That Miss Melville is proving to be an invaluable asset, totally unlike her brother. Though I do need to commend the lad for recognizing her talent. And, of course, my meddlesome mother-in-law, the Duchess of Malmsby, for bringing her to my attention. Sometimes the old hag amazes me.
Who would have thought a young, naive girl would possess a natural talent in cryptography! She says it is a matter of searching the patterns. Whatever the root of her brilliance, we need it.
You’re not encumbered, and not likely to be, given your carnal habits. I propose a marriage of convenience between you and Miss Melville. She can accompany you and be on hand to translate coded French missives. See to it.
Candelstone
Lord Candelstone! Bella’s brow furrowed. Why should Lord Candelstone wish her to marry a British spy?
Bella frowned at Candelstone’s arrogance. She didn’t think even Harry would bow to that order. But he had. Why?
Sir Harry,
What do you mean she is being courted by Nowlton?
No, no, a thousand times no! Nowlton would never allow her to help the war effort, or to work for me, for that matter. My brother-in-law is a fussy prig. I have never understood how the two of you are friends.
You must break them apart. What is she thinking tying herself to a gallery owner? She is too valuable a resource.
Candelstone
Mr. Nowlton a fussy prig? Hardly.
At least Harry didn’t jump to Candelstone’s orders. She put the letter aside and picked up the next one. There was a pattern emerging that began pressing heavily against her chest.
Sir Harry,
She must not be allowed to marry Nowlton. You must see that. It would be a disaster for us to lose her talent. Stop this nonsense about Nowlton being your best friend since school days. Leave childhood behind. There is a war on! Napoleon must be defeated.
If you don’t wish to marry her, I will find someone else for her. She must be in our family of agents.
Candelstone
It appeared Harry had had a modicum of loyalty to Nowlton. That pleased her. But Candelstone was wearing Harry down.
Sir Harry,
I have heard the rumors. Good job! One of your best talents, I think. So Nowlton believes she has been bedding others and has tried to dally with you. That will turn off our sanctimonious Nowlton. What are you telling Miss Melville? You have to do something on that side as well, as she might confront Nowlton and spoil the game.
I still think you should wed her. I’m considering Aldrich as her husband, but I had another plan for him. Nothing set in stone, so those plans could be changed.
Keep me informed. I am rubbing my hands with glee.
Candelstone
What?
Bella’s mouth dropped open.
How could he?She silently cried out. And how could Aidan believe him?
Knowing Harry, she understood. He was so good at lies and rumors. Tears slid down her cheeks. She wondered if what she had been told had a crumb of truth, for Harry had ultimately done as Candelstone requested and spun a story for her as well, to drive a bigger wedge between them. Remembering herself back then, she didn’t think she would have confronted Nowlton. She would have slunk away to hide. She closed her eyes as memories played in her mind. Yes, Harry had been very, very good.
Sir Harry,
Well played! Bravo! That bet in the book at White’s was a stroke of genius. Nowlton seldom goes there, but all the young bucks do and read that book for wagers they can join and gossip about.
No one will realize that the bet is in your hand and I swear, after I got your last letter, I went to look at the book myself. Your forgery of his signature was masterful. No one would believe that wasn’t Nowlton’s. No woman wants to be the subject of a gentleman’s bet, and to say he will be under her skirts before the season is out is masterful.
