Daniel stood in blank silence. Alice expected him to chide her for not focusing completely on the mission, but then he shifted a little on his feet, as if he experienced the same dissatisfaction as she.
“Interesting question,” he said, his voice low. “If I recollect correctly—”
Alice snorted, since they both knew that of course he did.
“—inPersuasionshe used the autumnal countryside to represent Anne and Wentworth’s lost love.”
“I believe you’re right,” Alice said. Then, shaking her head, she forced herself back on track. “We ought to—”
“But,” Daniel interjected, taking a step toward her, “it was inEmmathat Austen most excelled at using setting metaphorically.”
Alice’s brain went so fast off track again that she swayed, and only by stepping closer to Daniel could she maintain her balance. “That’s true!Emmais luxuriant with metaphor, allusion, and symbolism.”
“It is the most perfectly constructed novel ever written,” Daniel opined.
Alice almost fell from the parapet with sheer delight. Really, was it any wonder she cherished this man, considering he said such things?
Cherished?Her inner dictionary slammed open, pages fluttering urgently in hopes of an innocent definition for the word. But there was no reprieve from the realization that she harbored feelings for Agent B beyond mere physical attraction. Alarmed, she leaped back on track with a determination so fierce, she probably would have whippedherself with a birch rod, were one present. Shoving a hand beneath the waistband of her bustled skirt, she yanked the ribbon hard.
Her petticoat ballooned instantly, setting her truly off-balance. She stumbled, tilting over the edge of the parapet—
At once, Daniel grasped her, pulling her back against him, wrapping his arms around her waist. It was like being embraced by Michelangelo’sDavid, only human-size and with no museum security guards involved.
“All right?” he asked. Or, at least, Alice thought he asked it. Hearing was rather difficult over the pounding of her heart.
“All right,” she lied.
His embrace grew tighter, and Alice’s corset stays dug into her skin with little bursts of pain, like love bites. He pressed his cheek to the side of her head. Alice heard his sigh—or perhaps it was her own: a soft, wistful sound.
Then he threw them off the roof.
Angling carefully, they reached the window in seconds, and Alice clutched the edge of its alcove with one hand to hold them steady while with the other she searched her dress pocket for a small knife to jimmy open the window frame. Finding none, she twisted so as to try a different pocket.
“Unngh,” Daniel said in a taut voice.
“It’s here somewhere,” Alice assured him, bending forward to check inside her boot.
“Bloody hell,” he gasped.
“Sir! Language! You are in the presence of a lady!”
“Yes, I am painfully aware of that.” He kicked out, smashing the window frame with the heel of his shoe. Wood splintered, and the window flung ajar. Taken by surprise, Alice lurched forward, and they fell together onto the hard floor of the room.
Daniel had twisted them in midair so he landed first, receiving the brunt of the impact and cushioning Alice from harm—althoughcushionwas perhaps the wrong word, considering the solidity of his body. Lying atop him, Alice told herself to move and got a brusque, itemized reply: (1) My balance is not yet restored. (2) The petticoat is still deflating. (3) He smells so damned delicious.
“Are you hurt?” Daniel asked, wincing behind his crooked spectacles.
“No,” she said. “Did you knock your head? What is my name? Can you recall the date?”
“Time has ceased to have all meaning on this diabolical mission, Mrs. Blakeney.” A flush swept over his face. “We should get up. Now.Immediately.”
“I beg your pardon,” Alice said, realizing she had been practically lounging on him.
“Not at all; my fault,” Daniel answered in a rather strained voice. Clambering to their feet, tidying their clothes, they looked around—
“Egads!” they exclaimed in horror.
If Jane Fairweather’s weapon was indeed present in this room, it could not be detected amongst a clutter of broken furniture, grimy knickknacks, and piles of clothes so filthy they were on the verge of becoming a whole new life-form.
