“Samantha is a vixen,” Warwick continued.
“I’m sure she’s a lovely woman,” Beth said.
“I met her when we were children. She’s annoyed me every day since,” Warwick said before pitching headfirst into a bush and taking everyone with him.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The next note came as she sat writing to her father. She’d been expecting it, as she’d sent word that she had Mr. Valentine’s book.
“Thank you, Lucas.” She took the paper from him.
It had been two days since Nathan had kissed her breasts in that small shed. Two days, and she still sighed when she thought of the magic his hands and mouth had created. She’d wanted him to take her right then. Wanted it desperately, as she believed there would never be another chance for him to do so.
She still loved him, Beth now acknowledged. Deeper than the love she’d felt for him before. She’d let him see some of the real Bethany Carlow, and he’d not turned from her; instead he’d seemed to enjoy the forthright way she’d spoken.
“You went to that fair without telling me.” Lucas glowered at her.
“Which we have already discussed extensively since. I have explained my actions,” she said lowering the note to the desktop and placing her hand flat on top of it. She knew who it was from and was in no hurry to read it.
“You should not have gone without me.”
“You are here to protect my mother and me, Lucas. I wanted you to watch over her, as I can and did take care of myself.”
“I can do both.”
“I feel better knowing you are here with her.”
His lips tightened. “I am here for you also. I would ask that you do not leave the house without someone at your side, at the very least.”
She didn’t want to lie outright, so she nodded.
He didn’t seem convinced but left the room after a final steady look.
Beth opened the note and read the words.
Bring the book to the Grillion Hotel tonight, Miss Carlow. Room number 17. Your family’s continued good health depends upon it.
What did that mean? Was it a good sign he wanted her to bring the book personally? Did it mean her family would finally be released from the nightmare they’d lived?
Opening the desk drawer, she took out the small blue book that held Mr. Valentine’s writings. Staring at the cover, she wondered just what was inside. What secrets was she putting into this man’s hands? Russian hands, Beth corrected.
Would the people belonging to the names inside this book now be in danger? Was she committing someone to death by doing what she was? But what other choice was there?
Opening the cover, she started to read. After only a few pages, Beth realized that in the wrong hands this was indeed a dangerous thing. In Logan’s hands, which was what she was going to do.
“I must deliver it,” she whispered, frustration welling up inside at the helplessness of her situation.
But perhaps she could do something. Searching through the desk once more she found papers and collected writing materials, then set about copying each page of the book. It would take time, but at least a record of everything in Mr. Valentine’s book would be kept. It was as she reached the end a name leaped off the page at her.
Alexius, The Deville brothers.Beth’s chest tightened, and she forced herself to breathe slowly as she read on.A group that is charged with caring for the monarchy. I serve bene tibi erit. She read the Latin words slowly. She did not understand them well; Latin had never been her strong suit. But she knew now that Nathan also lived a double life, as she now did.
The Duke of Stratton had said something in Latin to Nathan that day at the fair, she was sure of it. Searching the names on the page, she found his too. And other noblemen she knew.
“Dear Lord.” Beth pressed her fingers to her eyes. If she gave this to Logan, she was endangering Nathan’s life. His brothers also, and so many other good and honest noblemen.
“What am I to do?”
She had to hand it over, but she could also give a copy to Nathan. Yes, she’d do that. He’d know what to do with the information she gave him, as he was part of Alexius.
