Jo beverley company of rogues 01 an arranged marriage

irresponsible blackguard, Delaney! What do you mean by it? You had no thought of marriage a month back. How can you pursue this matter for us now?”

Nicholas’s own features had tightened slightly under this attack, but his tone was level as he replied. “The reason for the marriage is my own business—” “Ha! You dallied once too often and got caught!”

Nicholas’s fingers tightened on his glass. “If you wish, sir. My marriage will not affect our plans. I will resume my liaison with Therese if she is willing. I should mention, however, that she had a young companion at Newhaven who appeared to be to her taste.”

Lord Melcham turned on his guest the stern stare that had made subordinates quiver. “My information was that her affection for you in Vienna went very deep. I am sure you can rekindle it… if you put your mind to the matter.”

Nicholas met Lord Melcham’s challenging gaze. “I will do what I have pledged to do if it is at all in my power. I am sure the matter can be easily handled. Despite your evidence, I cannot believe Therese is involved in a plot to free Napoleon, or that she was responsible for Anstable’s death. She is completely apolitical and dislikes violence. She cares for nothing except herself.”

Melcham shrugged and, obviously deciding his plan was not threatened, resumed his seat. “Perhaps she thinks to gain Bonaparte’s interest and favor. I hear she is a most attractive woman.”

“Most. But also shrewd enough to know that chances of fortune or glory through Napoleon are now remote. His day is past.”

“True enough, though some of us would rather he were farther away than Elba.” Lord Melcham studied the young man who had been recruited into his undercover force.

He was handsome in an unusual kind of way. Well-enough looking but it was the way he moved and something in the eyes that set him apart. He could see why his man in Paris had thought Nicholas Delaney could twist a woman around his fingers.

Lord Melcham was used to judging men, and he judged this one to be intelligent and not without character. But unpredictable. He didn’t like dealing with these bored sprigs of the aristocracy who thought it fun to dabble in espionage. Anstable had been one, and look where that had got them.

“You’ll carry on with it then?” he asked at last.

“Yes.” “Then I thank you, Mr. Delaney, and wish you luck. We have finally put an end to war, and it is the duty of every man to preserve the peace.” Knowing he had been resented, Lord Melcham attempted a genial tone. “Don’t suppose it’ll be a hardship at all, Delaney, making love to a woman like that. Eh?” Nicholas stood and his expression was very cool. “On the contrary, Lord Melcham, it will be most unpleasant. But then, having missed the Peninsula, I feel it is time to suffer in the cause of my country.

Good day to you.”

Lord Melcham was left to stare at the door. “And damn your eyes too,” he muttered. After a moment he managed to discount the qualm he felt about the plan he had put in hand. It was too important a matter to fret over damaged sensibilities. He resolved, however, to be a little more careful in his future dealings with Nicholas Delaney.