Of Hope and Anguish by Silvia Violet

Author:Silvia Violet
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: military, spies, espionage, bisexual, american revolution, american history, army, 18th century, georgian, alexander hamilton
Publisher: Silvia Violet

***

Eli’s heart banged against his ribs as he stood at Captain Andre’s door. What if Jack hated him for going this far?

You need to find out if he’ll accept information from you.

Constance agreed this was the best way, maybe the only way, to fully win Andre’s trust. As it was, Eli might hope to overhear something significant, but if he wanted details, he needed to be part of Andre’s circle of informants. Surely, he and Constance could make Jack see that.

He raised the knocker and gave two sharp raps.

A few moments later a maid opened the door. “Good afternoon, sir.”

Eli handed her his card, and she invited him into the foyer. “I’ll see if the master is available, sir.”

“Thank you.” He flashed a seductive smile and received a heated glance in return before the young woman hurried away. Perhaps she could also become a source of information.

When the maid returned, she curtsied and said, “The captain will see you now.”

Eli followed her to a study where Andre sat behind a bulky desk, surrounded by a few of Mr. Franklin’s inventions, such as an armonica—an odd-looking instrument with its series of glass bowls—several pairs of eyeglasses, and a contraption made up of gears in varying sizes and metal spikes, which Eli couldn’t identify.

“Do sit down, Mr. Ashfield.” Andre gestured toward an upholstered seat facing the desk. “Would you care for any refreshment? Tea? Brandy?”

“Brandy would be delightful.”

Andre smiled. “I was hoping you would say that so I could join you.”

He rose and walked to a low bookshelf where a decanter and glasses rested on a tray. As he poured them each a heavy measure of the amber liquid, Eli couldn’t help but appreciate the line of his legs in the tight white trousers of his regimentals.

Andre took a sip and sighed. “This is an excellent vintage. Tell me what you think.”

Eli tasted the brandy, letting it rest on his tongue before swallowing. “Mmm. It’s lovely.”

“I thought you’d say so. You’re a man of excellent taste. I regretted losing your society when I left New York. I am glad we’ve been reunited, and even more glad to have you in my little production, though even with your talent, I fear we are not ready for our performance.”

Eli was sure they were not, but he also knew that any diversion, no matter how poorly acted, would amuse those who longed for any excuse to be in company. “I do wish we had time for a few more rehearsals, but at least we will all enjoy ourselves.”

Andre laughed. “That we will. Even your mishaps are most diverting. I do think you will be the star of the show.”

Here was the opening Eli had hoped for. “I am honored by your compliments, and I have a proposal that could deepen our friendship.”

Andre toasted him with his glass. “Then let’s have it at once.”

“I have reason to believe you are a man who likes to keep himself well-informed.” Eli paused meaningfully. “Someone who might be interested in the passage of sensitive information.

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