“Miss Collins,” Alex started once more.

“Will say what she pleases,” Hastings clipped. “If you attempt to stop her again, Borin, I will have you escorted out.”

Alex stiffened. “I merely wished to point out,” he said tightly, “that Miss Collins should consider her own needs first for once.”

Now Katherine stiffened. Her own needs? For once? Did he understand about her War Office then? Had he forgiven her? She had to know. She chanced a look at his eyes and saw love and encouragement written there. Any concerns she had melted away. She smiled at him and saw his mouth curve in a smile in return.

“Miss Collins?” Lord Hastings prompted. “You were going to tell us about the Willstencraft ball?”

She returned her gaze to him with difficulty. “Yes, my lord. As I said, I had Lord Borin in my sights much of the time. What is the question?”

“I will not ask you why you had young Borin under surveillance,” he replied knowingly, and she blushed. “What we wish to know is where he disappeared on two separate occasions and what he did then.”

Katherine blinked. Two occasions. She’d wager she knew exactly what he’d been up to, and why he refused to speak of it himself. “Oh, that is simple. On the first occasion my stepsister invited him out onto the terrace to attempt to compromise him, only he was too noble.”

Hastings coughed, and she had a feeling he was trying to hide a laugh. The fellow behind him suddenly found something fascinating on the floor.

“Very commendable,” the marquis said. “I had no idea the fellow could resist temptation so admirably. I trust Miss Templeman would be willing to verify your story?”

Katherine nodded. “Very willing. She highly esteems Lord Borin.”

“Yes, very personable fellow, Borin,” Hastings quipped. “I had similar reports from any number of young ladies. And what can you tell me about the other occasion?”

“That is easy as well. Part of that time he was with me.”

“Busy fellow,” Hastings replied, frowning at Alex. “But you said part of the time. Do you know what occurred the other part?”

“Most assuredly.” She paused, trying to determine how best to phrase it. Much as she disliked Lord Templeman, she didn’t wish to spread gossip, particularly through the War Office. But Lord Hastings was watching her, and she had a feeling he’d see through any screen she attempted to put up. She hurried on. “Lord Templeman, my stepsister’s cousin, was attempting to bribe Lord Borin to stay away from Constance.”

Hastings blinked as if the answer surprised him. “And how do you know this?”

Now she felt Alex’s eyes on her. He was probably thinking she’d eavesdropped. For once, she could say that was not the case. “I saw them return to the ballroom together,” she told Lord Hastings, “and I saw the results of the bribe.”

Alex shook his head, but the smile on his face told her the gesture stemmed more from reluctant admiration rather than censure.

“So,” Hastings mused, pursing his lips, “Borin accepted a bribe from Templeman?”

Now why did she think he invested Lord Templeman’s name with particular interest? Was Constance’s cousin more involved in this matter than she had thought?

“Actually, Lord Borin did me a favor,” Katherine explained. “He was never courting my stepsister. Lord Templeman was mistaken in that regard. Lord Borin knew that Lord Templeman had kept something of mine and in exchange for supposedly ceasing his suit with Constance, he forced Lord Templeman to return it.”

“And this item would be?” Hastings prompted.

“My harp,” she said. Beside her, Alex smiled fondly.

“I think I begin to see,” Hastings replied. “An interesting story, Miss Collins. You would be willing to swear its truth on your honor?”

“Yes, of course,” she agreed. “Lord Borin is no spy, my lord. I would stake my life on it.”

Alex reached out to squeeze her hand, and she took joy from the gesture. Surely their problems were over.

Hastings leaned back in his chair. “What else can you tell me about Lord Templeman?”

So, he was interested. “Only that I like him very little,” she replied, but couldn’t help adding a question of her own. “Why do you ask?”

“Let us merely say,” Lord Hastings replied with a short smile, “that I have taken an interest in him.”

Katherine’s frown deepened. “Was he the one who accused Lord Borin?”

His dark eyes kindled. “Why would you suspect that?”

Why wouldn’t she? A better question would be why hadn’t she seen it sooner. “Only because he was so sure that Lord Borin was the spy,” she told Lord Hastings. “He warned me days ago that Lord Borin would be caught for espionage.”

Alex frowned. Hastings raised a brow. “Did he indeed?”

Katherine nodded, assurance growing with every moment. “He must have intended to implicate Lord Borin all along, the toad! He probably arranged to have Lord Borin followed as well.” Another realization hit, and she hopped to her feet. “That’s why the shadow went to Miss Montgomery’s flat! He was bribing her to tell that ridiculous tale.”

“And what tale would that be?” Lord Hastings asked, leaning forward as Alex gazed at Katherine in amazement.

Katherine shook her head. “Nothing about your spy, I promise you. She came to our home to convince Constance that Lord Borin beat her.”

“What?” Alex all but yelped, hopping to his feet as well. “Katherine, I swear to you that I…”

“Am innocent,” Katherine completed, laying a hand on his chest and gazing up at him. “I know that. You would never bully anyone. You are far too much a gentleman.”

The anger drained from his face to be replaced by such a warm smile that her heart turned over.

Lord Hastings cleared his throat. “Have you anything else you’d like to share about your stepsister’s cousin, Miss Collins?”

Katherine forced her gaze away from Alex to eye the marquis. “Only that I would very much like to get my hands on him.”

“I share your desire, my dear,” Lord Hastings assured her. “I believe you can safely leave the matter with me. Lord Borin, Miss Collins, thank you for coming. You are free to go.”

 

–

 

Alex stared at Hastings. She’d done it. They were free. He felt his grin spreading as he returned his gaze to Katherine. She smiled up at him. His gaze was drawn to her sweet lips.

Hastings interrupted any further thought. “A moment, Borin, before you go.”

Alex turned to him with difficulty. Beside him, Katherine stiffened warily.

“My lord?” Alex asked.

Hastings quirked a smile. “You offered your assistance to my service some time ago. If the offer still stands, I should like to take you up on it.”

Alex blinked. “My lord? I thought you felt me unqualified.”

“Certain actions have come to my ears,” Hastings replied. “I amend my earlier opinion. We’d be pleased to have you.”

He’d been accepted! His heart leaped at the thought. Alex opened his mouth to accept and felt Katherine’s hand tighten in his own. Glancing down at her, he saw her smiling tremulously. Why did he need to accept Hastings to give his life meaning? All his hopes and dreams, everything he might become, was standing beside him. He shook his head.

“I am sorry, my lord, but I must decline. You suggested that I take a wife, and I belatedly realize what good advice that was. I hope to be married shortly and would like to devote myself to my bride.”

Her cheeks reddened, but he saw the answer glowing from her eyes.

“I see,” Hastings replied with a chuckle. “I would be willing to offer you a place as well, Miss Collins. You have a great deal of your uncle in you. However, I suspect I shall get the same answer.”

Alex held his breath. Here was a use for her considerable talents. He’d always thought she’d make a better agent than he would. Hastings no doubt hoped they would serve together, but Alex didn’t think he could function as an agent knowing that Katherine might be in danger. But could he stand to be left behind if she accepted?

She smiled at him, not even bothering to turn toward Lord Hastings. “I fear you are right about my answer, my lord,” she replied readily. “I too hope to be wed shortly and would like to devote myself to my husband.”

Alex blew out a breath. Despite the audience, he could do no more than pull her into his arms.

From a distance, he heard Lord Hastings chuckle. “If you meant to keep your mission of seeking a bride a secret, Borin, you’re doing a dashed poor job of it.”

Alex raised his head, but kept her close. She made no move to leave his arms, as if she found them all too comfortable.

“It is no secret, my lord,” he told the marquis. “You see the happiest man on earth.”

“And the happiest woman,” Katherine assured him. “I had a husband mission to start, and it succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.”

“Well, if they won’t accept a position,” Sir Richard declared from the doorway, “I will.”

“Did you all overcome my guard,” Lord Hastings demanded, “or was he carried away by gypsies?”

“Neither,” Sir Richard replied, moving into the room with a nod toward Laughton, who was shaking his head. “Though I suspect him shortly to carry off my niece in marriage by the way they are crooning over each other.”

“Blasted epidemic,” Hastings complained, though there was a twinkle in his dark eyes. “Just like this spying. Send them on their way, Richard, and we can talk.”

“Your servant, sir,” he replied, putting a hand on Alex’s shoulder and pushing him toward the door. “Send Bixby to me and see my nieces safely home, won’t you, Borin?”

“With pleasure, sir,” Alex assured him.

Out in the antechamber, he slowed his steps, savoring a few moments alone with Katherine. She did not complain, lingering with him before the door.

“Have you truly forgiven me?” she murmured, enfolding one of his hands with her own.

He used his free hand to trace her cheek with one finger. “There is nothing to forgive. You did what you felt you must to save your family. I admire your courage and your foresight in carrying out the plan. Do you forgive me for thinking you were anything but marvelous?”

A tear trickled down her cheek, and he caught it with his finger. “Tears?”

“Happy tears,” she replied with a sniff. “And there is also no need to forgive you. You had every right to be angry with me. I used my talents to disadvantage. I promise not to manipulate you again, Alex. But I fear I shall always be a managing female. It seems to be in my blood.”

He smiled. “I have a great number of activities that need managing, my dear. Your considerable skills will not go to waste. I’m certain together we can determine a way to retrieve that ruby ring you left behind. However, I have a more urgent task for you right now.”

She cocked her head. “Oh?”

He grinned and placed a quick kiss on her ear before whispering. “Yes. Can you manage to find a way to occupy your stepsister once we return to your town house so we may have some time together?”

She smiled back. “For you, my dear Alex, I can manage anything.”