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A stab of understanding struck, triggering a wave of compassion. "I'll make her happy, Drake," Rem pledged quietly. "As my countess, Samantha will want for nothing. She'll have security, position, all the luxuries money can buy ... not to mention countless new Gothic romances to read, and a fireside specifically for her regal pet to warm himself." Abruptly, Rem's light tone vanished, superseded by an emotion too vast to contain. "She'll also have a husband who will protect her tender heart, indulge her untainted spirit, and keep only unto her for the rest of his life. In short, not a day will go by that Samantha doesn't know she is loved. You have my word on it."
Drake raised his head, studied Rem for a long moment. "You know my sister remarkably well," He swallowed. "And you love her a great deal."
"So much that it terrifies me."
A reminiscent light dawned in Drake's eyes. "I've encountered that particular terror myself." Slowly, purposefully, he extended his hand. "You'd best keep your promises, Gresham, or you'll have me to answer to." His expression softened. "Make S
ammy happy."
"I intend to." Rem clasped Drake's hand, then reseated himself. "And now I'd like to tell you the rest of what I came to say, at which point I think you'll understand the complexities of my courtship with Samantha and why I was so reluctant to succumb to my feelings ... as well as why I was less than honest with you."
"Go on."
"I must stress what I said earlier: you cannot disclose this conversation to anyone. The security of our country may be at stake."
With a perplexed look, Drake nodded. "Very well. You have my word. What we discuss stays in this room."
Rem leaned forward. "As you know, numerous British vessels have disappeared mysteriously these past months."
"We pursued this subject last time you were here, Gresham. I hope you're not again implying that—"
"The Admiralty has asked me to investigate the matter. I'm in the process of doing so. That's the real reason I met with you last week about my brig."
Drake's jaw dropped. "The Admiralty selected you? Why?"
"Because I've been working with them for over a decade now—since the Battle of Trafalgar. And, at the risk of sounding pompous, my success rate has been quite good. The Crown is pleased."
"Christ." Comprehension struck Drake, hard. "You're telling me you've been secretly—"
"Exactly. Now can you understand why I didn't want to get involved with Samantha? I was determined not to expose her to danger... something I was constantly immersed in."
"Was?
Has your situation changed?" "Everything's changed. I've changed." Rem's jaw set. "I'm going to explain the national dilemma to you, at which point I plan to ask for your help. Once this mission is successfully completed, I intend to submit my resignation to the First Lord of the Admiralty. The rest of my life belongs to Samantha and our children."
Drake was still reeling. "Your revelation doesn't ring true. How could you be an agent of the Crown when, during our recent war with America, you spent so much time at sea captaining a flagship?"
"That was a fallacy, fabricated by the Admiralty to protect my true role during the war. I did go to sea, but not as a naval captain. In fact, I wasn't even assigned to one vessel, but traveled from ship to ship gathering information for the Crown. I observed our fleet in battle, assessed the American strategy and provided the Admiralty with my analysis of our strengths and our enemy's weaknesses. It was my job to know everything that occurred in national or foreign waters ... and to use that information to aid our country."
"Even if I choose to believe you, I'd be a fool if I didn't ask for proof."
"Yes, you would," Rem agreed. "Obviously, I carry no documents to link me with the Admiralty." Rem scrutinized Drake's reaction. "Would it suffice if I provided you with details no customary naval captain is privy to? Specifics about the annihilation of your ship La Belle Illusion and the part your brother Sebastian played in it? Would you like me to recite from memory the report on the incident that the Admiralty has on file, including my determination of what should have been the outcome of the battle had it not been for your brother's interference?"
"Stop." Grimly, Drake held up his hand. "That's all the proof I require." Leaning forward, he added, "I've protected Samantha as best I could by not dwelling on the horrid details of our brother's crimes, Remington."
"As have I. And now that you're satisfied with my explanation, we need never speak of it again."
"Agreed. Now get to the current crisis."
Carefully, thoroughly, Rem outlined the situation and the suspects to Drake.
"So that's why you came to Allonshire last week." Drake nodded thoughtfully. "You were delving into what I might know about the missing ships."
"It's also why I initially began pursuing Samantha," Rem added, bent on obliterating all misconceptions. "I hoped, since she was your sister, that she might inadvertently possess revealing information. Or at least that's what I told myself. The truth is, it was easier to believe I was courting Samantha for the sake of my mission than to admit I was falling in love with her. I'm not sure that's something you can understand."
"I can. Better than you think. And I respect your honesty." Drake rubbed a quill between his fingers. "You're convinced that Anders and Summerson are working with someone else?"
"With at least one other person, yes. It's up to me to find a way to expose them... or to encourage them to expose themselves."
