AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Bertram’s body tensed as if in preparation to rebuff some form of peril. He had gone the whole evening long, knowing that there were conspirators in the room, men who were out to kill him. But only now, seeing the fear in Letty’s eyes, did he perceive a threat.
“Where is this man?” he asked without looking around.
“He is standing by one of the pillars, conversing with a lady.”
“And he justnowcame in?”
“I do not know. I’ve just seen him.”
Bertram watched her, not liking the paleness of her skin or the tremble of her bottom lip. “How would you like to proceed?”
She stiffened her back and met his eye. “I should find an opportunity to speak with him. I’m sure that’s why he’s here.”
“Would you like me to come with you?”
“No. He will not speak if you are nearby.”
“Will you be safe?”
She gave a faint sigh. “As safe as I ever am.”
* * *
She let his hands go, and began to wander casually towards the commander, nodding to whatever guests were familiar to her. She retreated into an alcove and waited and before long, she felt a shadow close by.
“Commander,” she murmured.
“Miss Strange, this is a surprise.”
“Indeed,chevalier, I did not expect to see you here.”
“Did you not? When you completely overturn your mission and agree to a marriage proposal from the enemy?”
Letty had nothing to say to that.
“You must stand down, Miss Strange, and let the plan go on as mandated.”
She gasped, stepping forward out of the alcove. “Plan?”
The commander did not reply.
“Chevalier, is it you who ordered the Duke’s death?”
“That is none of your business. Your mandate was to obtain a letter. You failed. These are the consequences.”
“Please, I st—”
“Do not try to negotiate with me, Miss Strange.”
Letty opened her mouth and closed it again. She breathed in deep, trying to find some argument that might sway him. “Perhaps I can still find you the information that you require. He trusts me now. Please let me try.”
“The Third Man has already set sail. It is too late.”
“Set sail for where? What—?”
“Enough with the questions!”
