Heart of Hope and Fear (The Order of the Crystal Daggers, #3) by C. S. Johnson

Author:C. S. Johnson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: spies, espionage
Publisher: C. S. Johnson
Published: 2021-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

*17*

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The fire was still smoldering inside Count Potocki’s ballroom as Ben and I walked out toward the stables. A small spout of smoke fluttered out of the mansion’s roof, its pale, wispy tail wafting upward into the wintery night.

I grimaced at the scene before us. “I was hoping that the fire wouldn’t make things worse.”

“I just hope no one saw you start it.” Ben’s voice was light, even though it was concerned. “And that they can stop it before it reaches the wine cellar.”

“At least most of the people seem to be outside,” I said, glancing around at the fairly large crowd. Many eyed the house with grim expressions on their faces. Several men offered their greatcoats to the ladies standing around in the cold, while others called out for their friends and companions.

I was still a little afraid about the fire, but a sense of satisfaction swelled up within me as I surveyed the scene.

Karl failed—again.

“There you are, Eleanora.” Lady Penelope made her way over to us; there was enough worry in her irritated gaze that I could tell she was glad to see us. “I must apologize for my disappearance earlier.”

“You should also apologize for failing to tell me why Ferdy really left,” I retorted. She could’ve eased my doubt if only she’d explained everything to me, but she’d chosen not to.

“I was legitimately concerned he wouldn’t come back.” Lady Penelope did not look sorry at all, and I didn’t know why I was surprised. “You must realize that I had to make sure you would still be able to work on the mission, even if he did leave for good.”

“Ferdy wouldn’t do that,” I insisted.

“Maybe not this time,” she snapped back. “But what of next time, or others, Eleanora? Will you be able to keep your resolve to finish the mission if I disappear? Or Benedict? Or any of the others in your life? This is the price you pay for your love.”

She narrowed her eyes behind me, and I turned to see Ferdy. He was still in his stolen livery, leading horses toward the waiting carriages. No one seemed to realize he wasn’t really part of the Potocki household.

“Well, I guess you’ll never have to worry about facing such conditions,” I scoffed, turning back to Lady POW.

Ben stepped between us, and I was both grateful and angry for his interruption. “Were you able to capture Karl on his way out?”

“No.” She crossed her arms. “But we know where he is. We will go to Vyšehrad tomorrow night. Right now, we still have work to do here.”

“We need Count Potocki’s help to empty out his wine cellar,” Ben said. “Especially if Ella’s fire isn’t put out.”

“Hey, it’s not my fire,” I tried to argue.

“Don’t worry about that. It’s already been largely taken care of,” Lady Penelope said. “The smoke will take some time to disappear.”

As angry with her as I was, I was relieved by her assessment. “So the house will stand?”

“Yes.”

“Assuming we get the dynamite out,” Ben murmured beside me.

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