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As she exited the stable, she stared up at the manor and realized she wasn’t quite ready to step inside and face the troubles within. So, she headed towards the east lawn where she could sit in front of a creek. She kept her head held high as she crossed the open area. She had done nothing to be embarrassed about. Her only regret was that she had trusted the wrong man.
She sat down on the iron bench and listened to the sound of the water trickling down the rocky bank. She knew she needed to go back inside and check on her grandmother, but she just felt like being alone.
How did someone recover from heartbreak?
She was so distracted by her own thoughts that she didn’t notice the sound of footsteps coming up behind her. Something smashed into her head, and everything went black.
Guy watched asMiss Locke fled from the coaching inn. He had a sudden desire to chase after her and pull her into his arms, begging her to never leave him. But he couldn’t do that to her. She was much better off without him. He had lied to her and used her for information. Frankly, he didn’t dare tell her the truth of it all. It would hurt her even more.
He had to let her go, knowing it was the best thing for Miss Locke. It didn’t matter that his heart was shattered by his decision.
Hawthorne spoke up next to him. “That did not go well.”
“No, it did not.”
“What do you want to do?”
Guy turned to face him. “Would you mind if we delayed our departure for a while?”
“I do not.”
“I think it would be best if I go to Miss Locke’s manor and see if I can discover who poisoned Lady Frances.”
Hawthorne gave him a look that could only be construed as compassion. “It might be best if you spoke to Miss Locke, as well.”
“What would I even say?” Guy asked. “It is not as if I could tell her the truth of it all.”
“No, but you could come up with a believable lie.”
Guy huffed. “Another lie.”
“That is what agents do best.”
“I know,” Guy replied. “I just wish I didn’t have to lie to her.”
Hawthorne gave him an understanding look. “It is for her own protection.”
“You are right, of course.” Guy gave him a curious look. “Have you told your wife the truth about you?”
“I have,” Hawthorne replied, “but not before a French spy did the honors of informing her that I was an agent.”
“A French spy?”
“Yes, Madalene was abducted by a French spy, who had posed as a teacher at my wife’s orphanage,” Hawthorne explained. “The spy wanted to blow up Fieldstone Square and everyone in it.”
Guy looked at him in surprise. “It was you who thwarted that?”
“It was.”
“I heard you had a letter on you from the Prince Regent that stated you were acting under his authority,” Guy said.
Hawthorne smiled. “I did, and I still do.”
“How do I get one of those letters?”
“It all depends upon your assignment.”
Guy’s eyes scanned the nearly-empty hall and found Henry sweeping in the corner. “Give me a moment,” he said before he walked over to the boy.
