Page 100 of Love and the Shameless Lady

“Such as what?”

“How should I know? It will be something devious. That’s what she’s like.”

“Philippe is the last person to put up with such stupidity.”

She nodded. “Poor thing, I don’t think she stands much of a chance.”

“Don’t you dare feel sorry for her, after the way she treated you.”

“Oh, that was just an act. She didn’t mean it. She apologized to me the next day. I should have realized it from the first, but I hadn’t seen her for years, and I was expecting her to hate me.”

Julian swore. “Why didn’t you tell me it was an act?”

“Gloriana and I always shared secrets, and we never told anyone else. I’m sure she trusted me not to.”

He let out his breath with a whoosh. “Fair enough. I suppose.”

She let it go. It didn’t really matter, and it wouldn’t happen again. “I think she is better off without Philippe. He is very smooth but speaks in half-truths. I used to like him, but I don’t think I do anymore.”

“No? I do. He did his best to save me from making an embarrassing confession. Maybe he truly regretted letting it slip that I am not quite what I seem.”

Uneasiness suffused her, but she did not intend to start mistrusting Julian now.

“I had hoped to avoid telling you this. It is for your ears alone, Daisy. You must swear not to tell anyone, not even Colin or his wife, or Miles or Melinda.”

“What?”

“I mean what I say. For your safety and mine, and for the sake of your country, you must reveal this to no one.”

She shivered. What was he about to say?

“I am a spy.”