“I owe you my apologies for all of this afternoon. I will not put you in harm’s way again.” He never made blunders like today’s. He was a crack agent of the Crown.

  “There is no need for apologies. It is what I agreed to when Lord Rathbourne asked me. And no one was on the beach except for the children, so you don’t need to worry that you’ve compromised me.”

  “Allowing me to treat you in an unseemly manner wasn’t part of your agreement to include me in your plans.” Nothing had prepared him for the innocent and irresistible Miss Evans.

  “Please, you make too much of it. I’ve been kissed before. It’s not like it was anything I haven’t already experienced.”

  Sebastian watched her as she strode down the beach away from him. He suppressed his urge to grab her and prove to her that kiss was like nothing either of them had ever experienced.

  Chapter Seven

  Ella’s dread of the May Day celebrations faded when she was pressed against Sebastian’s side. She held tightly onto his arm, aware of his steely strength as demonstrated by how easily he had carried her on the beach yesterday.

  After a late luncheon, the earl’s guests strolled through the meticulously manicured gardens, then through an old stand of woods beside the seaside cliffs. A large maypole had been erected above the cliffs with a spectacular view of the sea where the locals and guests could gather.

  Ella’s stomach fluttered like the gulls darting and flitting overhead. For the last months when she imagined this occasion, she hadn’t expected the exciting and unfamiliar emotions bombarding her.

  She had hoped to make Algy regret his ill treatment by her appearance in her new pale-pink gown, the same hue as the inner surface of a beach shell. The classic high-waisted gown with a daring décolletage was embroidered with delicate flowers on the bodice and hem. Her curls were tamed and upswept into the crown of mayflowers.

  Amelia had designed the dress for Ella to represent Persephone, the goddess of the wild flora of spring and rebirth. Under Sebastian’s intimate and very male appreciation, Emma blossomed. She felt beautiful and confident and gave no second thought to Algy.

  Neither Ella nor Sebastian acknowledged their kiss on the beach. He had apologized and she accepted as if nothing changed between them, although everything had. Her body and mind were now attuned to every small detail of Sebastian. His unique scent of citrus and maleness, his powerful lean body, his smoldering heat were now burned into her brain. She was aware of every aspect of their kiss—the way his eyes and voice darkened in passion, the heaviness of his rapid breathing, his hard body pressed against her.

  She never knew that two people could ignite into a fiery passion with a mere touch. His nearness brought back every sensation.

  “Ella, you are more lovely than any woman here.” His warm words skittered up her spine. “Yesterday, I thought of you as a sea nymph; today you are Titania the fairy queen.” He lifted her hand to his lips.

  Heat radiated between them despite the chilly breeze off the shore.

  Within a day, everything had shifted between them. Sebastian now called her Ella. They were on a first name basis in intimae conversation. Most engaged couples didn’t take such liberties, but Ella couldn’t call their relationship a courtship since it was under the most unusual circumstances. For a writer who shaped worlds with words, Ella was at a surprising loss to describe this new and wonderous feeling. Was this love? Or was she mislead by basic lust? She had no regret that she lacked the correct words. She reveled in the feelings.

  Her anger and pain in being forced to relive the memories with Algy receded after little more than two days with Sebastian. How could that be? She wasn’t flighty or fickle. How could one man and one blistering kiss change her entire perspective?

  “I’m sorry I can’t spend the entire celebration with you.” Sebastian’s deep rumbly voice soothed over her tumultuous feelings.

  “I don’t agree with you sneaking into the earl’s study. It is too risky.”

  Sebastian hadn’t shared his reason for investigating the earl’s study. Only that she and Aunt Euphemia needed to provide social cover for him during his absence.

  Sebastian’s dimples twinkled. “I don’t sneak, my dear. I move with stealth and total confidence.”

  And this was the biggest and the most disturbing shift in her feelings. Ella now worried about Sebastian and the danger that he placed himself in. Last night she hadn’t slept, knowing he was out by himself inspecting caves. He downplayed the hazard, but she had seen the men on the beach. The odds were against him as one man against an entire gang.

  “If anything were to happen to me, you can rely on Aunt Euphemia.”

  “Please don’t say that…” She squeezed his arm. Ella couldn’t admit to Sebastian how frightened she was for him.

  “I don’t understand. How can Aunt Euphemia be of assistance? And why didn’t Lord Rathbourne send another man to help you.”

  “Aunt Euphemia would be offended that you think her less than a mere male agent.” He placed his hot hand over hers.

  “She is very intimidating in London society…but how could she possibly offer protection to you?”

  “Ella, I hate that you’re upset. I wouldn’t have told you of my plans tonight if I didn’t need to absent myself from your company.”

  He stopped at the edge of the woods and allowed other guests to walk around them, giving them brief privacy. The sunshine reflected off his hair, creating a burnished red hue on the strands of his light hair.

  “Ella, you must promise me that you won’t decide to leave the festivities to join me in the study.”

  They had already had this discussion after breakfast when they had stolen a few minutes before Ella joined the other ladies in preparing their flower crowns. “I still contend that I should accompany you into the study.”

  “That is exactly what worries me. Please don’t make my assignment more difficult than it already has become by making me worry about you.”

  Ella leaned toward the warmth and the promise in his eyes. His fresh scent wafted over her already sensitized awareness.

  “That’s unfair, Sebastian. I would never jeopardize your safety. I would never distract you from your assignment.”

  “Being near you is my greatest distraction. I’ve never had, or thought I was capable of, such fierce emotions. I can barely think of anything but you.”

  Ella gazed into his bright green eyes which matched the color of the surrounding budding trees. “How can I feel this deeply after mere days of knowing you?”

  “I wouldn’t have accepted or believed it myself. I would’ve laughed if any of my friends had declared themselves after such a short connection.” Sebastian pressed her hand to his muscled chest. “You’ve stolen my heart.”

  Ella could feel his strong chest and his thundering heartbeat through his waistcoat.

  “Very touching.” Algy’s caustic voice startled Ella.

  Sebastian made a sound under his breath that resembled a growl.

  Ella nodded. “Lady Ethel, Algy.”

  When Lady Ethel and her parents had arrived last evening, Ella had steeled herself for a jealous reaction to the lady. But watching the cold disdain with which Algy treated the young woman, Ella felt only sympathy, no jealousy.

  “Lord Grosvenor, capturing another lady’s heart? I would think you’d be tired of the game by now.” The redhead pursed her lips as she angled her head to the side in a coy manner.

  Ella had been entertained during the season, watching many of the ladies take a similar flirtatious mode with the gentlemen. But having the lady blatantly flirt with Sebastian had a different effect. Ella wasn’t entertained. She stepped closer to Sebastian as if to claim and shield him.

  “Come along, Ethel.” Algy pulled not so gently on her arm.

  The moment of intimacy with Sebastian vanished with the harsh reminder of how experienced Sebastian was in the game of seduction.

  Ella was a very capable woman except when deciphering men and their intentions. Seeing Algy undermined her confidence in trusting her feelings.

  “Don’t pull away.” Sebastian lifted her chin, his calloused fingers tracing the angle of her chin.

  Hot shivers ran up and down her arms at the tenderness in his touch.

  “Do not look at me like that. I’m not Algy.”

  “Are you not?” Ella stepped back, not able to think when he touched her, although what she really wanted was to lean into him like a purring cat.

  “Why did Lady Ethel imply that you had been involved—as if you had broken her heart?”

  “Ella, I’ve never paid any attention to the woman, although not for her lack of trying. Lady Ethel is one of many women who are interested in pursuing a man for his title.”

  Ella searched his harsh, angled face. Sebastian wasn’t anything like Algy. In her heart, she knew it.

  “I’m sorry, Sebastian, but your reputation makes it difficult…” Ella hadn’t planned on this discussion, but distrust persisted in the back of her mind.

  “A great deal of my reputation has been exaggerated to allow me to move into places that are necessary for the work I do.”

  “There is always talk about your latest paramour.”

  Flashes of red color spotted Sebastian’s high cheeks as he reached for her hand, pressing it to his lips “Ella, I can’t go back and change my past. But standing before your radiant goodness, I feel like a new man. A babe in arms to this shiny new world that you’ve spun around me. I want to live and breathe and occupy your world.”

  Ella’s knees weakened with the fervent ardor burning in his eyes and the way his voice had sunk into a heartfelt melody.

  “Tat, tat. None of this now. There will be plenty of time later.” Aunt Euphemia batted at Sebastian and Ella’s locked hands.

  Sebastian chuckled. “Your timing leaves something to be desired, Aunt Euphemia.”

  “Come along, Ella. Grosvenor has a job to do.”

  Aunt Euphemia linked her arm with Ella’s to lead her to the dancing.

  “Aunt Euphemia, don’t let Malden near Ella. I don’t trust the—”

  Ella stiffened. “My lord, you take too much on yourself.”

  “Although I agree that Malden isn’t trustworthy, Ella is correct. You assume too much responsibility for the lady. She is very capable of making decisions for herself.”

  “Ella, dear. Please avoid Malden. To know you’re not in his company will spare me one difficult distraction and put me at ease.”

  Ella’s heart warmed by Sebastian’s effort to please her. “I will do my best, Sebastian.”

  * * *

  Aunt Euphemia and Ella walked arm in arm toward the gathering.

  “You and I have a job to do. While Grosvenor is searching, we will search the crowd for the man you saw on the beach in the gentleman’s boots.”

  Although it was unladylike behavior, Ella couldn’t stop her mouth hanging open. “You want me to help? Sebastian said—”

  “Don’t worry about Grosvenor. He, like all gentlemen, has antiquated ideas about protecting the woman he loves.”

  Ella tried to process Aunt Euphemia’s message—the older woman believed in Ella and her capabilities. No one before had acknowledged her abilities. A burgeoning feeling of belonging warmed Ella.

  “All fiddle-faddle. You are a highly capable woman. No harm can come to you by mingling in the crowd. I’ve watched you navigate two seasons and handle forward gentlemen and jealous ladies with aplomb. You can handle the little task of surveillance.” A gleam twinkled in the older woman’s eyes.

  Ella squeezed Aunt Euphemia’s hand. The no-nonsense and highly respected matron was the ideal person to have taken over the role of chaperone when Ella and Gwyneth became close friends. Ella’s own aunt was completely overwhelmed with the demands of the season and was relieved to return to her home in Surrey.

  “Aunt Euphemia, you’re a remarkable woman. And why do I have the feeling you do a lot more than surveying for your nephew?”

  “Poor Grosvenor. He’s going to have his hands full with you. I look forward to watching the match. Now, describe once more the man we’re looking for.”

  “He kept his face averted so I had a limited view and couldn’t see his face.”

  Ella didn’t share that she was distracted by being held tenderly in Sebastian’s arms.

  “His hair is brown. He’s tall and blade thin with stooped shoulders. He didn’t have the appearance of a gentleman who exercised out of doors.”

  “Splendid. If you spot him, you will alert me, then I’ll take over.”

  “How will you take over?”

  Aunt Euphemia patted her shoulder. “You go to the left and I’ll go to the right. And we’ll meet back here close to the woods in twenty minutes. Try not to be obvious, just socialize like everyone else.”

  Ella grinned at the formidable woman who stood out amongst the sea of spring pastels in a purple gown and turban with several waving peacock feathers. Aunt Euphemia defied any idea of blending in. But who would suspect an eccentric matron? The subterfuge was brilliant.

  Grateful to have a distraction from her worries about Sebastian, Ella smiled as she made her way through the crowd. She reassured herself that he was experienced in this type of activity. And no one would suspect an heir to a marquess of anything disreputable like trespassing.

  After the allotted time, Ella had nothing to show for her efforts, but she had to make her way back to their meeting place according to plan. She was disappointed that she hadn’t found the gentleman. Ella had wanted to prove to Sebastian that she could be helpful.

  Searching the crush of people in hopes of possibly still spotting the man, she didn’t see Algy’s approach from behind until he stood next to her.

  “Where is your devoted swain? By his outrageous behavior, I’m surprised to find you alone.”

  Algy stood too close, his heavy musk scent and the smell of liquor repulsing her. She sidestepped away from him.

  “Sebastian received an urgent message from his estate manager.” It was partially true. Ash had sent Sebastian a message giving Sebastian an excuse for his sudden disappearance. And tomorrow another message would arrive to keep the charade going.

  “Walk with me, Ella.” He offered his arm.

  Ella sought Aunt Euphemia in the milling groups of people to offer a plausible reason to refuse Algy.

  “Where is Lady Ethel? Will she not be offended?”

  “Lady Ethel will do as she is told.”

  An icy chill skimmed along Ella’s neck, causing her whole body to shiver.

  “Do not call attention to us, Ella.”

  Ella noted the speculative looks in response to Algy’s sharp, angry tone. She placed her hand on his arm.

  Algy led her away from the dancing toward the edge of the woods to the same hidden area as three years ago.

  “Algy, I promised my chaperone that I would stay close to the activities. She will not be able to find me and she’ll be worried. I can’t impose upon her goodwill.”

  “Are you afraid to be alone with me? You used to love to sneak away with me.”

  “I was foolish and young. Neither of us are the same people anymore.”

  Ella dropped her hand from Algy’s arm and stopped near the path that she had taken to the beach with Sebastian. She refused to allow Algy to lead her into the woods.

  “But we are the same people. I’ll prove it to you. Come with me to our spot.” He grabbed her elbow. “Let me love you.”

  “Are you mad?” Ella attempted to pull away, but Algy tightened his grip.

  “You wouldn’t allow Grosvenor to touch you. You belong to me. You’ve always loved me.”

  Ella had fantasized revisiting their special rendezvous spot each year on their wedding anniversary. Now, Algy’s obscene suggestion made her lightheaded.

  “I thought I loved you when I was a young naïve woman. Not any longer.”

  “You’re not like other women, Ella. You would never abandon me. You’ve waited for me, turning down all your proposals.”

  “No, Algy, you abandoned me. Since then, I’ve realized the only two men that I gave my love to abandoned me. I’ve been alone in London for almost three years.”

  “Damn it, Ella. I’m not like your father.”

  Algy towered over her. His dark eyebrows slashed together in displeasure. This was a new side of Algy she had never witnessed.

  “No, you’re worse. You promised to love me and that we would be wed. My father has never lied to me.”

  “My father would’ve disinherited me if I hadn’t stayed away from you. I did it to protect you. To save us. We can be together now.”

  Ella shook her head. After all this time… “How are we to be together when you’re to be married?”

  “Once I’m married, I’ll be free of my father. I’ll have my own inheritance. We can be together.”

  Outrage and pain combined to make a fomenting mess of emotions. She felt weak-kneed and queasy. “Your plan is to make me your mistress?”

  “What difference does it make what you’re called? We’ll be together.”

  “Who are you? I don’t recognize the caring boy that I loved. The Algy that I loved would never suggest anything so hurtful and offensive.”

  “I grew up, Ella, and faced my responsibilities.”

  He pulled on her arm to bring her closer, but Ella dug her heels into the sand.

  “You belong to me.”

  Sebastian spoke in a calm, controlled voice. “Let her go. Now. Or I’ll kill you.”

  Chapter Eight

  Sebastian entered the earl’s library and crossed the book-lined room. He exhaled slowly to release the tension in his body. With the fading sunlight, coupled with the light from the burning fire, he wouldn’t need to use a taper to search. Immediately, he spotted the earl’s seal in plain sight on the expansive oak desk. The heavy silver stamp was placed in a position of prominence on his lordship’s desk.

  Sebastian paused and listened carefully for any sounds before he opened each drawer, searching for any correspondence that might connect the earl to the French. He examined the stacks of paper. Next, he slid his hand under the desk, looking for a hidden drawer.

 

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