A Spy Unmasked (Entangled Scandalous) Read Online Free PDF

astonishment. She knew the name. It had been in the newspapers about six months ago. The old earl and his only son had died in a tragic carriage accident, leaving the nephew to inherit the title. She hesitated, blinking with bafflement. “Lord Kirkland…but this man’s a thief—”
    “Sophia, your behavior tonight was beyond careless,” Wendover admonished.
    She forced her gaze away from Lord Kirkland. Why would an earl work for the Marquess of Wendover? “I’m sorry for any inconvenience my actions may have caused, but—”
    “Inconvenience! You could have been killed.”
    Her spine stiffened. “I asked you to help me.”
    “What makes you think I’m not doing all in my power to see justice done as concerns those that harmed your father?” Wendover asked. “I’m in constant contact with the constables. Lord Haverton was my close friend, and I feel obligated to look after your welfare. I promise we’ll find the culprit.”
    “We know who the culprit is.”
    “What I mean to say is we lack the evidence to arrest a man of Lord Delmont’s rank, but the constables are investigating every lead.”
    “Meanwhile my father’s murderer roams free, hosting lavish masquerade balls. I can find the evidence needed better than any constable,” she retorted.
    Wendover’s voice hardened. “Listen to me, Sophia. I want you to go home and stay there and let the authorities handle the investigation.”
    “I’m afraid I cannot.”
    The marquess leaned back in his chair, and she feared she had pushed him too far. He would throw her out of his house and into the street. Which made her wonder, why was he here in the first place? From what she recalled, the marquess lived in a mansion in Portman Square. Nothing about tonight made sense to her, certainly not the mysterious Lord Kirkland standing in the corner of the room glaring at her.
    Wendover cleared his throat. “The truth is there is more at stake than just your father’s murder.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “There have been others, all inventors, brilliant minds who have been murdered.”
    “You suspect Viscount Delmont?” she asked.
    “He is not solely responsible for the inner workings of the Inventors’ Society,” Wendover said.
    “But he’s the head of the group.”
    “Only as a figurehead for polite society.”
    “Then the members should be warned!” she insisted.
    “We do not know who is involved and who is innocent.”
    She stared, her heart pounding. “You are more than just an ordinance officer, aren’t you?”
    “I am.”
    “Please, let me help.”
    Wendover remained silent for several heartbeats. “If I cannot have your cooperation, then I must have you watched.” The marquess turned to Robert. “Delmont’s house party.”
    Robert’s eyes narrowed. “No.”
    Wendover continued. “Delmont is hosting a house party in Hatfield. Lord Kirkland is invited and as his betrothed you will accompany him.”
    Shock flew through her. “Betrothed!”
    “I’m not a nanny,” Robert growled.
    Wendover glanced at Kirkland. “No, you’re not. But you’re the best I have. As Sophia seems bent on acting recklessly, I need a good man to ensure her safety. And you need a lady to accompany you.”
    “Must we put on such a drastic pretense as to be engaged?” she protested.
    “You wanted to be involved, remember?” Wendover said. “It’s the only way for you to attend.”
    “I don’t want Lord Kirkland to watch over me,” she insisted.
    “It’s the ideal opportunity. As the daughter of an inventor, you will have much in common with the wives. Viscount Delmont has no idea we suspect his involvement, and if you play your cards right, you will be able to convince him he is not a suspect in your father’s murder. By your putting him at ease, Lord Kirkland will be able to conduct his investigation. You want to help, don’t you?”
    “Yes, but—”
    “Those are my terms. Robert has work to do as an agent, and you will assist him by