Page 65 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

“Myself, my personal assistant, Mr. Allen, one or two others who had a need to know.”

Hawk stood, unable to pretend indifference any longer. Sidmouth leaned back and regarded him, his fingers now laced together on his middle. “When did you marry?”

“Three days ago, in London.”

“I see. Why has she not accompanied you here today, as ordered?”

“I repeat. Someone in this building wants to kill her. My wife will not leave the safety of where we are residing until the person who is tracking her has been identified and jailed.”

Sidmouth smirked. “From your wording, you are not residing at your own townhouse.”

Hawk did not comment. He would offer as little information that he could get away with until he learned who was threatening Lizzie.

“’Twas quite clever of the chit to marry you. It does give her a bit of leverage, does it not?”

Hawk’s jaw tightened, and he leaned over the desk, a mere few inches from the Secretary’s face. “That is my wife you are speaking of, My Lord Secretary. I don’t take slurs against her, or her motives, lightly. Be very very careful.”

Sidmouth waved his hand. “Sit down, Hawk. No one is disparaging the countess. However, if what you say is true, someone in my office is up to his neck in trouble.”

Hawk took a seat again. “Exactly. It is my theory that a member of the Home Office was the person who was working with Loverly. We always wondered how Loverly got the information he passed along. I know for a time you assumed it was a woman, but I am convinced your culprit is right here. He is afraid Lady Hawkins possesses damaging documents that were left by her father.”

“That is precisely why we wanted to speak with her. While I never did favor the rumor that she was the one working with her father, we continue to receive information that there was someone working with Loverly—not a woman as initially thought. When nothing turned up after we searched Loverly’s townhouse, the theory was his daughter had in her possession whatever documents named the mystery person.”

“My wife has nothing of importance and knows nothing damaging. She and I made a visit to Loverly’s townhouse the other evening, and we tore the place apart. We came up empty-handed.”

Sidmouth studied him for a few minutes. “I shall pretend I didn’t hear that. However, if someone in this office is guilty of treason and attempted murder, he will be exposed and brought to justice, I can assure you.” He gazed out the window at the typical gloomy London day. “I can understand your reluctance to bring your wife to us. How amenable would you be to me visiting with her, in your presence, where you are residing?”

“As you assumed, we are not staying at my house. It was too dangerous for her.” Hawk dragged his palm down his face. Did he trust the Secretary enough to allow him to come to Cam’s townhouse? Now he trusted no one.

“Suppose we meet in my townhouse? Today, mid-afternoon? You must come alone.”

Sidmouth nodded. “If that is the only way you will allow me access to the countess, then I will be by myself, at your townhouse this afternoon, at say, three o’clock?”

“We will be there.” Hawk pushed his chair back, stood, and turned. As he reached for the door latch, he looked over his shoulder at Sidmouth. “I assume I don’t have to remind you to tell no one about our meeting?”

Sidmouth dipped his head. “You have my word.”

“Very well. We will see you later.”

As Hawk made his way downstairs to the waiting carriage, he hoped he hadn’t just made a major blunder. If Sidmouth was not the honorable man he’d always thought him to be, he was putting Lizzie’s life in danger. His lips tightened. Not while he was in charge.

…

Lizzie paced the carpet in the bedchamber she and Hawk had been sharing in Cam’s townhouse, counting her steps as she walked one way, then the other. It had been more than two hours since Hawk had left for his meeting at the Home Office.

She raced to the window at the sound of carriage wheels in front of the house. Cam’s coach came to a stop, and Hawk stepped out. Lizzie hurried from the room and down the stairs to greet him.

His bright smile assured her there were no men from Scotland Yard behind him to take her to jail. She returned his smile and took his extended hand. “I ordered tea a few minutes ago. Would you care for some?” It amazed her how an Englishwoman’s first thought in any situation was tea.

“Yes. Tea sounds like a good idea. Also have Cook send in some food, as well.” After giving instructions to the butler, Hawk wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to the library.

They settled on the sofa in front of the window. “What happened?” She could no longer wait to hear about the meeting. Her heart had been lodged in her throat since he’d left. When she’d disappeared two years ago, never had she thought she’d be back in London, so close to the Home Office.

Hawk linked their fingers together. “We have a meeting this afternoon with the Home Secretary.”

She chewed her lip as she studied him. “Is that good news, or bad news?”

“Neither.” He looked up as a footman entered with tea service.