“I do not want to be beholden to Edward.”
“Ah, yes. The whole cashing in your commission thing. Still have not forgiven him I see. He may be happy to offload some of his responsibilities by gifting you one, you know. You would be doing him a favor, really.”
“I’m not sure I am suited to being a farmer.”
“You could study the law? With your knack of reading people, I would say you would be a dab hand at it.”
He had never thought of that. It had… possibilities.
“Even a local magistrate, if you do swallow your pride and take on property. I guess it depends on how much you love her.”
Tony clenched his teeth. That was pretty much what Lucinda had said to him. What Marianne had accused him of. It sounded even worse coming from the usually flippant Bellamy.
Tony stayed silent for most of the trip and Bellamy obliged him by not asking him any more questions about Lucinda. They were nearly at the safe house when Bellamy spoke.
“It is a shame I won’t be able to give my regards to your mother and your most delightful sister Marianne. You know she writes to Lisbeth quite often.”
“She is a reliable source of information on most of her acquaintances. I am glad she writes to her. Lord knows what Marianne tells Lisbeth about me.”
“Honestly, you do not want to know.” They turned down a dark alley that led to the small mews at the back of the house, then through the garden to the house beyond. Footmen, acting as guards, met them at the door, and Tony was happy to see that they were well armed. The house was mostly in darkness, so they crept in and made their way to the parlor.
“Let me go in first and announce you.”
“If you insist.”
Tony opened the door to find the three women actively playing a card game. Lucinda jumped up when he entered and flung herself into his arms. He kissed her and whispered, “I have a visitor so behave yourself.” She stepped back.
“Lucinda, may I present my friend, Oliver Whitely, Earl of Bellamy.”
Oliver strode in and made a deep bow in front of them. Lucinda curtseyed in response. He kissed her hand andinspected her ring at the same time and turned to Oliver with a smile. “Definitely dangerous.”
“Oliver!” Marianne squealed in evident joy, jumping up from the table to greet him with a hug.
“Little Princess Mary-and-Anne.” Which had been her nickname ever since they first met. “You look delightful as always. Lady Warrington, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
“Bellamy, my dear. Thank you for coming at such short notice.”
“Of course,” he said and turned to Tony with a questioning brow.
“They all know, which is why they are here.”
“Splendid. What a party we will make.” Tea was ordered for the ladies and a glass of brandy for Tony and Oliver. They talked for a while, laughing at Oliver’s dry wit. Eventually, Marianne and her mother left to go up to bed, leaving the three of them behind.
“Do you think you will be able to read the code, Lord Bellamy?”
“I shall certainly try, my dear Lucinda, and if not I shall work on cracking it.”
“I really must thank you for leaving your family for us.”
“Nonsense. I think Lisbeth was quite happy to be rid of me for a few days.”
She laughed. “Surely not.”
“By the time I leave here, I am sure you will be more than happy to see the back of me. But first, let me have a look at this ring you have.”
She twisted it off her finger and put it in the palm of his hand. Was she doing the right thing, trusting this stranger? He smiled at her. “I shall return it to you just as you gave it to me.”
“Thank you.” Lucinda then went and sat back down at the table where Tony sat. He put his arm around her shoulders.
