The Fashionable Spy Read Online Free

frequently.”
    “My brother is over there fighting.”
    “Who is he? I may have encountered him.” Sir Edward spoke with an absent manner, as though more interested in building up the fire than her answer.
    In the quiet intimacy fostered by the flickering of the flames and the pattering of the rain, she replied to his question in the same vein. “Geoffrey Dancy.”
    He flicked her a surprised glance, then returned his attention to the fire. “Lord Dancy? I met him several times while in Portugal. Fine man. Elizabeth and Julia are your sisters?”
    “How did you know? Did my brother mention his family?” She tried to conceal her alarm at his question.
    “You spoke their names yesterday. Although you did not call for your parents.” There was a question in his voice.
    “My parents were murdered by the French while on an innocent visit, one with written permission from Napoleon himself. They were scholars,” she added at his look.
    He paused a time, then cleared his throat. “You know that we have a bit of a dilemma here. I have the ideal solution. We shall marry.”
     

Chapter 2
     
    Elizabeth stared out of the bare windows of the workroom, considering the falling rain with concern. “I thought Victoria would be home ere now.”
    “As did I,” Julia replied from her chair near the fire-place. She turned to the man who sat quietly at her side, adding, “There have been so many coach accidents of late, one cannot help but feel anxious.”
    “Dear lady, have you not assured me that your coachman is highly skilled? Still, it is a wonder that your sister is off alone, without a companion.”
    “Victoria has her dog, and he is as fierce as any guard,” Elizabeth flashed back from where she sat at her desk, her pen in hand.
    “As long as he is alive, I fancy.” At their shocked gasps, Mr. Padbury shook his head. “What ails me? I am utterly thoughtless to put such a notion in your heads. Dear ladies, I feel certain that the . . . Dover Road, did you say? ... is quite passable. Doubtless the reckless driver is ensconced at his club on such a day.”
    Julia’s warning look at her younger sister came too late when Elizabeth blurted out, “The Dover Road is well enough, ‘tis the road along the coast that gives one pause.”
    “True,” murmured Mr. Padbury. “However, I feel certain she will arrive safe and sound later. Most likely she has sought sanctuary in a cozy inn with all amenities. Even now she may be seated by a fire, cosseted by a genial landlady.” He beamed a reassuring smile on the young ladies, and they both relaxed a trifle.
    * * * *
    “What utter rubbish,” Victoria exclaimed. “I have no desire to wed, you or another. Who is to know we tarried here? Sam and I shan’t say a word, and I doubt you have any desire to be leg-shackled to a stranger either.”
    “Perhaps you have the right of it,” Sir Edward replied, although sounding most dubious.
    A gust of wind rattled the windowpanes, and the fragile mood broke. Victoria shifted uneasily beneath her covering. “My gown ought to be dry.”
    “I shall absent myself so you can change. Perhaps if I check the carriages, there is something you would wish to have in here? The men have not returned to take them for repair.” He looked out of the window toward the road. “I fear your coach may not be salvageable.”
    She pulled the blanket about her shoulders, then crossed to peer out of the window through the falling rain. This delay was intolerable, but she would have to make the best of it. He must not uncover the truth. “I have two cases in the coach. I would appreciate a change of clothing, to be sure. But should you go outside in this nasty weather?” She turned to look at him with concern.
    “I wish to change garments as well. Miss Dancy.”
    He seemed to mock her with his eyes, and she dared not argue with him as she longed to do. She merely nodded in understanding, then watched while he shrugged into his greatcoat, clapped his