Immediately, Hugh held up his hands in supplication. “Don’t look at me. She brought it up on her own.”
“But I doubt you did little to dissuade her,” Harlan snapped.
“Not really, because I knew you would cease such talk.”
Harlan snorted, his eyes intent. “You’re damn right. It’s the worst idea I might have contrived.”
“And yet—”
Harlan’s gaze narrowed sharply on the redhaired man.
“—Something tells me that she would make a formidable ally.”
“Youcannotbe serious.”
Hugh crossed his arms and looked at him directly. “Why not? After last night, we can be confident that the spy is male. While we didn’t get a good look at him, there is no doubt in my mind that Miss Lindquist would be able to engage him much more quickly than we might hope for. She is quite comely and possesses the charm that most men would find appealing.”
“That ispreciselymy point,” Harlan returned with a snarl. He moved away from Hugh with a pounding in his head that had little to do with his wound. “I am a seasoned agent for the Crown with years of service, more than capable—”
“And the moment this man sees that you have been wounded, he will know who you are,” Hugh pointed out firmly. “He will likely know my identity, and that of Benjamin by the end of the day. If he is as intelligent as we have been led to believe, he will not be without the proper resources. As an assassin, he would be armed with military training. He would guess our motives, whereas Miss Lindquist has the element of surprise on her side. Not only that, but she was traveling from France as well, so her sudden presence in England will not be unduly noted, and she can find a common ground with our suspect. Neither Lucas nor Matthew was there last night, so they would be able to escort her unnoticed as her driver and footman—”
“I will hear no more on the subject,” Harlan snapped. “The reason I have allowed you to speak this long is because we have been friends for a number of years, but that could alter if you keep trying my patience.”
Hugh stepped closer rather than backing away. He lowered his voice but spoke clearly and without restraint. “The reason you don’t want to hear what I have to say is because you know that I’m right. You just refuse to admit it. We have the chance to end this rebellion, to halt any true danger before it fully takes root, and yet, you would not take action when we have the chance because your cock is speaking for you.”
That was all it took to send Harlan over the edge. He grasped Hugh’s jacket with both of his fists. “You are overstepping your bounds.” He released Hugh with a frustrated exhale, but his focus was still direct, his voice daring Hugh to interrupt as Harlan added, “Our suspect set out on foot, and since he likely wasn’t expecting to be held up by highwaymen, he wouldn’t have had time to make alternate preparations, so he couldn’t have made it far. My best guess is that he is still close at hand, perhaps in this very village. There is to be entertainment at the windmill tonight. No doubt our man will attempt to make contact with someone this evening. We shall ensure we are in attendance.” Although he hated to speak the next words, he admitted that Hugh had made a valid point, one that he couldn’t ignore for the good of his mission. “If you are so eager for Miss Lindquist to participate, then that would be the only time I might allow it, so that between the four of us, we might have a chance to ensure her safety.”
Hugh brushed at the sleeves of his jacket and smoothed back his hair. “There now, that wasn’t so difficult, was it?” he noted mockingly. “I shall see you both this evening.”
Chapter 10
Leah glanced at herself in the washstand mirror in the bedchamber. She had read the Shelley book most of the afternoon as she waited for Harlan’s return and the promise that they would talk. They needed to decide what to do about this fiery attraction between them. Leah knew what she wanted, but he was obstinate enough not to want the same. She was going to try, once more, to prove that she would be an asset, and not a hindrance.
When he finally arrived, she was surprised to find that he held a brown paper wrapped package that he handed to her.
“What is this for?” she’d asked.
She could tell that it wasn’t a gift of adoration or appreciation. In truth, he looked mildly aggrieved. “It’s for tonight’s festivities.” As the meaning behind the item was explained, her brows lifted in astonishment. He had made his sentiments rather clear earlier that morning. Obviously, someone had convinced him that her assistance would not be entirely unwelcome after all. She had the feeling Hugh was to thank for that.
Now, as she tried on the fit of the emerald green overskirt with its matching, fitted bodice and white underskirt, she wondered if she would pass inspection. She had never been a part of anything so exhilarating in her life, and she found she was quite looking forward to the prospect. Danger had always intrigued her. From the exploits of former highwaymen in novels to scarred war heroes, she knew she would never have the same chance to make any sort of mark on the world as a female. She was expected to keep a nice house for her husband and bear children. That was all. It was what she’d been taught from an early age, but that is not what she’d dreamt of achieving.
Leah had always enjoyed her travels with her father, but she had never been allowed to have the sort of adventures she truly wanted. She yearned to explore the ancient tombs of Egypt, hike to the highest points in India, and feel the wind on her face as she rose in a hot air balloon.
All such frivolities had been denied her, believing the perils to be too great, so gaining the chance to become aspy, if just for one night, was an exciting prospect. She just had to ensure that Harlan didn’t see how pleased it made her, because he would surely forbid any further involvement at all. She knew there were risks, that it wasn’t a game, but there was a certain thrill that passed through her at the anticipation to be had that night.
Patting her chignon to ensure it was in place, her new white satin gloves on her hands, and the matching reticule dangling from her wrist, she took a deep breath and walked out into the hallway.
Leah found Harlan waiting for her in the parlor. For a moment, her breathing faltered. He was quite handsome in his black trousers, crisp white shirt and cravat and blue waistcoat with its matching jacket. With his hair brushed back from his forehead and a hat in place, it was almost impossible to believe he was anything other than a gentleman.
His gaze slowly traveled down and back up the length of her. “You look exquisite,” he said huskily. “I’m not sure I want to let you walk out that door without me.”
She laughed a bit unsteadily. “You are the one who told me we can’t risk being seen together tonight.”
“Yes, I did,” he murmured. “However, I wonder if I should retract that statement now. Every man in Gravesend and beyond will be lusting after the most beautiful woman in attendance.”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s a bit unfair to the wives of your men.”
He walked forward and placed a gentle but warming kiss on her lips. “But you are the only one that matters tome.”
