How to Seduce a Spy by Catherine Stein

Author:Catherine Stein [Stein, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Victorian romance, historical romance, adventure, Fantasy, historical fantasy
ISBN: 9781949862010
Publisher: Catherine Stein, LLC
Published: 2018-09-24T04:00:00+00:00

XXIX

Reunited

The train ride to New York proved uneventful. Henry slept fitfully, and when he awoke feeling groggy and cranky he told himself it was due to the rocking of the train and the proximity of so many strangers, and not at all related to the fact that he wasn’t snuggled up next to Elle.

Upon arrival, they made inquiries and left messages for Westfield, then spent a few hours walking about town, in their guise as the MacAlasters. They stopped into several apothecary shops to evaluate the potions, but it still felt like a day of leisure. They wandered like tourists and had a nice lunch at a little cafe. Henry bought Elle a pretty little tortoise-shell box to hold potion ingredients. She accepted it with a smile and only minimal scolding that he oughtn’t buy her gifts.

In mid afternoon they returned to the train station to check for replies to their messages. Instead of a note, they found Westfield himself awaiting them. He was seated on a bench, reading the newspaper, and when he caught sight of them he jumped up so fast the pages scattered.

“Good afternoon, sir,” Henry greeted him, bending to pick up the papers. “It’s good to see you again.”

He rose and handed the disorderly newspaper back to Westfield, who snatched it from him in an irritable fashion.

“Good afternoon? Is that all you have to say? I’ve been sick with worry over the two of you. What on earth were you thinking?” He shook his head. “No. This is not the place. Let’s return to the house where we can discuss matters in private.”

“And have a cup of tea, perhaps?”

Henry had had one weak cup with dinner on the train the night before, but nothing more since Elle had used her warming potion. He was certain a cup or two would help ease his general crankiness and the nagging headache he had suffered all day.

“I am certain Herbert has something of the sort. I can tell you firsthand he has excellent coffee to offer.”

Henry pulled a face. “No, thank you. I don’t understand how anyone can drink such a repulsive beverage.”

“Henry, you are a terrible snob,” Elle teased.

“It’s hardly my fault so many people suffer from a lack of good taste.”

“I happen to be very fond of coffee.”

“Then I’m terribly sorry, my dear, that you should find yourself a member of such a sad group.”

“Enough, I beg you,” Westfield groaned. “We are only a few of many house guests this week, and if you insist on flirting so vigorously, everyone will assume you are romantically involved.”

“That would be unfortunate, indeed,” Elle replied. Westfield completely missed her sarcasm.

“Pretend we are married, as you did before,” Henry suggested. “Then you needn’t fret about it.”

“Impossible. Herbert has met your father, and I have already mentioned you both by your real names.”

“How, then, did you explain that we have been off alone together?”

“I haven’t attempted to do so. I only mentioned that you were each coming, and not that you would arrive together.

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