Winnifred stared at the swirling couples about her. “As I told Dr. Masson, dancing is not one of my accomplishments.”
“Nonsense.” Summerset wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in closer than was decent. Clasping her right hand, he glided to the music, his feet in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the music.
With their joined hands, he chucked her chin, drawing her gaze from her feet. “Follow where I lead. You need do nothing more for a successful dance.”
The muscles in her back went rigid, and she forced another inch of space between their bodies. “You do think highly of yourself, don’t you, my lord?” She had hoped after Glasgow that the man might be a bit less insufferable. Either he still didn’t trust her or else insolence was his natural state. “Even being good friends with my husband, I would take care of our distance. That is if you wish to retain use of all your limbs.”
The left side of his lips curled up in a lazy smile. “It isn’t your husband who concerns me.”
He swept her outside the throng of dancers, into an empty alcove next to the doors to the lawn. A perfect position to remain unheard.
“Meaning I do.” Winnifred chewed the inside of her cheek. It was a strange feeling, being a person of concern. “You still believe I entrapped Dunkeld?”
Summerset pushed her hip, twirling her out into a dizzying spin before reeling her back in. “That is no longer relevant. You are married. Sin hopes to make the best of it.” Another spin. Another moment where Winnifred tried to gather her bearings. Summerset lowered his head to whisper in her ear. “Do you?”
She slammed her eyebrows together. “I don’t understand. OF course, I wish a successful marriage. Who wouldn’t?”
His gaze probed her features, tracing from her eyes to her mouth and back again, as though trying to see beneath her skin into her very brain. “Hosting a successful fête and giving Sin an heir isn’t what I understand as success. Beyond that, I would see my friend happy.”
She worried the seam of his jacket and stared at his throat. “I want that, too,” she said quietly. She raised her gaze to his. “I will do everything in my power to make it so.” Everything she was capable of. Her heart she might not be able to control, but her deeds and actions would all be to that purpose.
Summerset pursed his full lips and nodded. “Then I welcome you into our brotherhood, as I should have done upon your marriage.”
“Fiend seize it, I turn my back on you for one moment and you’re off making advances on my wife.” Sin stomped up to them and peeled her hand off his friend’s shoulder.
“Better me than Lord Brandon.” Summerset flicked a small rose petal from his sleeve. “Besides, I was just telling your wife the secret of how to manage your querulous nature.”
Sin proved his friend’s accusation correct and growled.
Winnifred grinned, until she caught sight of Dr. Masson watching her across the room. Her humor died, and she shifted until Sin stood between her and the physician.
“What is it?” Sin looked down at her, his forehead creasing.
“Nothing.” She peeked around his chest. Dr. Masson was now joined with his sister, both staring in their direction.
Sin followed her gaze. “Brandon’s son?” His body tensed. “Was he improper with you?” Sin pushed her at Summerset then turned for battle. “I swear, I will—”
“Do absolutely nothing.” Winnifred stepped in front of him. “The man did nothing. It is only his occupation that unsettles me.”
“Hmm.” Sin’s body slowly relaxed. He took her hand and squeezed it. “You have nothing to fear from him or any man. You should know that by now.”
Summerset shifted behind her, and a blush heated her cheeks. Of course, he’d been at that dreadful dinner in Glasgow. He already knew her history, but that didn’t stop the wave of shame. She forced her voice into a lightness she didn’t feel. “Nothing to fear but traitors and revolution and the future of the United Kingdom.”
Summerset snorted. “I’m beginning to quite like your wife, Dunkeld. She might soon become my favorite of the interlopers.”
“Interlopers?” she asked.
“Montague’s, Rothchild’s, and Sutton’s wives. Summerset hasn’t taken well to our marriages.”
The earl opened his mouth to object, but Sin cut him off. “Even though said in jest, Winnifred isn’t wrong. Your latest intelligence has underscored our need for haste. I need to confront Abercairn. Tonight. Sutton has agreed to join me in the interrogation. We plan to speak with him after the midnight meal.”
Summerset waved over a servant and plucked a glass of champagne from his tray before shooing the boy away. “Must it be you and Sutton? The two of you aren’t noted for your skills in that arena. Why don’t you allow me the pleasure?”
“Abercairn has intimated he knows of our activities for the Crown.” Sin shook his head. “Sutton has taken himself out of this business; he’s only here because I’m involved. It won’t matter that he reveals himself. But you seem wish to continue in this business. No, if you want to remain a spy, it is best if you keep as low a presence as possible.”
Running a hand up the back of his curls, Summerset sighed. “All right, I agree. But if your and Sutton’s blunt instrument methods don’t work, call me in. I’ll be close.”
Sin nodded. He looked around the room and frowned. “I only wish your letter had arrived in a timelier manner.”
