Heat crawled up the back of Triana’s neck, while Gabriel sent the agent a threatening glare worthy of murder.
Travell didn’t reply, although his narrowed gaze spoke volumes. But instead of remarking on it, he asked, “What did you find out?”
Triana was grateful for the change in subject, so she began to relay her conversation with Madame Corressa. Omitting anything of a personal nature, she told them about the codes, which they were already aware of, and how the smuggling was accomplished; not on board theEvening Swan, as originally believed, but rather off shore before the ship ever made berth. She also mentioned that there was a French spy assisting the operation, but she didn’t know his identity. As she explained about the East India Company’s role in it all, she expected at least one of her three companions to erupt in outrage, but as their faces were suspiciously wiped clear of any expression, she knew the truth.
She directed her anger at her brother. “You already knew about the East India Company’s involvement, didn’t you?” she accused.
Travell’s gaze was unwavering when he replied, “I am privy to this country’s welfare, Triana.”
“I can’t believe this!” She sat back in utter disbelief, feeling like a fool. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It was a matter of state where you have no business interfering.” When she would have interrupted, he held up a hand. “You have done your part to assist us, and very admirably, I might add, but this is where I draw the line. This is where it ends.” He pinned her with a firm look, “Foryou.”
“That’s not fair!” she protested.
“I’m sorry you haven’t yet realized that most anything is,” Travell returned. “But you are not becoming involved any further. It’s too dangerous.”
Triana noted the determined set to her brother’s jaw and knew that any argument she made would be futile at best. “Will you still tell me what’s going on? Or will I have to wait and visit you in the Tower when you’re arrested?”
“I’m not required to update our progress to you,” he replied sharply. “At any time.”
Triana would have argued further, but she was cut off by Gabriel’s soft plea. “I have to agree with Travell.” His hypnotizing gaze searched hers. “It will ease my mind to know that you are safe.”
Reluctantly, Triana fell silent. The man was entirely too experienced at manipulating her to his will.
A short time later, after a light kiss to her hand, Triana and Travell exited the hackney in Hyde Park to take the tunnel back to the study. Before Gabriel left her, he whispered, “Dream of me.”
And then he was gone.
***
Triana took her time soaking in the steaming, rose-scented bath. It was all she could do to pamper herself before she would be forced to endure Eastbury’s company. The moment she’d left the study, a footman was waiting with a note from her mother that said she was to dine with the earl that evening.
Disheartened, she had trudged up the stairs to her room, for she doubted that Gabriel would be able to save her from Eastbury’s company tonight.
Genevieve helped her into a gown of light blue satin, threaded with silver. With deft movements, she gathered Triana’s hair up into a simple but elegant chignon. Once Triana had donned a pair of lily-white gloves and matching kid slippers, she descended the staircase at the announcement that her affianced had arrived.
At first, she thought the parlor was empty. Then she spotted a slight movement by the window. Triana dipped into a light curtsy as Eastbury turned to face her.
“There you are, my dear,” he practically cooed. He eyed her boldly up and down, and lifted a brow. “I see you are no worse for the wear after your recent sojourn to the country, although I have to wonder as to the truth to such a tale when you left the opera on the arm of Chiltern.”
Triana swallowed nervously, the malicious tilt to his lips causing alarm bells to ring in her head. However, she offered the same excuse Travell had given their mother, with a slight variation. “His Grace merely relayed a message, my lord, and since Genevieve is my lady’s maid, I could not deny her request to accompany her to visit a sick cousin.”
While she hoped that would be the end of it, Eastbury merely lifted a lazy brow, giving credence to the fact he wasn’t quite so ignorant as she’d originally thought. “If that’s how you wish to play this little game, so be it. After all, it would only reflect poorly on me should the truth be known I’ve become a cuckold before the vows are even recited. Although,” he continued as he drew closer, “I hope that you enjoyed your little… excursion, for once we are wed, there will be no more. I only pray Chiltern hasn’t tamed your fire. It’s what has tempted me from the beginning.” His hand reached out to trail lightly down her arm, his eyes filled with lust. “So, in light of your little indiscretion, I am willing to offer a way to make it up to me.”
She barely withheld the hot retort that sprang to her lips, for she had an idea she already knew the dreaded answer as his gaze fell to her breasts. “And what is that?”
Abruptly, his hand shot out and captured the back of her neck, jerking her toward him. “I will teach you and your lover to make a fool of me.” He hissed in her ear. “You forget that I have a special license. Now, you either find a way to come to metonight… or else I will be here first thing in the morning with the vicar in tow.”
He released her, and Triana took a stumbling step backward and stared at him in horror. Wasn’t it enough for him to know that he would be her husband in a few days? Now he dared to threaten her?
She covered her mouth with the back of her hand, and closed her eyes.No!She couldn’t do it. The very idea of lying with him as she had with Gabriel made her physically ill, but what choice did she have except delaying the inevitable?
She thought of telling him that she was no longer virtuous, since he accused her of it anyway, but it would be for naught. She knew that he wouldn’t call off their engagement either way. He was just dastardly enough to see this farce through until the bitter end if only to say he’d gained his prize — while he would enjoy making her pay for her sins for the rest of her life.
“So what say you, my dear?” he persisted, his eyes shining with cruel intent, for he knew he had her effectively trapped. “Shall we have an early wedding ceremony, or should I expect you about midnight?”
She attempted to glare at the earl with all the loathing she could muster, her pride telling him what her words could not. “It appears you have made my decision for me, my lord.”
