Page 25 of Deceiving an Earl
“I’ve never seen you like this with another woman. What happened seventeen years ago?”
Ashland would not let it go, and so Oliver gave him a bone to chew on without divulging the entire story. “She was important, but then she wed the former Earl of Fieldhurst and she became a countess and we never spoke again.”
“And then suddenly she reappears in your life and asks you to help her son? It doesn’t add up.”
“I’ve been to a few of her salons. We’ve spoken a few times, and I helped Philip out of a scrape with Scotland Yard.”
There was a long pause, and Oliver kept his eyes on the road, not daring to look at Ashland.
“It seems that much has happened in your life since I got married,” was all his friend said.
…
“Are you a spy?”
“I’m not a spy.”
“Because if you are, I won’t tell anyone.”
“I’m not a spy, Josie.”
“It just seems like you are. I can help you.”
“I’m not a spy. I promise.”
“Would you let me help you if you were?”
“No.”
“Really, Oliver. You are so vexing.”
“So are you with all of this spy talk.”
For a few glorious moments Josie was silent and Oliver leaned back in his chair and enjoyed the pleasant weather and the view of his mother’s garden.
“Amelie Bertrand is nice,” Josie said, shattering his temporary peace. “Quiet, but nice.”
After Oliver’s talk with Ellen about Bertrand, Oliver was almost convinced the man was harmless. Worth keeping an eye on, but harmless. Nevertheless, he was curious as to what Josie had learned.
“We went riding in Hyde Park,” she said. “She’s an accomplished horsewoman.”
“And what did you think of her?”
“I told you. Quiet, but nice. Really, Oliver, you would make a horrible spy. You don’t listen.”
“I already told you I’m not a spy.”
“I can see why.”
Oliver tamped down his irritation, but really, he was more amused than irritated. “What did you think of Miss Bertrand other than she was quiet and nice?”
“We were riding so there wasn’t much opportunity to speak. Although she seemed pleased to be out. She said she missed riding.”
“Are you riding with her again?”
“We talked about it. She said she would ask her father.”
“Did she mention how long they would be in London?”
