“I’m just finishing some correspondences. Why? What is wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m just bored.”
Broderick chuckled as he set his quill back in the ink bottle. “I would invite you in, but this room is small.” He pushed away from the desk and stood. “Would you like to venture downstairs to visit? Or take a walk instead?”
“I think we should take a walk.”
Nodding, Broderick grabbed his overcoat and shrugged into it. “A walk sounds refreshing.”
They moved down the stairs in silence. “Where are Aunt Martha and Rebecca this afternoon?”
“Aunt Martha has a headache, so has taken to her bed, and Rebecca has been in a fit ever since she found out Lady Sarah’s role was played by Emiline’s maid all this time.” Henry rolled his eyes. “Rebecca left a little while ago with her personal maid to do some shopping. That is what your cousin does when upset, you know.”
Broderick laughed. “And chumming up with a maid and treating her like an actual person is so far beneath her that she has to throw a temper tantrum? Really, Uncle. That is just absurd.”
Henry threw back his head and laughed. “Well said, dear boy. But yes, she has been in a foul mood for a few days.”
Broderick scratched his head. “I pity the man who marries her.”
Henry chuckled. “Watch your tongue—she is my daughter, you know. But…” He glanced around the spacious room. “I, too, pity the man,” he ended softly.
They walked out of the darkened inn and into the sunlight. Broderick squinted against the brightness until his eyes could adjust. “Speaking of marriage…”
Henry looked at him with raised eyebrows.
“I’m going to ask Emiline to be my wife,” Broderick said happily.
Henry beamed and slapped him on the shoulder. “What an excellent choice. She is a wonderful young lady, and I think you and she will be very happy, indeed.”
“I believe we will, Uncle. I do love her, and have for a while now, even though I didn’t want to admit it.”
“Admitting our love is very hard. It means we must commit to a relationship, and for some men, that’s nearly impossible to do.”
“So true, Uncle. I’m glad to know it’s not just me who thinks that way.”
“But marriage to Emiline is a good thing, I assure you.”
“No need to assure me, Uncle. I know how special Emiline is.”
Henry slowed his footsteps and leaned closer. “You are not marrying her because of who her uncle is, are you?”
Broderick stopped, his head spinning. Strange, but he really hadn’t thought of that since he’d confessed his love to her. Even though Emiline agreed with him about her uncle’s actions, the man was still Broderick’s enemy. He prayed she wouldn’t think he wanted to marry her to get closer to capturing her uncle.
“Actually, I want to marryher—not her family. Although I must remember to be very careful about what I say around her father.”
“Yes, you don’t want to slip and say something that might give away your secrets.”
Broderick shook his head. “Not to worry, Uncle. I have been hiding secrets for a few years now.”
Henry’s jaw hardened. “I honestly don’t know how you or others can live your life in such a way—always cautious, for fear of being captured.” He placed his hand on Broderick’s arm and squeezed. “But I do admire you for being so dedicated to helping your country any way you can.”
“I only want to make our country stronger, Uncle. I want a better life for my posterity.”
“As it should be.”
Up ahead, he noticed a woman hurrying up the street toward him as if dogs were nipping at her heels. Beside her was Emiline’s brother. When they spotted Broderick, Daphne’s footsteps quickened, and Elias aimed a glare in Broderick’s direction. It surprised him to see Emmie was not with them.
“Good day,” Broderick said when they met.
