A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1) - Laura Beers (macos ebook reader .TXT) 📗

Baldwin abruptly rose from his chair and walked over to the window. He continued to stare out at the gardens. “After I discovered Father had died, I knew I needed to leave Hawthorne House, to escape his memory,” he shared.

“But what about us?”

Bringing his gaze back to meet his sister’s, he admitted hesitantly, “I’m afraid I was only thinking of myself.”

“Where did you go?”

“That is not important.”

Jane looked displeased by his response. “Why are you keeping so many secrets?”

“I’m trying to protect you, Jane,” he stated.

“I don’t need your protection anymore.”

Baldwin turned and leaned back against the windowsill. “You may not want my protection, but I will always extend it towards you,” he said. “You may hate me, but I will always love you.”

Jane paused. “I don’t hate you, but I am angry with you.”

“That is a start, at least.”

Glancing down at her lap, Jane said, “We used to be so close before Father died. Why don’t you trust me anymore?”

“I do trust you.”

Jane gave him a disbelieving look. “No, you won’t even tell me where you have spent the last three years of your life.”

Baldwin knew he needed to share some aspects of where he had been to appease his sister, but he needed to be careful as he skirted around the truth. “If you must know, I spent a portion of my time on Jersey Island.”

“Jersey Island?” she asked. “Why would you wish to be so close to France?”

“The island was perfectly safe since the harbors were fortified with cannons and our naval ships were constantly docking there. Furthermore, the local militia was well trained and could assemble nearly three thousand men in a day’s time.”

“Where did you stay?”

“I rented a room at a coaching inn.”

Jane frowned. “I am not entirely sure if I believe you.”

“I assure you that it is all true.”

“Why would you give up all that you have to rent a room on an island in the Channel?”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Baldwin replied, “Because I wanted to be anywhere else but here.”

“Why didn’t you go to our Scottish manor?”

“It still held memories of our father.”

Jane’s voice was soft as she asked, “Why do you wish to forget Father?”

“I’m not ready to accept his death.”

“It has been three years.”

“I know, but the pain is still raw. It gnaws at me,” he admitted.

Tears came to Jane’s eyes. “I feel the same way,” she shared. “I think of Father every single day. I miss his smile, his laugh, and how he used to let me help him balance the ledgers.”

“That was quite scandalous of him,” Baldwin joked.

“But Father didn’t care,” Jane remarked. “He was patient, and he always made me feel loved and protected.”

Baldwin grew solemn. “I am sorry I failed you by leaving.”

“When you left, I was forced to grieve two men that I loved dearly,” she confessed as she wiped away the tears from her eyes. “I didn’t know if you were ever coming back.”

“I should have sent word.”

“Yes, you should have,” Jane remarked firmly.

Uncrossing his arms, Baldwin said, “I think we both can agree I didn’t handle the situation very well.”

“No, you did not.”

“But I don’t want it to ruin our relationship.”

Jane grew silent as she watched him. Finally, she spoke. “Neither do I,” she replied. “But I still need some time.”

“Take all the time that you need. I am not going anywhere.”

“I am relieved to hear that,” she said, rising.

“As am I.”

Baldwin watched as his sister walked over to the door. Just as she reached to open it, she stopped and spun back around.

“What are your intentions towards Madalene?”

His brow shot up at that unexpected question. “My intentions?” he repeated. “I have no intentions towards Madalene.”

“None?”

“If you must know, we are merely friends.”

Jane gave him a look that implied she didn’t believe him, but she didn’t respond to his remark. Instead, she said, “Please don’t abduct any more of my friends.”

“I can promise you that.”

“Thank you,” she replied with a smile. “Although, I am slightly envious that Madalene had such a fun adventure.”

“I don’t think Miss Dowding would consider it an adventure.”

“How could she not?” Jane asked as she opened the door.

After Jane departed from the room, Baldwin straightened from the windowsill and went to sit down at his desk. He might as well attempt to review the ledgers before he had to leave for the rookeries.

He had just reached for a ledger when Oliver stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.

“That went well,” Oliver remarked.

Baldwin leaned back in his chair. “I see that you were spying on my conversation with Jane,” he said.

“Well, I am a spy,” Oliver joked.

“That you are.” Baldwin grinned. “What is it that you want?”

“Do you need me to accompany you to the rookeries tonight?”

Baldwin shook his head. “I do not. Morton has come to accept that you are always chasing after women so your presence will not be missed.”

“That is good,” Oliver replied. “That is one less thing for you to have to worry about.”

“How will you spend your evening?”

Oliver sat down in a chair. “I intend to go to the gambling halls. After all, I have a cover that I need to protect.”

“I do not envy you,” Baldwin said. “Besides, I am terrible at cards.”

Oliver chuckled. “Then I would stay far away from the gambling halls if I were you. The men in those clubs would have no hesitation in taking you to the poorhouse.”

Baldwin glanced at the closed door before asking, “What do you make of our sister?”

Oliver grew serious. “She is rather clever, and I think it is only a matter of time before she suspects that you are a spy.”

“But not you?”

Oliver shook his head. “Sadly, Jane looks at me with disapproval in her eyes, just as Mother does.”

“I’m sorry.”

“That is generally what happens when you are labeled a rakehell amongst the ton,” Oliver said despairingly.

“But that is not who you truly are.”

Oliver sighed. “No, but it is for the good of England. My cover helps me root out