And now came the hard part.
Finding the end of the maze of lies that had been woven around them.
He took a deep breath and began the short walk back to the duke’s residence. He had a little time before he would meet with Michael, and then so much of his future would be decided—as in whether he had one at all.
Because he hadn’t shared with Elizabeth that there was a real life-or-death risk. If working for the War Office had taught him anything, it wasthat life was fleeting. And fate had punctuated that lesson with the untimely deaths of his family. He only hoped it was the beginning of something new, not the end. Regardless, he’d made provisions for Elizabeth.
He’d spent time yesterday contacting his solicitor in London, giving instructions in case the worst were to happen. If all went well, those plans were to be disregarded. He’d also sent along a letter to give to Joan, and one to Elizabeth, if the worst-case scenario took place, so that his final words were delivered to the two women he loved.
There was peace in that, though he hoped it was all for naught. And he’d find out soon enough. He arrived back at the duke’s residence and went to the study where he’d hidden the funds he’d be using as a bribe. Dear Lord, he’d never thought it would come to this. Nevertheless, what other option did he have? None, and he’d spoken the truth to Michael yesterday. He wasn’t about to delude himself into thinking he could single-handedly take on the tea smuggling ring that provided more tea than any of the legal channels.
He tucked the bribe money in his coat pocket, making sure it was secure and didn’t appear obvious to someone inspecting his coat closely. The last thing he wanted was someone to think a bulge in his coat was a pistol. Dear Lord, that was a fast way to get killed and then robbed. He sighed.
Collin quit the duke’s lodgings and headed toward Michael’s house, his heart pounding as his mind continued to spin along all the details of the plan to be enacted shortly. There were far too many variables for him to be assured of any success, but he had to try nonetheless. Avoiding the problem would only lead to a greater drawback.
Michael answered the door before Collin knocked. “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,” Collin replied, sighing. “This is going to work.”
“Are you convincing me or yourself?” Michael asked.
“Both?” Collin replied, then gave a lopsided grin. “I don’t know. Let’s get this done before I have any more time to think about it.”
“One of the smartest things you’ve said in a long while.” Michael gave him a dry smile and closed the door. “Now, let’s review the plan once more on our way.”
Thirty
One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love.
—Sophocles,Oedipus at Colonus
Elizabeth’s heart hammered as they approached the Mayfair district of London. They had just passed by Hyde Park and were entering into the cloistered luxury of the London elite.
She did not belong here.
But she took a deep breath and forced herself to notice the small details: the perfectly clipped hedges, the last blooming flowers of fall, and the light rain that cleaned the otherwise smoky air.
The carriage paused before a gate, the gray stone town house rising up after a short stone walkway that led to the steps. The stone home was magnificent, not like anything she’d seen before, except for illustrations in books. Her heart pounding harder, she forced deep breaths.
“There’s nothing to fear, my dear.” Her father’s words comforted her. And she gave him a weak smile.
Just as Collin had predicted, the moment thecarriage pulled in front of the home, a fiery redheaded woman bounded down the stairs, a gentleman following her at a much more sedate place, an amused smile on his face. The duke and duchess, she presumed. Her attention went back to the woman and her face lit in the most welcoming smile.
Elizabeth had barely stepped from the carriage when the duchess welcomed her. “You must be Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth curtsied.
“Your Grace.” She lowered her head in respect as she rose. The moment she was standing, she was pulled into a tight hug.
“You have no idea how happy I am to meet you, dear Elizabeth,” the duchess whispered fiercely.
Elizabeth returned the hug, her earlier stress melting away. “I’m truly happy to meet you as well.”
The duchess released her and smiled wide, and Elizabeth wondered if perhaps Collin wasn’t exaggerating when he said his sister was unconventional. Because ladies were only to give small, coy smiles. Yet the duchess was unapologetically warm.
And Elizabeth immediately loved her for it.
“Allow me to introduce my father, Professor Essex,” Elizabeth said as she stepped aside for her father.
