Read Online My Lord the Spy by Audrey Harrison - Free Book Online

Henry lessened the potential sting of the words with a winning smile, one that he used to achieve his desired effect.
    “Then I’m afraid I’m ill-bred, My Lord. You should choose your dancing partner with more care. It’s a label I shall not lose sleep over,” Clara said with a shrug. “I would rather be honest than talk around a subject.”
    “An endearing quality,” he responded as they parted once more in the dance.
    After the dances when the group had separated to spend time with other acquaintances, Henry approached Edmund at the edge of the ballroom. His friend was watching the Baker brother and sister, but it was Clara that took most of his attention. Edmund raised his brow as his friend leaned against the marble pillar. “Had enough of this nonsense yet?” Edmund drawled.
    “Soon, my social butterfly, soon,” Henry said with a smile. “The family live next to Thomas Brandon.”
    “Do they? Can’t see what help that would be. I thought he’d cast you off his estate for causing the local smuggling ring to be caught by the excise men on his land?” Edmund smirked at the memory of Henry’s dressing down at the hands of their old school friend.
    “Smuggling is a crime,” Henry responded unremorsefully.
    “One that half the coast is taking part in,” Edmund said being realistic.
    “He shouldn’t have allowed it, especially when I was visiting. He’ll have calmed down by now. He’s been married for months; he’ll probably welcome a visit from us. I would imagine he’ll be henpecked to death; we’ll provide some relief from the tedium of matrimony,” Henry responded confidently.
    “I thought you liked his wife,” Edmund said in surprise.
    “I liked her when she was unmarried. Every woman turns into a termagant when she marries.”
    “Good grief! I thought my outlook on life was bleak; I’m positively chipper compared to you! So, we’re to visit him are we?”
    “Not yet, but I think it’s always wise to have a plan forming, don’t you?”
    “I’m just glad my mind works nothing like yours,” Edmund said with feeling. Henry loved the thrill of the chase and, although Edmund had also initially, the pleasure in that had soon worn off. Now he wanted something else; he just did not know what it was.

 

    Chapter 6
    Charles entered the breakfast room waving a missive at Clara and Milly. “You must have made a hit last night; we’ve been invited out,” he said cheerfully.
    “Made a hit with whom?” Clara asked, already finishing her breakfast.
    “Lord Grinstead and Lord Chertsey. I’ve received a note inviting us all out for a ride today to Hampstead. They say the heath is lovely on a sunny day. They are providing a picnic for us all; one of them must be sweet on you Clara. Come, tell me which one do you hope to secure?” Charles said teasingly, whilst filling his plate with ham, eggs and bread.
    Clara laughed. “Neither!” she responded, but her stomach had fizzed at the thought of one of the gentlemen mentioned.
    “It is an honour that they have invited us on such a short acquaintance,” Milly said quietly.
    “Exactly! Which is why I think one of them is sweet on my dear sister!” Charles responded. “There’ll be a wedding before the season is out; mark my words.”
    “Charles you are ridiculous!” Clara scolded.
    “Well, why else would they ask us out?”
    “I have no idea,” Clara responded. “Are you free, Charles? You are normally busy every day.” She had tried to keep her tone level, trying not to sound accusing.
    “I was going to go out with Joshua today, but I’ll send a note with my apologies. I’d be a fool to turn down this invitation.”
    Clara and Milly exchanged a glance at Charles’ words. Clara was especially inclined to look on the day with pleasure now that she knew Joshua Shambles would not be in the company of her brother.
    *
    The party set-off from Half Moon Street in good time to get the best out of the day. Milly was seated next to Lord