Read Online A Code of Love (The Code Breakers 1) by Jacki Delecki - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Jacki Delecki
Tags: Fiction, Suspense, Romance, Historical, Action & Adventure, Adult, series, Regency, England, romantic suspense, 19th century, Family secrets, Napoléon, Bachelor, Victorian, Assassins, Britain, Protection, Forever Love, Single Woman, Missing Brother, Hearts Desire, international intrigue, London Society, Code Breakers, french spies, Harcourt Family
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Aunt Euphemia wasted no time.
He wished to discuss neither his transition from spy to administrator nor his transition back into society as the new earl. Aunt Euphemia would be relentless in pursuing both.
Aunt Euphemia paused, trying to force him to answer, then she would probe to hear if his inner demons were still driving him.
He had learned a few tricks during his time on the Continent. He would outwait her.
“Are you finding it difficult to make the transition from your life in France?” she said.
“I’m adjusting. There are many challenges and responsibilities as the new earl.”
“I’ve heard the rumors about you at Lady Wentworth’s ball. Your grief drove you to outrageous behaviors in the past. I had hoped that the years in France helped you to forget.”
Forget? He tried every day to forget that he had been the cause of his brother’s death. If only he hadn’t challenged Gray to take the jump. His return to Rathbourne house, with all its memories, stirred the feelings he kept well hidden. Anger crept into his voice. “Aunt Euphemia, I’m able to conduct myself in society.”
“I know you’d never insult my dear friend, Abigail Wentworth.”
“I’d never wish to insult your friend or disappoint you.”
His aunt deserved an explanation, but what could he say? Protesting that he hadn’t brought Isabelle would sound absurd. And the purpose of his relationship with Isabelle was to keep those rumors afloat, establishing her entrance in London society to mix with the men she was to befriend. The only glitch in the plan was Isabelle’s appearance at a respectable event.
“My darling boy, you can never disappoint me. I believe deeply in you. I had hoped…” His aunt grew quiet and gazed into the fire, regret etched on her face. She sighed. “I had hoped you might be ready to settle down. Perhaps the right woman could help you make a life. A solid marriage has been the making of many men.”
If it were only that easy. His aunt loved him and stood by him, but how could he explain he wasn’t sure if he was capable of happiness. Something changed after Gray’s death. It wasn’t just that he’d lost his brother and best friend. He’d lost his innocence, the belief that all matters could be fixed. He couldn’t fix Gray’s death or his parents’ grief.
“Cord, you must forgive yourself.”
He had nothing to say which would reassure his aunt. She was trying to shape his life into a normal existence. She had his best interests at heart.
“Is there no lady who has captured your interest? What about Lady Henrietta? I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting the lady, but I’ve known her uncle for many years.”
Henrietta did give him the hope of happiness. He was drawn to her vibrancy. She was filled with radiance, a joyfulness that he had been missing for years.
“Cord, you’re looking very serious. I assume if she were the right lady you’d at least smile.”
“I’m content with my work as the earl. And now I have you and Gwyneth in London.”
Perhaps he should be offended that, at the age of thirty, his aunt was still interfering in his life. But he was grateful to have someone concerned about him. His aunt would be vastly entertained that the lady had captured him, and he was definitely caught. After the Wentworth Ball, he had a lot to explain to Henrietta before he could share the good news with his aunt.
“Gwyneth and I’ll be busy getting ready for her presentation into society. Of course, you’ll make yourself available to escort Gwyneth and introduce her to acceptable men?”
“I’m looking forward to spending time with you and Gwyneth. I can’t say I’m thrilled to attend many society functions.”
“Cord, you must prepare yourself for the mamas. You are a wealthy unmarried earl and a war hero. I expect you’ll receive as much attention as Gwyneth.”
The thought of the society mamas required fortification. He took a large gulp from his brandy glass. The smooth
He wished to discuss neither his transition from spy to administrator nor his transition back into society as the new earl. Aunt Euphemia would be relentless in pursuing both.
Aunt Euphemia paused, trying to force him to answer, then she would probe to hear if his inner demons were still driving him.
He had learned a few tricks during his time on the Continent. He would outwait her.
“Are you finding it difficult to make the transition from your life in France?” she said.
“I’m adjusting. There are many challenges and responsibilities as the new earl.”
“I’ve heard the rumors about you at Lady Wentworth’s ball. Your grief drove you to outrageous behaviors in the past. I had hoped that the years in France helped you to forget.”
Forget? He tried every day to forget that he had been the cause of his brother’s death. If only he hadn’t challenged Gray to take the jump. His return to Rathbourne house, with all its memories, stirred the feelings he kept well hidden. Anger crept into his voice. “Aunt Euphemia, I’m able to conduct myself in society.”
“I know you’d never insult my dear friend, Abigail Wentworth.”
“I’d never wish to insult your friend or disappoint you.”
His aunt deserved an explanation, but what could he say? Protesting that he hadn’t brought Isabelle would sound absurd. And the purpose of his relationship with Isabelle was to keep those rumors afloat, establishing her entrance in London society to mix with the men she was to befriend. The only glitch in the plan was Isabelle’s appearance at a respectable event.
“My darling boy, you can never disappoint me. I believe deeply in you. I had hoped…” His aunt grew quiet and gazed into the fire, regret etched on her face. She sighed. “I had hoped you might be ready to settle down. Perhaps the right woman could help you make a life. A solid marriage has been the making of many men.”
If it were only that easy. His aunt loved him and stood by him, but how could he explain he wasn’t sure if he was capable of happiness. Something changed after Gray’s death. It wasn’t just that he’d lost his brother and best friend. He’d lost his innocence, the belief that all matters could be fixed. He couldn’t fix Gray’s death or his parents’ grief.
“Cord, you must forgive yourself.”
He had nothing to say which would reassure his aunt. She was trying to shape his life into a normal existence. She had his best interests at heart.
“Is there no lady who has captured your interest? What about Lady Henrietta? I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting the lady, but I’ve known her uncle for many years.”
Henrietta did give him the hope of happiness. He was drawn to her vibrancy. She was filled with radiance, a joyfulness that he had been missing for years.
“Cord, you’re looking very serious. I assume if she were the right lady you’d at least smile.”
“I’m content with my work as the earl. And now I have you and Gwyneth in London.”
Perhaps he should be offended that, at the age of thirty, his aunt was still interfering in his life. But he was grateful to have someone concerned about him. His aunt would be vastly entertained that the lady had captured him, and he was definitely caught. After the Wentworth Ball, he had a lot to explain to Henrietta before he could share the good news with his aunt.
“Gwyneth and I’ll be busy getting ready for her presentation into society. Of course, you’ll make yourself available to escort Gwyneth and introduce her to acceptable men?”
“I’m looking forward to spending time with you and Gwyneth. I can’t say I’m thrilled to attend many society functions.”
“Cord, you must prepare yourself for the mamas. You are a wealthy unmarried earl and a war hero. I expect you’ll receive as much attention as Gwyneth.”
The thought of the society mamas required fortification. He took a large gulp from his brandy glass. The smooth
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