Page 39 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

The last report he’d received from a colleague who agreed to watch over her and her new husband was reassuring. The Regent’s Consul seemed to have forgotten about the couple, who were expecting their first child. But that report was from seven months ago. If Farrin had sent another spy after Wedmore, it meant he’d grown impatient. A vindictive man, Farrin wouldn’t hesitate to punish Jonathan for failing the mission.

“We need Wedmore’s journal,” he said. “It is the only lead we have.”

“Easier said than done, apparently.”

“Perhaps not. Miss Darlington has agreed to be my artist.”

Dom smirked. “Don’t tell me she is sketching you in the nude. A little modern erotic art?”

Jonathan chuckled, his heavy mood lifting. “She shocked you. I didn’t think that was possible.”

“Neither did I.” The sparkle in Dom’s eyes suggested he enjoyed the novelty. “One doesn’t expect that kind of talk from a miss who blushes every time the man she admires looks her way.”

Jonathan attempted to keep his voice even as jealousy tightened his chest. Evangeline had spent an inordinate amount of time conversing with the other man at supper. “Does she fancy you then?”

“God’s blood, Hackberry! She stared daggers in my direction all evening. You were there.” Dom shook his head, amused. “I was referring to you. The lady admires you. Didn't you notice she hung on your every word?”

Jonathan smiled. “Perhaps a little, after you left.”

“Mm-hmm, I see the admiration is mutual.”

How could any man not be charmed by her? She was adorable, intelligent, and well-read, and she possessed a figure to make Aphrodite envious.

“Whatever mischief you and Miss Darlington dabble in is none of my concern,” Dom said, “as long as you’re the one doing the seducing and not the other way around. You have a duty to perform. There is no room for sentiment.”

Jonathan scowled at the reminder. “I am aware of my duties, and there is no mischief to be had. She is a lady, and I am a gentleman.”

“Splendid. Now what is this about her being your artist?”

Jonathan reported on his arrangement with Evangeline and his plan to lure her and her family away the next day.

“While we revisit the Acropolis, search their quarters. I will look in her bag.”

Dom nodded.

“And thank you. This is the closest I’ve come to finding Wedmore. Your assistance is priceless.”

“We took the same oath, Hackberry.” Dom picked up the deck of cards and returned to his game. “I’m doing you no favors.”

Fourteen

The next day Mother Nature was determined to foil Jonathan’s plans. An early morning rain left the streets of Athens muddy and riddled with puddles, and as the sun broke through the clouds to warm the earth, thready columns of steam rose from the ground. He couldn’t imagine Evangeline and her sister willingly tromping through the muck or bearing up to another sultry day.

Perhaps he could distract them with cards in the library while Dom searched their quarters. Dom could look in her bag, too. It was risky, but Jonathan was running out of time. Last night, Xavier had mentioned not wanting to be a burden to Dom when they spoke alone, and that they would be leaving in two weeks.

Maybe Evangeline would want him to read more of his book, though that might not entice her sister and brother-in-law to leave their sitting room.

Jonathan was still considering which methods of distraction he might use as he approached the door to their quarters. As he raised his fist to knock, the door flew open and Evangeline burst through the threshold, her smile stunning. It was like being caught in a blinding sunbeam; he could see nothing else.

“Sir Jonathan, good morning. I thought that might be you that I heard in the corridor. Shall we set off?”

With lips parted in surprise, he took in her lightweight lavender muslin gown and sturdy boots. A white handkerchief dotted with violets covered ginger-kissed hair that had been gathered at her nape in a messy knot.

“Sir Jonathan, I asked if you are ready to go.”

He looked into the empty sitting room. “I am, but is your family ready?”

“Xavier has stepped out, and Regina is still asleep.” She stepped into the passage, closing the door behind her. “I left her a note.”