It Takes a Spy...: A Secrets and Seduction book Read Online Free

after the cacophony of the ballroom. The buildings surrounding Mivart Hotel’s interior courtyard muted the sounds of hoofbeats and carriage wheels along Brook Street.
    “It’s lovely out here,” Cecilia said as they walked a short way along the path next to the hotel. “It’s hard to imagine that winter will soon be upon us. My parents will escape it this year since they’ll soon be leaving for Cannes. I almost envy them.” Perhaps, for a change, Father would be correct in his predictions. If the region became a new favorite destination for British travelers, as many prophesied, investing now would show brilliant timing on his part. But from what she’d learned, the area was still quite rustic. It was hardly more than a fishing village. No matter what happened, her parents’ futures would be tied to the place. She could only hope her father’s ability to forecast trends had improved.
    “I must admit,” Mr. Kenning said, “Cannes has an allure about it that is difficult to deny. I’ve heard your father plans to invest there, and I’m inclined to believe he’s quite forward-thinking in attitude. In a few years, you may find that he led the wave of British arrivals there.”
    “I hope you’re right. After Mr. Montlake and I marry, we plan to set up residence here in London, so I won’t be there to witness the construction of the hotel he plans to build. Father plans to transform Cannes from a fishing village into a destination that will attract everyone in England. It’s a daunting task.” A small sound near a door leading back into the hotel caught Cecilia’s attention, and she turned to look. As she stared more closely, she was surprised when she identified the bit of pale green dress peeking out from the slightly open door. This was the second time tonight. Evangeline must be slipping.
    “Someone’s watching us,” she told Mr. Kenning.
    He tensed. “What do you mean?”
    Cecilia made a slight gesture toward the door. “My sister’s peeking out from just over there. Our parents won’t allow her to attend the ball, since she’s only fifteen. She’s quite disappointed.”
    Kenning’s shoulders relaxed and he glanced in the direction she’d indicated. “I see her. Or, at least, I see her dress. Shall we go and speak to her?”
    “You wouldn’t mind? I think it would make her quite happy.”
    “Think nothing of it,” he said, turning toward the spot where Evangeline was hiding. “I remember what it was like to be her age.”
    As they approached her sister, Cecilia called out, “We can see you.”
    Evangeline didn’t even hesitate, but immediately stepped through the doorway. “Is the ball as much fun as it looks?” she asked as she moved toward them. But then she stopped short and peered at Mr. Kenning more closely. “I’m sorry. I thought you were Mr. Montlake.” She frowned. “You gentlemen all look alike when you’re dressed in those identical black cutaway jackets.”
    Cecilia introduced them. “We were just taking a short walk and were about to turn back. They’re playing a quadrille,” she said, wrinkling her nose.
    “Ah,” Evangeline replied, looking faintly disdainful. “The dreaded quadrille. Why do you dislike it so much? It isn’t much different than dancing a schottische, and you claim that dance as your favorite.”
    “I don’t know why, I just don’t .” Cecilia hated it when her sister tried to argue her out of her likes and dislikes. Why did her preferences matter so much? After all, she never chided Evangeline for not liking to eat peas. How was not liking a particular dance so different? She searched for a new topic of conversation. “Mother seems a bit weary tonight.”
    Evangeline frowned. “Perhaps she should rest.”
    “You know she won’t.”
    Evangeline let out a sigh. “But she should. You know it’s the logical and prudent thing to do.”
    “Mother’s determination won’t be swayed by logic. She already decided to attend the ball. You