Page 24 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
“She will be. I promise. What do you know about my father, Miss Kingsley?”
She pursed her lips. “He is a powerful lord. And my father apparently trusts him.”
“He was a diplomat during the wars. Did you hear much about the wars?” At the flash in her eyes he added, “You would have been but a child then.”
“The French killed their king and queen. Then Napoleon took over. He invaded all his neighbors. Lord Wellington went to Spain and defeated him, and they locked him up on an island. Then he escaped, and Wellington fought him at Waterloo. I hope Napoleon dies soon so he will cause no more trouble.”
“Your wish may come true soon.” Napoleon was gravely ill, had perhaps even died already, or so everyone hoped. “However, we must be sure of it. There was a rumor of Napoleon’s death some years ago that caused no end of trouble. Even in death the man is a nuisance. Father has probably sent a man to St. Helena.”
“I see.” She raised an eyebrow, making him smile.
“My father was more than a diplomat. He directed the services of men and women seeking information on our enemy’s activities.”
Her eyes widened.Good. He had distracted her from her black thoughts.
“Spies?” She laughed ruefully. “How nicely you put it.”
She glanced at the fire and then back at him, eyes narrowed.
Time to gabble before she launched questions about his line of employment. “The servants of Shaldon House are carefully screened—for their loyalty first of all, and their discretion, and their skills.” The bad apples that had slipped through the net and threatened Bakeley’s wife were disposed of. There was no need to share those details and add to Miss Kingsley’s worries. “You will see. Perry will keep Reina safe. Perry is quite adept.”
“As are you. You are also a spy?”
He took a sip and grinned. “I'm the troublesome younger son. Am I not, Mrs. Windle?”
A loud huff sounded from the corner, a reminder to Miss Kingsley if she needed one.
She set her glass upon the side table. “I note that you did not answer my question.”
He should issue a denial, but he did not want to lie unless he must. He lifted his glass and drained the last few drops.
“I take that as a yes. What are you planning to do with me, Mr. Everly?”
“I would like to visit your solicitor.” This particular solicitor would likely be known to Bakeley, but Bakeley was in the country. Penderbrook could accompany Charley. He would ask his brother Bink to guard the lady in his absence.
“I will go with you.”
“It’s the first place they’ll expect you to go.”
She looked away, thinking.
“Can they snatch me up, do you think? Would they do so?” She stared into the embers and nodded. “Carvelle would. He will marry me, ensure possession of my money, and arrange for me to die painfully.”
“He will not marry you. And he will not hurt you. Nor will Lord Kingsley, nor his wife. I will not allow it.”
Her mouth firmed. “I want to go home.”
“To Kingsley House?”
He knew what she’d meant but he couldn’t resist the prod.
She sighed. “To Alta California. I have family there. Cousins.”
“Are you not bound for Spain and Reina’s family? It’s what your maid told me.”
She grimaced. Frowned. Firmed her lips. “Papa wrote to them. I do not know if there has been an answer back.” Her gaze lifted with a look that reminded him of the little girl back at Shaldon House. “Will you take me to a ship? Lady Kingsley said that Captain Llewellyn has arrived in Falmouth. You can turn me over to his care. He is my father’s friend and—”
“Miss Kingsley—”
