her wild.
Hannah felt on fire, every fiber of her being drawn to the man igniting a passion she never knew she could feel. How could she ever live without him touching her and kissing her so thoroughly that it left her with raw, twitching nerves?
"I must go," he said, giving her a tender kiss.
"Camden, when will I see you again?"
"Soon."
He had melted into the shadows, and she'd wrapped her arms around her waist. Was she living in a fairy tale, where the handsome hero falls for her? She gave herself a mental shake. Fairy tales were not real, but she found it hard not to believe that she had indeed stepped into one by attracting the interest of the most eligible man in London. She took long deep breaths to calm her raging feelings, and it was several long minutes before she could compose herself enough to return to the ballroom.
Was that magical night really only two days ago? It felt like a lifetime had passed since Camden kissed her. She hadn't been sure when she would see him again until an invitation for tea from the Duchess of Wetherby arrived in yesterday's post. She and Aunt Mary would visit the duchess and Lady Courtney today, and she had no doubt that Camden would make an appearance as well. How would she be able to sit still, knowing that he was nearby—being so very close and not being able to touch him, to kiss him? She would have to control her emotions, as she wasn't sure Camden had made his interest in her known to anyone else, although she was sure that everyone at the Ashford Ball had seen the way he looked at her while they danced together.
When her Aunt Mary came in from the garden and announced she was ready to go, Hannah wasted no time in taking her bonnet and gloves from the footman. The sooner they arrived at the Wetherby home, the sooner she would see him. Would he announce his interest in courting her to his mother and her aunt today? It would seem the perfect opportunity to declare his intentions toward her. Or was she being naïve? No, she didn't think so. She believed a man did not whisper such tantalizing things to a lady unless he wanted to marry her.
"It's such a pleasant day, I thought we'd walk. Is that agreeable, Hannah?" Mary asked.
Hannah nodded. "Very agreeable."
"I do hope that you are enjoying your Season thus far, dear?"
A smile split Hannah's face. "It has been the most wonderful and magical time of my life. How can I ever thank you?"
Mary reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "It has been my pleasure having you here. You are a breath of fresh air, to say the least, and you keep me young at heart."
Hannah chuckled. "I do hope that I have not been too much of a breath of fresh air, Aunt Mary."
"Not at all, dear. Not at all."
Hannah saw a look of sadness pass over her aunt's face. If she had not been looking closely at her, she would have missed it. What had made her aunt sad? With only three weeks left in the Season, Mary was busy planning the annual Tisbury Ball, considered by everyone to be the highlight of the Season. Perhaps her aunt was worried about making all the arrangements.
"Is there anything I can do to help with the planning of the ball?"
"Thank you, Hannah. I would be most grateful for your help. There are still quite a few details to attend to."
Hannah nodded. "Well, I'm happy to lend a hand wherever you need it. All you need to do is ask."
Mary nodded, and for the rest of the walk to the Wetherby townhouse, they talked about the various arrangements for the Tisbury Ball.
The door to the Wetherby townhouse opened as they started up the stone steps. "Lady Tisbury, Miss Richardson," Mr. Hester said as he stepped back to allow them to enter the foyer. A footman was there to take their bonnets and gloves.
"Please follow me," Mr. Hester said as he led them to the large parlor. "Lady Tisbury and Miss Richardson to see you, ma'am."
The Duchess of Wetherby stood. "Lady Tisbury, such a delight to see you again."
"Thank you, your grace. I've so enjoyed this Season, especially with you in attendance."
Lady Courtney stood next to her mother. "Hello, Miss Richardson, Lady Tisbury."
Hannah's eyes swept the room. Camden was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he would join them once the tea was served. "Lady Courtney, a delight to see you again. You must tell me all about your activities since our ride in Hyde Park."
The two young women took a seat on the sofa while the duchess and Mary took a seat at the small table.
"I thought we'd let the girls talk amongst themselves today," the duchess said. "Your niece has been such a wonderful influence on my daughter."
Mary looked over her shoulder at the young women, lost in their own conversation. "I agree, Katherine. They do seem to be forming a fast friendship."
"It's been very good for Courtney, I must admit. I was against coming to London, but Wetherby knew it would be a great help for her in overcoming her shyness."
Mary nodded. "I'm so very glad you both have come. It's been too many years in between our visits. I hope to rectify that and would love to invite you and Lady Courtney to come for a visit once we leave London. The fresh air is wonderful in the country."
"That would be lovely. Thank you, Mary."
"Of course, the duke is welcome as well. I'm sure Lord Tisbury will be organizing a hunt. Will his grace be joining us today?"
"No. He left after breakfast, saying he would be out all day."
Hannah stopped mid-sentence when she heard the duchess say that Camden was out for the day. Why would he leave when he must have known she would visit today? Lady Courtney would surely have mentioned it to him in passing. Had she been wrong about his intentions? Could it be that he was only interested in stealing kisses from her and not in marrying her? No. She didn't want to believe it. He had been so passionate. She tried hard to suppress the thread of despair spreading through her chest.
"Miss Richardson, you were saying?" Courtney asked.
Hannah composed her face. It was obvious that Camden had not told his mother of his interest in her. "Yes, of course. I was hoping that you would be coming to the Tisbury Ball."
Lady Courtney's eyes were bright with excitement. "Oh yes, I've heard it is the event of the Season. I can hardly wait to attend."
"I'm so glad," Hannah said. "It is a lovely affair. I'm sure you'll enjoy it."
For the rest of the visit, Hannah tried hard to be friendly and engaging with Lady Courtney and the duchess, but the nagging thought that Wetherby had deliberately gone out today to avoid her kept invading her thoughts. She was relieved when the visit came to an end.
"That was a lovely visit. I'm so very pleased that you and Lady Courtney are becoming friends. I've invited them to visit us in the country after the Season ends," Aunt Mary said.
"Oh?" Hannah schooled her features. She did not want her aunt to guess at the turmoil she felt roiling around her insides. "That will be lovely. Will Uncle Albert be organizing a hunt?"
"I dare say he will. The gentlemen do love their hunts."
"Indeed. Will the Duke of Wetherby be attending?"
Mary shrugged. "Who's to say? The duke is a very busy man."
Chapter
17
THE NEXT THREE WEEKS PASSED in a haze for Hannah. She'd had no word from Camden at all, and tentacles of grief wrapped around her core, squeezing the life from her. Had she been wrong about the duke's intentions all along? Was she so naïve that she believed he felt something for her? She didn't know the truth any longer. She had been so sure of him, but now she wondered if she had been fooli
ng herself into believing he felt the same for her as she felt for him. One moment he was there at every turn, kissing her, making her feel alive, and the next, he was utterly and completely gone from her life. He had not attended any of the soirees, dinners or dances that Hannah had attended in the past three weeks, although Lady Courtney and her mother had attended some of them. Her heart was broken and aching with such sadness she had never known before. She didn't want to believe he'd misled her, but the glaring fact that he had not contacted her in the intervening weeks sent a clear message. There could be no other explanation. He had been toying with her all along.
She felt so foolish, but tried hard to hide her anguish from her aunt. She was glad now that she had never told Aunt Mary of her growing feelings for the handsome duke. It was bad enough she felt foolish without having her aunt look at her with pity in her eyes. Hannah tried hard to convince herself that she had not come to London looking for a husband so no harm was done. Except, great harm was done and she didn't know how long it would take her to get over the Duke of Wetherby. It was a relief that the Season was coming to an end.
The day of the Tisbury Ball arrived with a flurry of activity. Maids and footman were scurrying about under her aunt's direction. Vases full of exquisite roses filled the ballroom with exotic smells, and white candles had been placed in the chandeliers and in all the wall sconces.
Her aunt stood beside her as she admired the beauty of the ballroom. "Hannah, the boxes from Mrs. Phillips have arrived. Come, let's go and see the treasures she has sent."
Hannah linked her arm with her aunt's. "Aunt Mary, your generosity surpasses anything I could have dreamed of. There was no need for a new gown. You have given me so much already. I could have worn one of the other lovely gowns you had made for me."
"Nonsense, my dear. Of course, you needed a new gown. It is my pleasure. I can hardly wait until you see what she had done."
Dare to Love a Spy (Book 3, Age of Innocence) Page 10
