The Fashionable Spy Read Online Free PDF

of money.”
    Edward understood what the man was implying, and pulled his purse out. Several pounds exchanged hands, followed by a grateful nod from Sam.
    “I’ll seeto it this isspent where needed, sir.”
    Edward had debated over the matter of his charge. Was she well enough to make a jolting trip to Canterbury? He had yet to convince her of the need for marriage. His own trip to Dover was pointless; by now his informant would be long gone—urgency had been stressed. Besides, he found the beautiful Miss Dancy quite intriguing. Memory of the blue-iris locket returned. He needed to learn more about her, for a number of reasons.
    He turned to Higgens. “Miss Dancy is not well enough to travel as yet. It is dangerous to travel so soon after a concussion. I fear to move her. Send a coach for us on the morrow.”
    And with that instruction, the men went back to the group that waited for them. Within a short time the road was empty again, the figures a distant blur through the drizzle.
    The warmth of the fire was most welcome, especially to his leg, which ached from exposure to the damp. The doctor has promised it would get better in time, but Edward wondered if it actually would. He didn’t have a great deal of faith in doctors.
    He leaned back in the one and only chair and relaxed, waiting for the promised game of cards.
    * * * *
    When Victoria awoke from her restoring nap, she again felt that disorientation. Then she caught sight of Sir Edward and all memory returned. Plague take it, why couldn’t the man have disappeared while she slept? She didn’t believe he really wanted to marry with her, and it would have offered a neat solution had he simply gone off to Dover. Why hadn’t he?
    He had a deck of cards and now pulled the deal table over by the fire. It was a pleasant scene, a blazing fire, the rustic brick hearth and walls, with all manner of tools and necessities hanging on the far wall. The tang of wood smoke hung in the air. The man who awaited her had best be ignored if possible. But she doubted if he would allow that, for he was one who compelled the eye, drew a lingering glance. He was a disturbing element to her hard-earned tranquility. She watched while he pulled forward the bed, so he might sit.
    “Well, Miss Dancy. Shall we see what manner of card player you are? I trust you are not one to frequent the gaming establishments.”
    “La, sir, what do you think? I am as skilled as most young women my age.”
    They elected to play a hand of euchre. Victoria soon observed that she was no match for him in this game. Before she realized it. Sir Edward had captured most of the tricks and she went down to defeat.
    She wondered if her lack of concentration was due to the circumstances, or if it was merely his proximity. Determined to beat him at something, for some unknown, but no doubt complex, reason, she suggested they continue at something else. She thought his grin quite odious.
    “Piquet?”
    She nodded agreement, and hoped that she had not forgotten all her brother had taught her. Sir Edward dealt the cards with skill and she gathered her hand to study it. Victoria settled in her chair, resolved to best him this time around. The play began and she found she could hold her own very well against him. By blocking him out, concentrating on the cards alone, she managed to earn a respectable score.
    At length Sir Edward rose to light a candle he had found.
    Victoria glanced to the window, absently noting that the wind was down and that the rain appeared to have dwindled to nothing more than a mist. She prayed that it would continue to abate. While it was too late for her to execute her plan today, she would on the morrow for certain.
    “What is going on in your head, Victoria?” Sir Edward mused aloud.
    “The rain seems to be lessening. I am anxious to be gone.”
    He pretended affront. “You are tired of my company! Alas.” Then he paused before continuing. “Your coachman was here earlier. I neglected to