Lucas’s eyes widened. “Are you actually suggesting that Miss Lindquist’s brother might be in league with this assassin?”
Harlan looked at him hard. “We cannot discount any possibility. Sometimes the most improbable solutions are the most obvious. It could be that Mr. Lindquist is the head of operations, not just for the church, but for the rebellion as well. It’s the reason Hugh is there to keep an eye on things, in case Mr. Bernard returns to cause more havoc.”
Silence fell, and then Benjamin scrubbed a hand down his face. “Bloody hell.”
“Indeed,” Lucas muttered. “This whole affair is becoming muddy, much more than we might have anticipated.”
“At least Leah is where I don’t have to worry about her,” Harlan murmured.
Lucas exchanged another speaking glance with Benjamin before he spoke up. “I know you may not want to hear this, but could it be possible, because of Leah’s close tie to Lindquist and Bernard’s relation, and considering she also hailed from France at an opportune time—”
“I have considered the possibilities, actually,” Harlan snapped, his mood turning as dark as his hair. “Which is why I ensured that her movements were being noted at the palace, although I have not told Wellington this. If there was any doubt whatsoever, he would not have agreed to let Leah anywhere near the queen. I trust Leah implicitly, and don’t believe she is involved in any sort of conspiracy, but I have not become a respected agent by not covering every angle, however improbable.”
His companions remained silent, but it was obvious they did not believe Leah to be part of the rebellion either. Harlan was relieved, because he trusted their opinions as well as that of his own.
“I intend to keep in touch with Leah, as well as her progress at the palace,” Harlan added. “As of yet, I am not aware of any engagements that would draw the queen out into the open for a possible attack. Benjamin, I need you to keep checking into the underground to find out what you can. I feel at some point Mr. Bernard will be looking for reinforcements. Whatever you learn, send immediate word to Wellington at Apsley House. He will be expecting it. Lucas, you will continue assisting the constabulary.”
As a murmured assent went about the trio, Harlan stood to leave. Lucas did as well. “I’ll walk you out.”
As they made their way to the lobby, Harlan took the initiative and directed Lucas into an alcove where they could talk without being observed by passersby. “I know you have an ulterior motive for getting me alone,” he said evenly. “Say what’s on your mind.”
Lucas crossed his arms. “While I appreciate your straightforward attitude, I have to wonder if you aren’t letting your emotions cloud your judgment.”
“How is that?” Harlan countered. “When I said I intended to have someone watch Leah at the palace?”
“How about the fact that you’re in love with Miss Lindquist?” Lucas said smoothly. “Thankfully, I understand the cause of your recent distractions if you won’t do us all a favor and admit it to yourself.”
Immediately, Harlan tensed. He hadn’t realized that his emotions were so openly exposed for everyone to see. That could be dangerous. But rather than admit his feelings—or his failings—he said, “I will admit to a certain fondness and respect for Leah, but as far as anything more—”
“Your desire for her is so obvious that anyone with eyes can see the truth. Everyone, apparently, but you.”
Harlan shoved a hand through his hair. “I can’t admit to anything more right now, because that would be admitting to a weakness I can’t afford.” He turned away. “Not to mention the fact that she doesn’t know the full truth about me.”
“You haven’t told her?”
“When might have I had the chance?” Harlan expelled a heavy breath. “When she awoke and discovered she had been kidnapped by a highwayman? Or perhaps when she was with Bernard? Our entire acquaintance thus far has been filled with nothing but lies and conspiracy. The time hasn’t been right for romantic declarations or a journey through my past.”
“You’ve had plenty of opportunity to tell her that you don’t need to do anything for the rest of your life if you preferred it, that you’re as rich as Croesus.”
“Time will reveal all,” Harlan said quietly, the fight leaving him to be replaced with a tight numbness. “As well as the fact that she might be carrying our child.”
Lucas instantly stilled, his eyes filling with the empathy that Harlan had been hoping he could ignore. It only served to tear his heart open further. “Now if you don’t mind, I have a job to do, so I might have the possibility of a happy ending.”
With that, he walked away.
Leah lookedat her reflection in the dressing table mirror. She was due to dine with the queen in her sitting room, a private audience for the two of them. Some of the nerves she’d felt earlier were still very present, but they dissipated somewhat when a maid was sent to take care of her toilette. Following a wonderful, rose scented bath, Leah was pampered by the efforts of the maid as she brushed and twined her hair into an elegant chignon.
She donned another of her new gowns from Harlan, a deep green silk that hugged all of her curves. It had a low neckline that exposed the tops of her breasts, but not so revealing that it would be considered in poor taste. Harlan had told her, before they had parted ways, that everything was of the latest fashions and she should have no trouble impressing the queen with her wardrobe.
A box was set in front of her and Leah turned to the maid, “What’s this?”
“From Mr. Mathis, miss. He sent it earlier today and said you needed just the right touch for a special evening, and he regretted that he couldn’t be here in person to see you wear it.”
Curious, Leah opened the box to reveal the emerald earbobs and necklace he’d lent her for the entertainments at Windmill Hill. She had to smile, because that night seemed a lifetime ago, and yet, it was not so long in the past.
She closed her eyes momentarily, her gloved hands moving over the items. “They are paste, but they are the most miraculous gemstones to me.”
“Paste, miss?” She shook her head with a laugh. “That was surely a jest.”
