Page 53 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“I thank you.” He clasped his friend’s hand. “Remarkable, really, how good Miss Davies was in a bind. She actually ran toward the woods, thinking she could assist, which I told her not to do, but that’s neither here nor there. Her timing turned out to be impeccable. She could be her own kind of spy. If she weren’t who she is, I might consider bringing her on my force.”
“You employ women?”
“They are the best kinds of spies.”
But not Miss Davies. He couldn’t bear the thought of putting her at risk. And he didn’t want her to have to feel the strain of a loved one always at risk either.
He bid Bartholomew farewell, and later that afternoon, after his brothers had helped Marc and the Bow Street runner take care of the undesirables, they sat together at a corner table in White’s.
“They were easy enough to track down, the one still incapacitated in the woods, the other in the house of a friend. I don’t think they were anything more than local robbers.” Kristoff’s assessment brought peace to Marc, who still had a lingering worry that somehow the altercation was related to Oldenburg.
His brothers were first alarmed that it had happened with Miss Davies present and then way too curious about her and her reactions in such a dangerous situation.
Henri smiled. “So no hysterics? She freed the horses and made the getaway possible.” He nodded in approval.
“I’m seeing the makings of another Oldenburg royal,” Kristoff said. They kept their voices low, and Marc was grateful for a bit of privacy.
“She really was incredible. But that doesn’t mean she should be placed in other dangerous situations. It’s the timing, Brother. I’m not in a place to simply step away from my duties. I’ve given it thought, and I’m ready to return home,” Marc said. “Thank the stars I’m leaving before either of our hearts became engaged.”
Both brothers seemed more skeptical than he’d have thought they should be.
“Without Miss Davies?” Kristoff asked.
“Did I not just say—”
“There’s no reason she couldn’t come with us. Even ifyoudon’t wish to do your duty by her.” Henri twirled his glass.
Marc knew his brother didn’t mean anything offensive by his comment, but it still grated. “Mydutyis to see her happily married. It’s the duty she and I agreed upon.” He looked around the room. “My other duty is to see that Oldenburg is safe. After assuring myself that practically any man in London would be happy to marry her, I feel she is in good stead with the duke and duchess.” He watched them both. When they didn’t respond, he added, “I feel I would only add to the confusion of her trying to find a love match.”
Still they didn’t respond.
“Besides, I am not in a position to aid her in the way she needs to find such a match. The duchess is more than a sufficient companion.”
Kristoff toyed with his cup. “The duchess wants to come with us too.”
Exasperated, Marc looked again at their two stony expressions. “The duchess can come another time. I don’t know what you are trying to say here, but I think the best possible thing for Miss Davies is to stay on this continent. She’s greatly worried for her town in Wales. She has some serious issues to deal with there, and marriage to a lord here with substantial means would help.”
Loud voices interrupted their conversation as Lord Carmine entered White’s with a whole group of laughing men. “She’s all but mine, gentlemen. Check the books. I’m the top wager right now, so do be sure to place your bets in my favor. I just came from calling hours. Her attention knows no bounds.” He winked.
The low laughter that followed caused all three brothers to clench their fists.
Henri looked uncharacteristically intense. “And this is who you would leave her to? These men would be her suitors?”
“I introduced her to the intellectual lot. They were more than interested if we can get this buffoon out of the way.”
Henri lifted his chin. “But this man is going to actively pursue her. He’s going to speak to the duke and make his offers. There is so much at stake in his wager. Have you seen the numbers?”
“I haven’t.”
Henri leaned forward. “They’re well into eighty thousand pounds.”
“What?” Marc almost stood. “Does she know?”
“She cannot possibly know yet. We would have heard from her.” Kristoff frowned. “But it cannot be concealed from her for long. Almost every house in London has taken a stake in it.”
Marc had not been using his sources to keep tabs on the situation. He was greatly out of focus. Another reason caring for a woman was dangerous. He couldn’t function as he needed to with the distraction she provided.
Lord Carmine pointed in their direction. “And there’s the man of the hour.” He approached. “I just heard about the incident earlier today and your heroic deeds to rescue my Miss Davies.” His eyes held a glint Marc recognized as a warning, but he ignored it.
