“Thank you.” She turned to Nathan. “And very nice throw of my reticule filled with rocks.”

With a sheepish look, he inclined his head in thanks. “I shall personally pen an addition to the ‘useful weapons’ chapter in the Official Spy Handbook. You are unquestionably a genius.” He coughed modestly. “Of course, my aim is unsurpassedly excellent.”

“I agree. And it was no less than he deserved. I did tell him those stones were mine.”

Nathan smiled at her. “Indeed you did. And I must commend you on your fine performance. You picked up on my ruse perfectly.”

“Where is Lord Alwyck now?” asked Aunt Delia.

“Magistrate took him away,” Nathan said. “He’ll never see the outside of a prison cell again.” He turned to Victoria’s father. “And now, since you know everything, as your physician, I must insist that you rest.”

“Yes, yes, all right,” Father said with grudging acceptance. “I agree I need to rest, especially since I wish to leave tomorrow.”

It seemed all the air was sucked out of the room at his words. “Tomorrow?” Victoria repeated weakly.

“Tomorrow?” Aunt Delia and Lord Rutledge said in unison.

“Tomorrow,” her father repeated firmly. “My doctor has already given me permission to travel.”

Victoria’s gaze flew to Nathan, who regarded her with an unfathomable expression. “Is this true?” she asked. “Is it really safe for him to travel? Surely it would be better if we were to wait.”

“I agree it would better,” Nathan said, “but his injuries are minor enough that traveling won’t impose any danger to him.”

“I must return to London as soon as possible and deliver the jewels to His Majesty,” Father said. His gaze shifted between Victoria and Aunt Delia. “We’ll plan to depart directly after breakfast. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” Aunt Delia whispered. Not trusting her voice, Victoria merely nodded.

“Well, now that that’s settled,” Nathan said, “I must ask everyone to leave so my patient can rest.”

“I’d like a private word with my daughter, Nathan.”

Nathan’s gaze met Victoria’s, and again she couldn’t read his thoughts. “Of course,” he said. He was the last to leave the room, and quietly closed the door behind him.

Father turned his head on the pillow and searched her gaze. “Have you enjoyed your time here?”

Warmth instantly flooded Victoria’s cheeks. “Yes.”

“But you didn’t expect to.”

“To be perfectly honest, no. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised.”

“Suspected you might be. Always good to have a change of scenery before making any huge decisions.”

“Huge decisions?”

“Like who to marry. I saw Branripple and Dravensby the night before I departed London. Both wished to be remembered to you.”

Lords Branripple and Dravensby. Good heavens, she hadn’t thought about them in days.

“You seem to have formed a friendship with Nathan,” Father said.

Victoria studied him, but his eyes were as innocent as his tone. “Yes.”

“Glad to know it. He’s one of the finest, bravest men I’ve ever known. Deuced brilliant when it comes to deciphering codes. Impressed me the first time I laid eyes on him.”

I know precisely what you mean. “He’s been very kind to me,” she said, inwardly cringing at the inadequate words.

“And what of his brother, Lord Sutton? Another very fine man. Has the mien of a gentleman and the hands of a thief. Excellent combination for a spy.”

“Lord Sutton was away during much of my visit, but I enjoyed his company while he was here.”

“Well, good. I know you didn’t want to come here, my dear, but I knew it would be good for you.” He patted her hand. “A father knows best about these things.”

Before she could ask what “these things” were, he added, “Happy you enjoyed your visit, but I imagine you’re anxious to return to London. Get back to the Little Season and the business of considering marriage offers.”

“I… yes, of course.”

“I’d wager I’ll be seeing my girl betrothed before the month’s over.”

Victoria’s stomach performed a lurching tumble. Unable to voice an agreement, she simply nodded.

“Excellent. Well, you get a good night’s sleep, my dear. I’ll see you at breakfast.”

Feeling as if she were in a daze, Victoria leaned down and kissed her father’s cheek. After bidding him goodnight, she quit the room.

She walked swiftly to her bedchamber, her pace increasing until she was running down the corridor. After closing the door behind her, she leaned back against the oak panel. With her chest constricted and her breathing labored, she closed her eyes.

She was leaving tomorrow. To go back to her life in London. Her suitors. Her soirees and shops. To choose a husband. She should be filled with happiness. Anticipation. Relief. Instead, she was filled with a horrible sense of loss. A feeling of sick dread. A desperate ache that had her pressing her hand to the suddenly hollow spot where her heart belonged.

All the confused emotions simmering beneath the surface that she’d ruthlessly ignored and shoved aside for the past week gripped her in a vise she could no longer disregard. This feeling of desolation had nothing to do with where she was, but at the thought of leaving here. Leaving Nathan.

The realization that she didn’t want to leave this place where she so vehemently had not wanted to come stunned her. And right on its heels came the truth her heart could no longer deny.

She’d fallen in love with Nathan.

Twenty-two

Today’s Modern Woman should refrain from making any life-altering decisions “in the heat of the moment.” She should step back from the situation and give herself ample opportunity to carefully review the situation from all angles so as to make a decision she will not later regret.


A Ladies’ Guide to the Pursuit of

Personal Happiness and Intimate Fulfillment

by Charles Brightmore


Dinner that evening seemed a somber, tense affair to Victoria, although she wasn’t certain if it was indeed that way or simply a reflection of her own mood. Certainly there was little conversation. Only Lord Sutton seemed animated, and he soon fell quiet when all his attempts at small talk withered. As soon as the interminable meal ended, Victoria excused herself to see to her packing. No sooner had she arrived in her bedchamber than she heard a knock on the door. Was it Nathan? Heart pounding, she called, “Come in,” but it was only her maid Winifred to assist her. After everything was packed except her night rail and the clothes she would wear tomorrow, Winifred left. Walking to the window, Victoria looked down at the moonlit lawn. Her fingers clasped the lacquered shell hanging around her neck. She hadn’t had a chance to speak privately to Nathan, but surely he would come to her tonight. Her last night.

A quiet knock sounded at the door and her heart leapt. Crossing the room at a near run, she pulled open the door. Aunt Delia stood in the corridor.

“May I speak to you, Victoria?”

“Of course,” she said, guilt pricking at her for her disappointment. “Please come in.” After closing the door, Victoria asked, “Are you all right? You look… flushed.”

“I’m fine. Indeed, I’m marvelous. And most assuredly flushing. From happiness.” Reaching out, she clasped Victoria’s hands. “I want you to be the first to know, darling. Lord Rutledge has asked me to marry him and I’ve accepted.”

Victoria stared at her aunt in stunned amazement. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’re happy for me. Say you wish me years of joy.”

“I do. Of course I do. I’m just surprised. You haven’t known each other very long.”

“True, but I know everything I need to. I know he’s honorable and kind. Generous and loving. He makes me laugh. He loves me. And I love him. He is everything I did not have in my first husband, and I feel blessed to be given this opportunity for happiness and companionship at this stage of my life.” She squeezed Victoria’s hands. “It may seem like we’ve only known each other a short time, but my dear, it only takes the heart a single beat to know what it wants.”

Moisture warmed Victoria’s eyes and she pulled her aunt into a snug embrace. “Dear Aunt Delia. I’m delighted for you both.” Pulling back, she asked, “Have you decided upon a date?”

“Yes. One month from today. Here, in Rutledge’s parish.”

“But that’s an enormous amount of traveling for you…” Victoria’s words trailed off as understanding dawned. “You’re staying here. You’re not leaving with me and Father tomorrow.”

“No. I wish to remain here. Become better acquainted with this lovely house, this quaint area which shall become my new home.”

Victoria blinked. “But what of your love for Society and London? Your life there?”

Aunt Delia laughed. “Don’t look so stricken, darling. Rutledge has agreed to spend the Season in Town if I wish.” Her expression turned thoughtful. “And as for my love of Society and London, I can only say that my love for Rutledge far exceeds any fondness I have for city life.” She gave Victoria a searching look. “Have you spoken to Dr. Oliver this evening?”

“Not privately, no.” To her mortification, hot tears pushed behind her eyes. “I don’t know how I’m going to say good-bye to him,” she whispered.

Her aunt’s eyes grew troubled. “Your heart will tell you the right thing to say, Victoria. The right thing to do. Listen to what it tells you.” It appeared she wanted to say something more, but instead she merely brushed a quick kiss against Victoria’s cheek. “I’ll leave you now, my dear. I’ll see you in the morning before you leave.” With no further explanation, her aunt quit the room.

Victoria stood frozen in place, staring at the closed door. A myriad of emotions ambushed her, hitting her with such force she staggered to the nearest chair, an overstuffed chintz settee set in front of the fireplace, and sat down with an unladylike plop.