Page 96 of The Smuggler’s Escape

“I never searched for anything in your house!”

“I might believe you, my dear, but would a government at war take that risk? Also, if the wife of an official, such as Lady Darsington or myself, is a trifle indiscreet and lets some information slip, a spy would know what to do with it.”

A flame of anger licked inside Noelle. Part of this might be true. Even if Richard weren’t an agent of the government, he might have been sent to gather information, even to search out a spy. To investigate her, since her French origin and her revolutionary views had put her under suspicion. That would explain why he’d sought her out, followed her about, inserted himself into her smuggling plans. And asked her to marry him, she thought bitterly. That gave him every right and reason to stay by her side. He’d persuaded her to come to stay at Boltwood Manor, even promised to leave with her, pretending it was all an amusing game.

And he’d actually expected her to trust him.

She wanted to trust him, wanted it so desperately that her heart twisted with the pain of it. She picked up the queen of hearts, turning it over and over in her hand.

She didn’t trust Lady Ariadne, who’d never once shown concern for anyone but herself. Why would she suddenly become so helpful—so self-sacrificing—now?

To save her own skin?

Understanding flooded Noelle. She pulled herself together. Whatever Richard thought or intended, her own role was clear. Because—she was sure of this at least, thanks to old Lord Boltwood—there was a spy in the area. Or, as Noelle now surmised, a traitor.

Perhaps she was being betrayed not by Richard—but by the traitor herself.

Her heart leaped, but she quashed it immediately. This was wishful thinking. Yes, Lady Ariadne was the traitor, but that didn’t mean she could trust Richard. Why hadn’t he explained matters to her, so she would know what to do?

Because he suspected that after all she might prove to be a spy? In league with Lady Ariadne, perhaps.

She didn’t have time to think it through. She had to escape, because if it was her word against that of Lady Ariadne, the daughter of an earl and wife of a government official, she stood no chance.

For now, all she knew was that a traitor was about to send secrets to France right under Richard’s nose.

Noelle straightened her spine and narrowed her eyes. All business now, she said, “You say you will help me. What do you want me to do in return?”