His father had recommended he set his mind on finding a wife.Lord knew he needed an heir.If anything were to happen to him, as it very well might, everything built by generations before him would be lost – turned over to the Crown.
Air clawed its way down his throat and into his lungs with the effort it suddenly took to breathe.He couldn’t allow that.A wife would be needed – a capable woman strong enough to stand by his side, not some gently bred creature who flinched at the sound of thunder.
He wanted a partner, a friend he could turn to but also a lover he longed to come home to.He wanted a wife who’d accept him because she’d have the good sense to let him explain who he was and why he did what he did.And the only person who came even close to fulfilling these standards, was Samantha.
Edward had seen what he’d been too blind to.She was perfect.Provided she’d have him.
He blinked on that thought and told his friend.“Let’s see how this plan of ours goes before we start making wedding arrangements.”
36
Lit by a thousand candles, the Clearview House ballroom beckoned its guests like a lighthouse guiding sailors to shore.Beads sewn into lace-trimmed gowns shimmered alongside dazzling jewels.Champagne served by a fleet of footmen bubbled in glasses while music wove its way in between laughter and chatter.A country dance was presently underway, a lively start to what promised to be a fun-filled evening.
Standing near one of the French doors leading to the terrace, Samantha enjoyed the cool air wafting over her shoulders while taking quick stock of her surroundings.Her dress, cut from ivory silk, concealed the weapons she wore underneath, including her gift from Adrian.Held in place by a leather strap, the sleek dagger lay flush against her right thigh, reminding her of the man who’d made her question and doubt her superiors.
A footman approached with a tray full of glasses.She took one and sipped the chilled drink.Yesterday’s training session at Reed’s had been a farce.She’d hated every second of it – the act that kept her from fighting Adrian on equal terms, the strain of pretending she’d no idea what she was doing, her gradual attempts at showing improvement until he was satisfied with her progress.
The lies.
What she wished for most of all was honesty with him.
Harlowe would say she’d been compromised if he learned how conflicted she had become.He’d pull her from the case, tell Kendrick they’d failed, and set a series of unacceptable measures in motion.
She couldn’t allow that.Could not let Kendrick send an assassin after Adrian any more than she could permit herself to be responsible for what happened to Hazel, Melody, Tara, and Holly if the program got shut down.
They were the ones who kept her on track.Not Harlowe.
She glanced across the room at where he stood, conversing with some of the guests.He’d saved her from the jaws of hell when she was a child, had offered warmth and comfort instead.She’d never wanted for anything while in his care.In exchange, all she’d had to do was train.
Not once had she wondered where it might lead or how far he’d push her in order to win.
Anger pulled her spine into a rigid line.She tightened her hold on her glass, drank a bit more, and forced her resentment into a box before slamming it shut.She could not afford to reveal what she thought of the man who’d raised her, or let her feelings get in the way of tonight’s plan.It was too important to botch for any reason.
Spotting Melody near the refreshment table, she made her way toward her.“Is Lady Heathbrooke not insisting you stay by her side?”
Melody glanced away from the plate she was filling.“She’s found a seat for herself in the gaming room and has asked me to bring her some food.”
“I can see to that if you’d like.Might give you a chance to dance for a change.”
“Thank you, but I’d rather play cards if possible.”
“Hmm…” Samantha made a deliberate show of looking toward the entrance while craning her neck.
“Waiting for someone?”
“In a way.”She finished her drink and set her glass aside.“Croft said he would be here.”
Surprise flickered in Melody’s eyes.“I thought he was meant to stay away from social events for a while.Because of his outburst at the musicale.”
“Yes, but I also need to be able to form a closer attachment with him.Balls allow for that more easily than anything else, especially when there’s a waltz.”
“And I suppose there shall be since you and Harlowe have made the arrangements?”She gave Samantha a wicked look.“Perhaps you’ve a private spot in mind too – somewhere for you and Croft to sneak off to?”
If only that were true.“Maybe.”
Melody shook her head, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.“I hope you know what you’re doing.”
So did she.“Of course.”
