My Earl the Spy Read Online Free Page A

committed to helping the French to gain the upper hand, but he was determined as part of that he was going to wreak revenge on those who had foiled his plans.
    There was no likelihood that Joshua’s determination would mellow as time passed. Every time he saw someone new, and they recoiled at his scar, he would grit his teeth and reaffirm his promise of vengeance. Someone was going to pay for what had happened to him.
    *
    As Henry walked through the dark streets, making his way back to Belgrave Square, he silently fumed. There seemed to be no trace of Joshua. The man could not have disappeared, and he certainly needed to go out in some form of society or other. He was convinced he was somewhere in London.
    Henry had to work out a way of expanding the search. He could not do it all himself; he would not be welcome at some of the places Joshua could be frequenting; even Edmund with his previous dissolute behaviour would fail to gain entry in some establishments in London that could hold needed information.
    He needed all operatives to be able to recognise who they were looking for. National security was at risk. He needed to come up with some sort of description for the wanted man. It was the only way to track him down, showing those who sought Shambles clearly who Joshua was; only then could he be found.
    And Henry was determined that Shambles would be found.

Chapter 3
    Henry approached Charles at the Wilson’s ball. He had finally thought of a brilliant idea that would give him the opportunity to find Joshua. Unfortunately, it would require putting himself in the company of Milly. Even more unfortunately, he found himself much too eager to see the termagant again. He was disturbed at the force of the need he felt when he thought of her.
    He consoled himself that he was doing this for King and country, but on both counts, it was more for himself. No one knew the real reason he had started on his quest. To admit it to anyone else was unthinkable; he would open himself up to ridicule in regards to both situations, so he continued on his erroneous mission.
    “Baker! How the devil are you?” Henry greeted the young man.
    “Very well, My Lord!” Charles smiled in response. “More so now I have only a week to wait until I am married.”
    “Most would dread the union ̶ no more freedom,” Henry said somewhat mockingly.
    “I’ve had enough freedom to last me for the rest of my life!” Charles said with feeling. “I’m much happier at the thought of spending my days making my sweet girl happy!”
    Henry masked his true expression, keeping the false smile firmly in place. Another one becomes a smitten fool, he thought before continuing. “I was hoping for a dance with your cousin, but don’t seem to be able to find her. Is she unwell?”
    “Milly? No! She has a strong constitution that one! Nothing fazes her. She’s keeping house for me before the wedding, but has expressed a desire to stay at home. I think she is missing Clara’s company.”
    “Oh, I see.” Henry knew exactly what had upset Milly’s equilibrium; she was clearly not quite as controlled as her cousin thought, but for some strange reason the action had also upset his own, so he wisely kept his thoughts to himself. “I have a favour to ask of her; perhaps I should call on you both tomorrow?”
    Charles’ face dropped. “I’m expected at the Beresford’s house at a damned early hour, My Lord,” Charles said, his voice lowered. “I’m meeting with Mr Beresford to go through a few queries he has about the wedding. It all seems a lot of bother over nothing to me.”
    Henry smiled in genuine amusement. So much for indulging his bride to be; Charles was already bored with wedding preparations. “I’ll still call on Miss Holland; it would be a pleasure to see her again.”
    Charles did not think to ask what favour an Earl would want from his spinster cousin and was soon further distracted by the beautiful Miss Beresford and her golden curls, blue