The Homeless Heiress by Anne Herries

Author:Anne Herries [Herries, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2008-11-28T23:00:00+00:00

‘You are certain Thierry is in league with the Bonapartists?’ Richard asked, his gaze narrowing as he looked at his informant. ‘I had heard whispers, but I thought the French dissidents were a spent force.’

‘They cling to hope of his return to the throne,’ the man sitting opposite him said. ‘We have known of Thierry’s activities for some time, but we thought they were a bunch of idle dissidents, great talkers and drinkers, but men of little action. It is only recently that we have begun to suspect that he might be the leader of another, more deadly group.’

‘You think they were behind the plot to free him? Now that they have succeeded, do you think the French people will rise in numbers to greet Bonaparte as a returning hero?’

‘The present regime is not particularly popular with many of the people,’ the other man said. ‘With the right measures in place the rabble could be roused—and there are soldiers still loyal to Bonaparte, bound to be. We already have reports of men flocking to him.’

‘But sufficient for a significant rising?’ Richard frowned. ‘He was beaten by the Allies before and will be again if he attempts it. Surely his commanders must know it is hopeless? They will persuade him to treat for terms?’

‘Perhaps…’ The other man toyed with his wineglass. ‘But supposing Prinny were dead and Wellington too?’

‘That would make a difference,’ Richard agreed. ‘The Regent had always been a staunch supporter of Wellington and the war against the French. Others are not so strong. It is possible that the pacifists amongst the government could sway the motion towards making peace with Bonaparte. They might think he has learned a lesson and will not cause trouble in future.’

‘Then they are fools,’ the other man said. ‘Bonaparte will never be satisfied until he has England under his thumb. We English have been a thorn in his side too long. If he could quash all resistance from us…’

‘He would crush the rest of them under his heel and rampage across Europe again,’ Richard agreed. ‘We have to make sure that Thierry doesn’t carry out this plan of his to have the Regent and Wellington murdered.’

‘God knows where he gets all his money from. He came here with virtually nothing, but my agents report that he always seems to be flush in the pockets.’

‘Gambling, I dare say,’ Richard said. ‘You know the score—lure a flat into a game that’s too deep for him and take everything he has. Men like that do not hesitate to cheat their intended victims. I know of at least one case involving a man who was driven to desperate measures because of Thierry’s threats.’

‘He is a dangerous man, Richard. My superiors have spoken of having him disposed of, but they want to learn as much as they can of his activities first.’

‘Murder?’ Richard frowned. ‘You are not expecting me to do your dirty work for you, I hope? I won’t murder for you, Rawlings.’

‘I didn’t expect you would,’ his companion replied.

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