Harlequin Historical February 2024--Box Set 2 of 2 by Eva Shepherd

Author:Eva Shepherd
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Frederica slept poorly. Jealousy burned like poison through her veins. She had dreamed about Lady Caro all night long, except the petite lady had shot her instead of the other way around. Dragging herself out of bed at eight o’clock, she rang for her lady’s maid to help her into her riding clothes. Last night her wits had been sleepy and it had taken her a few moments to realise the ‘King’ that Samuel wished to visit was The King of Spain Inn. She certainly would not mind a visit to a certain private parlour.

Watching Jim saddle her horse, Frederica blushed at her words the night before. She had demanded that Samuel not even look at or dance with another woman. While she was a much bigger flirt. The irony was not lost on her. Yet he had not refused her request. He had merely asked her to do the same. Could Samuel actually have feelings for her? Beyond the affection of their childhood memories and family connections? He did not choose her, but could he grow to love her as a man loved a woman? That he was attracted to her, she knew. But she wanted a love as enduring and as rare as the one her parents shared. They were like a team of oxen, equally yoked. They always moved forward together. Not that her parents were at all the same. Papa was an absent-minded naturalist and Mama was a sharp-minded businesswoman, yet their different gifts complemented each other. They supported one another.

How could she create a similar relationship with Samuel?

Smiling wryly, Frederica remembered the story of her mother giving Papa a contract of what she wanted and what he needed. They had not followed it precisely in their marriage, timing and children affected it, but eventually both Papa and Mama had fulfilled all their dreams and ambitions.

Together.

She should tell Samuel about her red scented soaps and her half ownership of the company. And she needed to ask him what he wanted from life. Did he intend to sell out of the army? Become a leader in Parliament? Watch over his estates? She was ashamed to admit to herself that she knew nothing of Samuel’s dreams.

Cupping her hands, Jim helped Frederica onto her horse. He led the animal out of the stable by the bridle and into the street just as Samuel arrived on his mare.

Jim tipped his hat to Samuel and then patted the saddlebag. ‘I packed your loaded pistol and extra shot. Be careful with it and be careful, my lady.’

Frederica smiled. He was a dear friend. ‘Thank you, Jim.’

Clicking her tongue, she urged her horse forward and took her place by Samuel’s side.

‘Perhaps you should stay home today.’

His words surprised her into pulling up on the reins of her horse. ‘Whatever for?’

She saw him swallow, not quite meeting her eyes. ‘I think the waiter, Peters, is a French informer. Perhaps even a former member of Napoleon’s army. He has the look and the build and his behaviour was not normal.

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