“And I can say the same for you,” she retorted. “I could not bear it to know a connection to me placed you in the midst of chaos.”
“I would be in the mix whether you are here or living with me,” he insisted.
“But you would know additional danger,” she countered. “Moreover, if my uncle learns I have gone against his orders, he may warn his connections in England. My leaving with you could have those who the government seeks going into hiding.”
Lord Marksman dropped his hold upon her, and Audrey realized how empty the room suddenly felt. He scrubbed his face with his hands. “My mind tells me you are correct, but my heart screams in revolt at the idea of spending another night without my sister nearby and safe.”
She smiled upon him. “I am nearby.”
He sighed heavily. “Very well. You shall prevail on this night, but I shan’t abandon my purpose.” He turned towards the door to make his exit. “Lock this behind me.”
“My head is so full; I doubt I shall sleep.” She followed him to the door.
He turned once again to catch her arms, this time drawing her into his embrace. “My heart is full of love,” he said softly. “I must say an extra prayer of thanksgiving to God for, at long last, returning my family to me.”
Audrey enjoyed the feeling of completeness of being cherished by this man. A sigh of contentment escaped.
Lord Marksman planted a kiss upon her forehead. “Do you know the brownstone house across the road—the one with the gold lion as its knocker?”
She frowned inconfusion. “Yes.”
He grinned. “Either one of my colleagues or I are there watching this house at all times. Likely, that is where Beaufort is waiting for me as we speak. He is my brother. Lord Duncan also took Beaufort in along with three others. If you experience any trouble, signal us or seek assistance there. Otherwise, for the rest of the world, the brownstone will appear empty. All involved in this investigation are lords of the realm or younger sons of lords or the gentry. That is to say, all but my dear friend, Lionel Carter. He was with you and me in the rookeries before I became Marksman. I presented him with a position on my estate. You may trust him. In fact, if there is trouble, I have asked him to deliver you to my home if I am not available to do so personally. Trust him or any of the men involved in the investigation. They will each fight all foes to protect you.”
“I understand, and I am grateful to know someone is near and watching over this house. I shan’t continue to feel so frightened.” She grinned mischievously. “Good night, Axe. It will be comforting to know you are again in my life.”
A steady knockingdrew Audrey to the main door. She had slept very little—actually, such was not true. She had slept, but her dreams had been fretful—dreams in which Lord Marksman held out his hand to her, but Caroline, of all people, held Audrey in place. The dreams were so real and so confusing, she had known little true rest.
Now, she looked through a side window to know with confidence that the caller was not Lord Amgen. Audrey possessed no coins to pay the gentleman, even though she thought he should be paid. However, she could not chance being evicted. Thankfully, her visitor wore a day dress.
Another knock had her wiping the dust from the front of her gown before she opened the door. “Lady Theodora,” she said in surprise. “How pleasant of you to call. Unfortunately, my cousin is away.”
The young woman did not appear best pleased with Audrey’s response. “Lord Marksman insisted I call upon you.”
Audrey knew her eyebrow lifted in equal animosity. “Why would his lordship insist upon your being someplace you find repugnant?”
“Perhaps you best ask him yourself,” Lady Theodora said as she pushed past Audrey, who turned quickly to discover Lord Marksman entering the hallway through the servants’ door, followed closely by Lord Duncan.
Audrey smiled, despite a bit of irritation tugging at how this reunion had been staged. “I thought I locked the kitchen entrance last night…” she quickly added her childhood name for her brother just to prick Lady Theodora’s pride a notch, “Axe.”
As if he understood her purpose, his lordship grinned widely. “Very few locks keep me out if I am determined to enter,” he announced.
Lord Duncan stepped around Marksman. “We have little time for your games, boy.” He bowed to her. “I beg your pardon, Miss Moreau. Marksman and I have a few details to discuss with…” The Scotsman glared at her brother. “To discuss with you. I pray you can spare us the time.”
Audrey found she enjoyed the role in which she found herself. “Naturally, we may speak in the front parlor, my lord. However, if you desire tea or cakes, we should take our discussion to the kitchen. I fear there are no servants to prepare us a meal or to serve it.”
Lord Duncan bowed to her. “I assure you, Miss Moreau, neither Lord Marksman, my daughter, nor I will stand upon ceremony. Let us begin in the parlor.”
Yet, before any of them could move, a male figure appeared in the still open door. “Pardon.” The man bowed properly. “Although theknocker is still removed, the door was open. I thought perhaps Lord Honfleur had returned.”
Audrey felt as if the floor had opened beneath her feet. Her uncle would be angry to know she had permitted others into the house. However, she had no reason to know any real qualms, for Marksman stepped into the fray.
“Good day, Amgen.” Her brother extended his hand in friendship. “I fear Lord Honfleur is still away on business in…”
“Scotland,” Audrey was quick to add.
“Yes, in Scotland,” Marksman said smoothly. “Lady Theodora realized her new friend had been left without company, and she insisted upon spending the afternoon with Miss Moreau. Lord Duncan and I escorted Lady Theodora this afternoon.”
Lord Amgen said, “I did not note your carriage.” Amgen glanced back to the busy street as if expecting a carriage to be waiting outside the door.
