Page 26 of A Lady's Past
Honoria palmed her cheek. “I’m so thankful he found you. I should never have bullied you into attending that ball. It was a foolish mistake. Please forgive me, Diana.”
Tears pressed at the back of Diana’s eyes. It was too touching, too much. She took Honoria’s hand. “This was not your fault. I should have known better. I do know better. I can want a normal life, but for now, it is not possible to have one. My troubles are too real and too present for me to be foolish. I put you in danger with my desire to be a normal young woman tonight. It is I who should ask forgiveness.”
“Oh, no. You are in real trouble, and I am an old fool.”
Rupert chuckled. “We are all sorry, and since Miss St. Cloud is safe at home, we can all rest easy. Bertram will post extra guards around the house and we will dispense with any frolicking for the present.” He stood and straightened his coat. “It will not be forever, this war. Eventually, you will be able to enjoy a good party without worrying, my dear.”
“Thank you, my lord. I hope you are right.” Though Diana doubted he was. As she climbed the stairs to her bedroom, she still wondered if these fine people wouldn’t be better off if she took her leave and found another means of staying alive.
ChapterSeven
Jacques had been up all night deciding how to best help Diana. By first light it was clear he would need help, and specifically the same help that had saved his life. Considering the situation too dangerous to send a note that might be intercepted, he went directly to Michael Rollins’s home as soon as the hour permitted.
He waited in the office. Burgundy curtains had been pulled back, allowing overcast light to shine in. A fire burned in the hearth, keeping the chill out. It was everything a duke’s home should be. Yet, beneath all its grandness, practicality spoke of Michael’s simpler upbringing and military background.
A large atlas lay open on the long table near the windows, a line running along the Seine from Le Havre to Paris.
“Good morning, Jacques.” Michael walked in and rounded a seating area to where Jacques was looking at the map.
“Good morning. I assume the duchess is not in town, since I have heard no little feet storming the hallways.”
Michael slapped his shoulder with one hand while shaking his hand with the other. “Elinor and the children are in Scotland. I had plans to travel home at the end of the week. Did we have an appointment that I’ve forgotten?”
They left the atlas behind and Michael sat in a large wingback chair facing the door.
Jacques followed, facing him on a mustard-colored divan. “No. I have a matter of great urgency to discuss, and did not think a note would be appropriate as they can go missing and fall into the wrong hands.”
“You are not in trouble with the French again? They have no rights here to return you to your mother country.” Michael sat forward, a deep frown creating a crease between his eyes.
“No. I would not come to you for such a minor thing. Now that I am in England, they would not dare try anything. The matter I have come about is for a friend. She is hunted by French agents and needs the help of the Horsemen or she will not survive.” Holding his breath, Jacques watched Michael’s small shift in expression. It was hard to tell if he was curious or annoyed.
Michael said, “The Buckrose Horsemen helped you because you have always been a friend to the English and the Duke of Middleton requested the assistance. What makes you think your friend will warrant their attention?”
“Perhaps she will not. In that case, I shall muddle through on my own. I will not let her be captured again.” Fear and anger coursed through Jacques, making it difficult to keep his tone level.
Leaning back, Michael eased his legs out and crossed them at the ankles. “Perhaps you had better tell me about this friend of yours.”
After telling Michael everything Diana had told him, he waited. Michael might be a duke, but he was a soldier through and through. In fact, it was his courageous acts and sacrifices that had earned him a title. He threaded his fingers together and rested them on his stomach. He appeared totally relaxed, but was like a cat ready to strike. It was foolish to underestimate Michael Rollins based on his calm demeanor.
“When you introduced us at the Royal Academy, I thought there was something unique about her. Are you certain she is telling you the truth, Jacques?” he asked softly. With so much espionage and treason about, everyone was paranoid.
It would do no good to take offense. Michael was only being cautious and didn’t know Diana. “I am reasonably certain she is in real trouble. If she is lying, she is a magnificent actress. I believe her.”
“She lied about her name.”
“I cannot say that I blame her for that. It would have been foolish to rush into London and announce herself. The English think her family traitors and the French are after her to complete her father’s work.” An edge seeped into Jacques’s voice, which he tried to control.
With a nod, Michael sat up. “I will contact the Buckrose Horsemen. I have some influence, but it’s up to Alexander. Once I tell him, he may decide the best course is to arrest your friend. It’s a risk.”
Jacques held his breath and forced down his anger. “I realize that is a possibility. I will vouch for Diana. I will take full responsibility if she is not what she appears to be. She is no traitor, nor was her father. She said her father only gave them enough to keep his family alive, and I believe her. If he had helped them, they would be firing rockets farther and with more firepower. They had him for two years before killing him. You and I both know he could have given them what they wanted in that time if he had been inclined.”
“I’ll need to know what exactly Mr. MacLeod did tell his captors.” Michael’s acknowledgment that Jacob and his family were prisoners and not there of their own free will was a huge step in Diana’s favor.
“As that information would have had little meaning to me, I did not ask. I am sure she will be able and willing to tell you if the Horsemen are going to keep her out of Caron’s clutches.” Diana was not very forthcoming, but he believed she was sensible and would see the value in giving the Horsemen anything they needed.
Michael stood. “Perhaps it would be best if we went to Everton House and I had a chat with Miss MacLeod.”
“She will be at her assignment now. I can take you. But Michael, I will not let you bully her.” Standing, he knew that even in a fair fight, Michael was more likely to win. Still, Diana would not be made to fear anyone. Not if he could help it.
