“Why don’t you join me. I’ve something to discuss with you.” Wrapped in the bed’s coverlet, she curled up on his lap, put her arms around his neck, and rested her head on his chest. Directly over his heart. A heart that belonged to her. He folded her in his arms and held her. Some days he could not believe how lucky he was to have married Mary. Because of who he was and who Mary was, the granddaughter of a countess, he never expected the marriage to be allowed to take place. It was the happiest day of his life. And not all that long ago.
“The War Office contacted me and offered me a position.”
“Mmmm.”
“Did you hear me?”
“Sorry. Still sleepy. Can you repeat what you said, my love?”
“The War Office contacted me and offered me a position.”
“Congratulations. That is quite an honor, is it not?”
“It is.”
Her arms slipped from his neck, and she sat up, looking at him with sleepy eyes. “Then why is there no excitement in your voice?”
“In order to make my undercover work as a spy plausible, my reputation as a Runner has to be ruined. Tomorrow morning, they will fire me as the head of the Bow Street Runners, claiming I’m a suspect in the murder of two gentlemen.”
“I don’t understand?”
“I’m going undercover for the War Office to catch an English Lord who works for the French. Has worked for them for years, even during the war. I need to re-establish myself into the rookeries and back alleys of St. Giles. I need people to trust me with their secrets, so I can help bring to justice this Englishman. Also, two of the War Office’s spies were murdered last night.” He paused and waited for Mary to comprehend what he’d just said.
“I thought you said after we wed, you would take a less dangerous role within the Runners.”
She remembered correctly. “I was planning on it. I never imagined working for the War Office. They came to me. How can I turn down a position that the prince sent someone to offer me?”
“I don’t suppose you can.”
“No, sweetheart, I can’t. You need to listen to me. I told you because it will ruin my name and reputation.”
She gasped.
“You are the only one I’m allowed, at this point in time, to confide in. In order to keep you from being ruined as well, you’ll have to move home temporarily with Spencer and Miranda. Or go and stay with Elizabeth and Amesbury.” He hugged her close and kissed the top of her head. “I’m so sorry for what this will do to you. If I could, in some way, prevent this ugliness I would. However, because of all the Crown has done for me, I need to give back.”
He moved, so they faced each other. His hands cupped her cheeks, which were wet with tears, and his heart cracked in two. “I love you. No matter what you hear or your family tells you to do, I love you. Nothing bad about me that reaches your ears is true. Remember that. Remember in your heart who I am. Loyal, honorable, and trustworthy. And most of all, I love you with all my heart.” Robert couldn’t say it surprised him to feel tears pooling in his eyes. He hated to cause Mary pain. And even though she would know the truth, she would be hurt by all the hurtful comments made to her about him. If only he could save and protect her from what was about to happen. “Perhaps you should retire to Bath for a spell. That way you will not be subjected to hurt and scandal firsthand.”
“No. At least not in the beginning.” Hurt and worry radiated from her eyes. Eyes he never wanted to see anything but happiness in. Perhaps he’d made a terrible mistake in accepting Newbury’s offer. It had only been a brief time since he needed to remember he didn’t just have himself to concern himself with. He now had a wife he adored and loved beyond reason and his decision in joining the War Office would affect her as much, if not more, than him.
“I believe I will stay with Elizabeth and Amesbury, if they don’t mind.”
“They would never refuse your desire to spend time with them. Besides, Amesbury’s London townhome is large enough you would not infringe on their privacy at all.” He looked deep into her eyes, hoping all the love and desire he had for her shined through. He kissed her deeply, setting off an explosion of need. Picking her up, he carried her to bed and made love to her until the sun awoke, kissing the sky with its bright yellow and orange rays signaling another day of life. As his beloved wife slumbered in his arms, he prayed she would forgive him for what was to come. Because even he couldn’t comprehend how bad the fallout would be for her. He didn’t care what people thought or said about him. His worry centered on Mary and keeping her safe from harm and the hurtful wagging tongues of the ton.
