A Spy To Love by Maggi Andersen

Author:Maggi Andersen
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Knox Robinson Publishing
Published: 2016-10-23T18:00:00+00:00

After the country, London hit Strathairn like a blast of bad air and noise. At his cedar desk in the library, he dashed off a note to Edward to be sent with Vaughn’s few lines advising of his decision to remain at Linden Hall. He sprinkled sand over the letter, shook it and put it aside. Hesitating, he took a fresh sheet of bond, dipped his quill in the inkpot and scrawled a brief missive to Sibella. If you should wish to learn more, I shall be riding in the park tomorrow at noon. Aware that seeing her only made everything worse, he didn’t attempt to examine his motives too closely. He instructed the footman to deliver the note before he changed his mind.

Strathairn rode into the park the next morning, glancing at the sky. The rain held off but dark clouds threatened. Might she not come?

Sibella was too good a rider to favor the Ladies’ Mile. She often rode earlier in the day before the Beau Monde came to see and be seen. His heart lifted when he sighted her riding with her groom in Rotten Row. He rode up and reined in beside her. She greeted him, her green eyes alight with gratitude. “I can’t tell you how relieved I was to hear Vaughn is safe.” The sight of her pleased him too, more than was comfortable. “I’m immeasurably grateful,” she said. “You must tell me the whole.”

“Your brother sought his fortune at the race tracks,” Strathairn said. “I managed to persuade him to work in my stables. He is keen to learn more about the stud. Always a strong interest of his, as you know. And a far healthier endeavor than what he has pursued in London.”

“Oh, how clever of you!”

“I shall gain from the arrangement. I can’t be there as often as I’d like. And already, Vaughn shows some aptitude.”

“It’s the perfect answer and most kind of you to take him on.”

His heart warmed to see her so relieved. He noted the violet shadows beneath her eyes as he studied her pale face framed by her riding hat. “Edward tells me Lady Aida and Lord Peter have a daughter.”

“Yes, Catherine Ann. She’s a perfect peach.”

“She takes after her Aunt Sibella?”

Sibella steadied her mount as they grew closer to a couple riding ahead of them. “She has the Brandreth’s coloring. I believe she favors my mother.”

“Then she will be a beauty.”

“I imagine so.”

“And you have danced attendance on the babe and her mother? Day and night, forgoing sleep, I assume.”

Sibella tilted her head. “Why, my lord? Do I not look my best?”

“You are as beautiful as ever, if a little tired around the eyes.”

“You never were one to mince words.” Sibella looked down at the reins in her hands. “My fascinating new niece does not tire me. There is much to be done in preparation for the ball and Maria’s wedding. That is all.”

“Lady Sibella?”

“Ah, here is Lord Coombe come to join us.” Sibella’s tone sounded overly bright and he thought her smile strained.

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