Dare she tell him more? Tell him everything?
Beth had a feeling that tonight would change everything, she just wasn’t sure how. Yes, Valentine’s book had been Logan’s ultimate prize, but Beth also doubted he’d simply thank her for it and let her walk away because he’d said as much.
Why did he want her to deliver the book to the Grillon personally?
Looking down at the paper, she made a decision and began to write. She would ask for this to be delivered into Nathan’s hands first thing tomorrow morning. If anything happened to Beth, he would then have the information from Valentine’s book. Plus, he would protect her mother and father.
Nathan deserved to know the truth, and she knew he would keep their secrets.
Beth wrote every detail of what had happened to bring about her leaving him three years ago, and the life they’d been forced to live since. Her parents may not be happy with her actions, but she no longer wanted to hide this from him. When she was finished, she folded the papers and secured them with a ribbon.
She was a traitor to the crown, and innocent men could die because of her. She would do what she could to protect them.
Beth wasn’t sure how long she sat there with thoughts tumbling furiously through her head. Hours, she realized as her eyes went to the window and she saw night had fallen. Finally, she rose and went to see her mother.
Lady Carlow sat in a chair beside the fire, reading.
“Your head is better, Mother?”
“Much, thank you. Are you going out?” Lady Carlow’s brow wrinkled. “I thought we were to stay in.”
“Just to see Mary. She has a few ladies coming to visit, and we are to discuss the latestCaptain Broadbent and Lady Nauticusbook.” More lies, she thought. But these were for the greater good. If her mother knew she was going to see Logan, she would panic. It was better she knew nothing about Beth’s movements until she was home safe.
Please let me come home safe.
“That sounds like fun.”
Beth accepted the hug, then kissed her mother’s cheek. “Sleep well.”
Returning to her room, she ate the food on the tray she’d requested, and then sat and waited a while longer.
“Has my mother eaten, Ruby?” Beth asked the maid who collected her tray.
“Indeed she has and is now settled in for the night.”
“Thank you.”
After changing into a thick dark dress and sturdy boots, Beth slipped her arms into a long coat. Collecting her reticule, she went to drop the book inside and thought better of it.
This is the only thing I have to bargain with.
Lifting her skirts, Beth placed it inside one of her stockings, then secured it there with the ties. Picking up the bundle of papers she’d written earlier, she left the room to search out her butler.
Leonard was overseeing the fire grates being cleaned.
“Leonard, I am going to visit with Miss Blake. Please have these papers delivered as the sun rises tomorrow morning to Mr. Nathan Deville. They must be handed directly to him.”
“I shall see it done myself.”
“It is very important they are handed to him, Leonard.”
He frowned. “Is all well, Miss Carlow?”
“It is.” She swallowed down the panic.
“Shall I call Lucas to accompany you?”
“Th-That will not be necessary. Miss Satterwhite is collecting me.”
