His face shining, Andre raced toward her. “Beth!” They met in an embrace of laughter and tears.
Tam and Cade exited from the carriage but didn’t move toward the house, giving the younger couple time for their reunion. “I’m guessing that his Beth is also at least somewhat gifted,” she remarked.
Cade smiled. “Indeed she is. They both must have grown a great deal in the time that has passed, but they’re off to a good start.”
Beth said to Andre—Andrew?—“It’s been so long since I’ve received a letter from you. I had a feeling that you were traveling, but it’s such a long way from India, I didn’t know when or even if you’d make it to England! You seemed to have many problems.”
“I did.” Keeping an arm around Beth, Andre turned her to make introductions. “Lady Tamsyn Tremayne and Mr. Cade Tremayne, I’m pleased to introduce you to Miss Elizabeth Caton.” He added, “Beth, they made it possible for me to travel the last stretch from France.”
Beth was a pretty girl with bright hazel eyes, and the smile she gave her visitors was dazzling. “Thank you! With France and England at war again, the journey must have been almost impossible.”
“Andre’s grandmother was of great aid to us, so we all helped each other, Miss Caton,” Tam said.
“Please call me Beth, for I think we will be friends.”
Her warmth was irresistible. Tam shifted her gaze to Andre. “Do you prefer Andre or Andrew?”
He smiled. “I was christened Andrew and my Scottish father always called me that, but my French mother called me Andre and it seemed wise to use that name when we returned to France. Either name will do.” Turning to Beth, he asked, “Is your father home? I look forward to seeing him again.”
“He’s at work at the Arsenal and won’t be home for a while. Would you like to come in to refresh yourselves and perhaps have tea?” Her gaze went back to Andre as if she hated looking away from him. “If Papa isn’t back by the time we finish our tea, I can take you to him at the Arsenal. It’s not far. Mr. and Mrs. Tremayne, if you would like to see the Arsenal, you could join us.”
“I’d like that very much,” Cade said, not bothering to correct her assumption that they were married.
There was a note in his voice that made Tam think he believed they should visit the Arsenal. She also had a sense of uneasiness. But she’d be glad for tea and refreshments. It had been a long time since breakfast.
* * *
Cade had washed up and was heading to the drawing room for tea when his path crossed with Tam, who was going in the same direction. Since no one else was around, he drew her into a hug. He would never tire of holding her.
She hugged him back, but said, “I’m sensing trouble coming soon, rather like I did before we visited the Portsmouth Yard. Can you feel it?”
“Yes, but I’m not sure if it’s potential trouble at the Arsenal, or at the Woolwich Royal Naval Dockyard which is nearby. You sensed the name ‘Woolwich’ from the French agent and that could refer to either place.”
“Or both. We’ll be seeing Rhys later this evening so we can tell him that the Royal Dockyards are being targeted,” Tamsyn said. “Perhaps that will distract him from his shock when we confess our sins.”
Cade flinched inside at the thought of what lay ahead, but they had no choice. He doubted either of them could conceal their feelings from their parents. “We need to talk to Rhys and Gwyn together. She’s always more understanding.”
“While Rhys may become a very protective father.” Tam sighed. “I think they’ll both be shocked, but just now I prefer to think of tea and cakes.” She took his arm until they entered the drawing room. The housekeeper and cook had produced a splendid array of cakes and sandwiches, and conversation was lively as Andre and Beth caught up with each other’s doings during the time they’d been apart.
When the handsome brass clock struck the hour, Beth glanced up at the time. “Papa will be leaving work soon. Shall we go meet him?”
“I’d like that,” Andre said, his gaze going to Tamsyn and Cade. “If they’re interested, can my friends come also?”
“I don’t see why not.” Beth stood and turned to her visitors. “Would you like to see what the Warren is like? It’s very interesting.”
“I would indeed,” Cade said as he also stood. “What does Mr. Caton do?”
“He works in the Royal Laboratory and is in charge of the group that is developing battlefield rockets,” she explained. “He and Andrew’s father learned a great deal about such things in India.”
“I’ve read about how effective and frightening those rockets were when they were used in India,” Cade said. “Improved rockets will be a valuable addition to Britain’s arsenal in the years ahead.” Which meant that this facility would be a prime target for French agents.
The four of them left the house and walked toward the Arsenal. The guards at the gate greeted Beth cheerfully and allowed her guests to enter when she vouched for them.
The Arsenal was large and bustling with activity. With so many explosive materials around, Cade wasn’t surprised to see axes and other firefighting equipment fastened to the outside walls of most of the buildings. As they walked past a broad alley filled with stacks of cast iron artillery pieces, Tamsyn said to Cade, “I think I’m becoming jaded about vast military installations!”
“They do have similarities,” he agreed. “The Woolwich Royal Navy will seem even more familiar if we visit there.”
“With luck I won’t have to,” Tam said, her voice tense. She glanced at the sky. “Those heavy clouds are coming back again. I wonder if we could make them rain if something catches fire?”
