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The flap lifted and the Duke came in. “Indeed it is. But I voluntarily ceded it to your use.”
“And I thank you for it. Are you here to get it back?”
He exhaled noisily, looking around. “In a manner of speaking. It’s time for us to go.”
Letty’s heart sank. “Go?” she whispered as the blood drained from her face.
“Go.” He nodded in affirmation.
“Where are we going?”
“Back to Folkestone.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “Do I get a choice?”
“Not really. I have just convinced the Field Marshall not to arrest you, but you understand that I cannot just let you walk free.”
Letty nodded. “I do understand. So I’ll be sequestered in your dungeons? Is that it?”
“No, of course not. You’ll resume your role as baker. Of course, a guard will have you under constant watch but aside from that, you’re free to roam about the manor as you please.”
She smiled wryly. “Oh really? Everywhere? Even your study?”
Bertram laughed. “I admire that about you. Persistent to the end.”
“Thank you. You’re too kind.”
Bertram shook his head in bemusement as he came to sit beside her on the bed. “Well, I know you did not have much luggage but whatever you need for the road, you should pack it up. We shall be leaving in an hour.”
Letty nodded. “I’ll do that.” She sighed, shaking her head ruefully. “In spite of everything, it will be nice to see George again.”
The Duke returned her wry look. “I expect he’ll be very pleased to see you as well.”
Their eyes met and held, as the air seemed to thicken in the tent. Pretty soon it was difficult to breath and Letty was drawing every breath with effort. Her arms erupted in goosebumps and she wondered if she was having a relapse. She could not tear her eyes away from the Duke’s.
He finally cleared his throat and got to his feet, seemingly with difficulty. “Well, I shall leave you to it.”
“Uh, don’tyouneed to pack?”
He shook his head and smiled. “Not really. My sojourn is only temporary and my house is well supplied with anything I would need.”
“Well then, if you did not dispose of my clothing, I do believe that there isn’t much for me to pack, either.”
“Very good. We can set out sooner.”
* * *
The ride to Folkestone was surprisingly companionable. Letty rode beside Bertram on a beautiful bay mare. Her back was straight and she rode like a lady. He kept stealing glances at her, ever more fascinated at the layers she revealed. She never ceased to surprise him and if he was honest he would have to admit that he was fascinated by her.
She glanced over at him and caught him looking. The smile she gave him was knowing. “It’s a lovely day,” she said apropos of nothing.
“I suppose so. After you were cooped up so long in the tent it must be good to have the sun on your face.”
“It is,” she nodded. “The fresh breeze from the sea, a horse beneath me, and good company. I can’t ask for more.”
The light-hearted banter made him smile until he remembered that she was a French spy. “Would you rather not be on a ship for France?”
She really seemed to think about it before shaking her head. “Not just at the moment, no.”
