A Game of Spies (Hearts in Hazard 2) by M.A. Lee

Author:M.A. Lee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: French spies, spy, whist, card play
Publisher: M.A. Lee
Published: 2020-08-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14 ~ Sunday, December 1

As he waited in the hall, Giles congratulated himself on passing Reynolds without the butler’s usual obstructions. Hearing footsteps on the stairs, he looked up. Josette came around the curving stair and descended to him. She wore pale yellow silk that reminded him of the earliest days in summer. She came forward to offer her hand without hesitation. Even as her eyes asked questions about his early visit, her bright smile warmed him.

“I am early, I know, but I have family business later.”

“Business on Sunday, sir? You refuse a chair and wait upon me in our hall. Indeed it must be pressing. Does your family recall you to Grasmere?”

He did not answer her question, choosing instead to throw out another bit of Lady Eaton’s advice, hoping Josette would snap up the lure of his eagerness for her. “I wanted to see you, and I did not want to wait until Monday evening. I hoped you would come for a drive in the park. The sun is blazing, and my curricle is equipped to keep you warm. I would have come yesterday, but the rain ... .”

Her glow dimmed. “A drive with you sounds wonderful, but I am committed already this morning, to attend an Advent service with a friend.”

He hadn’t anticipated another rival for her attention.

“Would you care to join us?” she added. As he hesitated, the light left her eyes. “I will understand if you cannot.”

Her friend could not be Tobias Kennit, not going to a church service. Gordon Musgrove perhaps? Or one of the other men who had danced with her after supper? He decided not to commit. “May I drive you to the service?”

Her eyes flashed with joy. “That would be nice. Please, give me only a few minutes.” She turned to the butler, telling him that she would not need the coach and reminding him that she would not return until early evening. Her whole day was planned then. She hurried up to her room.

When she joined him the second time, she had donned a green velvet coat and matching hat. A single black feather curled down, grazing her cheek, reminding him of the softness of her skin. Giles complimented the dashing hat as he handed her into the curricle.

Josette laughed. “A foolish buy, but I could not resist.”

He covered her with a fur, for clear cold had replaced yesterday’s rain. “Where must I take you?”

“St. Clement Church. I understand it is in Eastcheap, near the river. Do we have enough time, or shall we be late?”

He snapped the reins. The horses started smoothly. “We have enough time. Who is this friend you are joining?”

“Melly. Melinda Ratcliffe, I should say. She arrived in town last Tuesday. She is staying with her aunt and uncle, the Thomas Bradleys. I think you met her at Friday’s salon.”

“Is she the young lady who tempted Kennit from the card room?”

“The very same. She is a great beauty.”

No, he thought, I will not fall into the trap of comparison.

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