For the Duke's Eyes Only by Lenora Bell

Author:Lenora Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2018-09-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

“You sly devil, hiding your engagement all these years.” Sir Charles poured Raven another glass of wine. “Are you sure you’re man enough to tame that one? She seems a right spitfire.”

“I’ve no interest in taming her.”

“You like her unpredictability and spirit, eh?”

“It does keep life interesting.”

“I’ll wager it will keep the marriage bed interesting as well,” said Sir Charles with a lascivious wink.

Not going to think about marriage beds. Beds with Indy in them. Beds in general.

Sir Charles had always been one of Raven’s best contacts. As a diplomat he was their eyes and ears in Paris. Charles knew Raven worked for the Foreign Office but he wasn’t privy to the secret nature of his position.

Malcolm had said not to trust Charles, that he’d gone rabid and must be leashed. There was something slightly off about his demeanor. A grayish tinge to his skin as though he’d been indulging in unhealthy nights on the town.

Still, Raven found it difficult to believe Charles would help Le Triton steal the Rosetta Stone. What could he possibly gain from it? He may have taken a notorious French mistress, and he was burning the candle at both ends, but to betray his country in such an ostentatious manner would end his career ignobly and open him to being tried for treason.

Though there was always the possibility he’d been blackmailed into helping orchestrate the theft.

“What brings you to Paris?” asked Sir Charles. “I know it’s not wedding shopping. I heard something about the Wish Diamond?”

“You heard correctly. I’m here to find a purchaser for the necklace. Lady India doesn’t want me to keep it. Though she’d rather I donated the priceless antiquity to a museum.” He shrugged. “Weddings are expensive. Especially the outrageous affair she’s planning.”

“Heard about that. Making you pay for your indiscretions, is she? You’re not really going to wear a pink doublet and silver spurs on your shoes?”

“Not a chance.”

“Didn’t think so.”

“She spoonfed the newspaperman humiliating details to bring me down a notch or two.”

“I know the feeling. Lady Sterling has become increasingly difficult of late. A fellow needs his diversions, am I right?”

Which must be a reference to Margot Delacroix. Charles didn’t yet know that Raven was aware of the affair.

“You’re not wrong,” said Raven with a practiced grin. “I’m sure you’ll be able to help connect me with potential buyers for the Wish Diamond.”

“I have the perfect venue. I’m hosting a small diplomatic affair here at the residence the day after tomorrow.”

“Splendid. I’ll attend with Lady India.”

Raven had read about the plans for the diplomatic affair in the dossier. It was the perfect safe activity for him and Indy to attend together. A safe diplomatic event would keep her out of harm’s way. She’d be occupied with evaluating every attendee for possible culpability while he prepared to infiltrate Le Triton’s lair.

“I’ll have my valet help with your evening attire,” said Charles. “These formal occasions are so strict on protocol.”

“Thank you.”

He probably knew more about Sir Charles right now than his own wife did.

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