Page 141 of A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets 1)

Chapter Eighteen

Baldwin adjusted his white cravat as the coach jostled back and forth. “Let’s get this blasted meeting over with,” he muttered.

Corbyn chuckled. “I take it that you are not a fan of Lord Desmond.”

“No, I am not,” Baldwin replied. “Desmond used to take swipes at my father when he was still alive, and I find him to be rather insufferable.”

“Then I would imagine you should be looking forward to this meeting.”

Baldwin shook his head. “I do not delight in the misfortune of others.”

“That is an interesting remark from a spy,” Corbyn observed.

Glancing out the darkened window, Baldwin remarked, “I work as an agent to keep England safe from domestic and foreign threats.”

“After this meeting, you will officially be retired as an agent of the Crown,” Corbyn said. “How does that make you feel?”

The image of Miss Dowding came into his mind, and he smiled. “I believe life as a civilian will suit me very nicely.”

“You are thinking of Miss Dowding, aren’t you?”

“I am,” he replied, unabashed.

Corbyn bobbed his head. “She is a strong woman. I heard that she hired a hackney to take her to the Blue Boar to try and stop Marie.”

Baldwin chuckled. “I must admit that she was the last person I expected to see in Fieldstone Square.”

“I can’t imagine you had any complaints,” Corbyn remarked knowingly.

“I did not, but it did make explaining my presence a little more troublesome to the constables.”

Reaching into his waistcoat pocket, he removed the letter from the Prince Regent and extended it towards Corbyn. “I won’t be needing this letter anymore.”

“Keep it,” Corbyn said. “You never know when you might need it again.”

Baldwin returned the letter to his pocket. “Should the need ever arise, you can count on me to defend England’s interests.”

Corbyn smirked. “I think you might be too busy entertaining a new wife.”

“That is assuming I can convince Miss Dowding to marry me.”

“You will.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Corbyn’s eyes grew reflective, as if recalling a painful memory. “Eyes don’t lie, and Miss Dowding’s eyes light up every time she sees you.”

“That pleases me immensely to hear.”

“Frankly, it is almost sickening,” Corbyn joked.

Baldwin chuckled before growing serious. “I want to thank you for taking that shot in Fieldstone Square.”

“I only did what needed to be done.”

“If you hadn’t shot Marie, I most assuredly would have.”

Corbyn nodded. “I know, but I was worried that if you discharged your pistol so close to the bomb, it would ignite.”

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