AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bertram was embarrassed by his display at the beach. To lose all self-possession like that…in public?
How mortifying.
He could barely look Letty in the eye as they rode back to the manor. He had wanted to spend some time with her, to reassure himself that this entire scheme was worthy, and ended up defiling her.
Given her upbringing, she’s hardly in a position to know any better, poor child. This is my responsibility.
He highly suspected that she was unaware of the conventions that governed English propriety and yet quite naïve in spite of her…eccentric past. Growing up fairly isolated from other people despite moving effortlessly among them had given her little understanding of the true depravity of human nature.
It’s a bit remarkable really, how she’s managed to preserve her innocence. I must protect her as long as I can…even from myself.
They got back to the manor to find that Wellington was searching for them. His eyebrows quirked as he caught sight of them, handing their bridles to a groom.
“There you are, Thybaut. And good, Miss Strange is with you. We have things to discuss.” He turned, heading towards Bertram’s study. He’d been treating the room as if it was his own and much as Bertram was irked about it, Wellington was still his superior officer.
He held the door open and then closed it behind them before inviting them both to sit. Bertram suppressed a sigh as he did as Wellington asked.
“Well? Has there been some new development in the case?”
Wellington settled himself more firmly in Bertram’s brown leather chesterfield armchair. “Not really. Wehavereceived most of the RSVPs and the turnout should be good. I feel that those that were not persuaded by my guaranteed presence were much taken with the thought of you, Thybaut, joining with a commoner in matrimony.” He nodded to Letty with an absent smile, “We have people coming from London, and even Paris.”
He felt Letty tense beside him and reached out to pat her hand reassuringly. “From Paris, you say? Do you mean Miss Strange’s superiors have taken note?”
“Not officially, no. But there is some talk in the palace, I understand, about you marrying a Frenchwoman, Thybaut.”
Bertram snorted. “Well, that is hardly a rare occurrence.”
“It is when the lady in question is no noblewomanandthe daughter of a former military officer.”
Bertram was surprised at Letty’s continued silence. He would have expected her to chime in before now. After all, she’d displayed no fear of speaking during earlier meetings. He glanced at her and found that she was rather pale. His brow furrowed with concern and he leaned towards her. “Is everything all right, Miss Strange?” he whispered.
She turned to face him, wintry gray eyes bleak. “I suppose they must be disappointed in me.”
Bertram bit his bottom lip, trying to think of something comforting to say. Wellington leaned forward, meeting Letty’s eyes for once.
“Miss Strange, don’t lose sight of what’s at stake here. Your beau’s life, for one.”
Letty stared at him with such wide, scared eyes that Bertram had to reach out, cover her hand with his and squeeze. She took a shaky breath and nodded, turning back to face Wellington.
“I understand and I know what is at stake. But I have worked for the French Army since I was four-and-ten. It is difficult to simply brush them aside.”
“And we do not expect you to, of course, your loyalty is commendable. However, we do not have the time to indulge in wallowing. We must be alert and nip this scheme in the bud. Ultimately, if we can end the war expeditiously, both countries have the opportunity to forge better ties.”
Letty nodded. “You’re right.”
“Very good. Now, let us go over the plan one more time. You will stay in the upper balcony with my man and a pair of opera glasses with which you can scan the guests as they arrive. If you see someone even slightly familiar, you be sure to tell my man.”
Bertram frowned. “The guests will expect her to be present in the ballroom.”
“Indeed, but leeway is always made for the bride. After all, it takes effort to make oneself lovely, does it not?” He nodded to Letty, “And we shall make sure her entrance is sufficiently spectacular to warrant a late arrival.”
Letty breathed in deep, looking to Bertram for reassurance. He had none to give but tightened his grip on her hand.
Wellington turned back to Bertram. “I am aware you have no female relative to assist Miss Strange with her preparations and so I would like to offer Lady Fiennes as a substitute. As you know, she is the wife of my capable deputy, Captain Peregrine.Andshe is French.” He smiled as if he’d just bestowed a huge blessing upon them.
“That’s very obliging of you,” Bertram murmured as Letty’s lip twitched. Her nails dug into his skin and he flicked her a glance, quirking an eyebrow. She let out a loud breath and leaned back, forcing a smile onto her face.
