Regency Spymasters 01 - Spy Fall (9 page)

Somewhere a door closed. It must be the entrance to Aldridge’s bedchamber. Cosmo stilled and frustration flashed in the assertive lines of his face. “Good God, I think it’s Aldridge.”

In her rush to stand, she got tangled in her skirts and tumbled to the floor. “We have to get out of here,” she said in an urgent whisper, stuffing her breasts into her bodice. She reached for her knife and slid it back into place, secured against her thigh.

He offered a hand and pulled her to her feet. “Come with me.”

She tugged back at him. “Wait. You got your boon. Now you must tell me how you spied on me.”

“I think it best to show you.” He led her to the short passageway between the dressing chamber and the main chamber. The wall was wainscoted, and Cosmo pulled one of the innocent-looking panels open to reveal an ordinary cupboard with shelves. The shelves were sparse, with very little on them save a few books and a vase. Cosmo slid one of the shelves out of its grooves, exposing a hidden door in the side of the cupboard. He pushed it open to reveal a narrow staircase. A secret passageway.

He looked at her for her reaction, and she longed to wipe the smirk off his face. So this was how a drunken dilettante had managed to botch her investigation. Stepping inside, he held out his hand. The sound of Aldridge’s footsteps shuffling toward the dressing room prompted her into action. Taking his proffered hand, she stepped through the door with him.

He paused to close the panel behind them, and then put the shelf to rights. Without the light from Aldridge’s chamber, they were in complete darkness. The air smelled damp and dusty. Cosmo took her hand in a firm, warm grip and led her down narrow stairs, through a passageway so cramped it barely accommodated the broadness of his shoulders.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, she heard Cosmo moving something around. A door swung open toward them. Light filtered in, and she saw they’d reached Aldridge’s study. Stepping through the passage door, she realized that a row of the bookshelves had pulled back to open like a door.

“
Misère
!” She stomped across the faded Aubusson carpet. Obviously, the clerk who’d drawn the floor plans had neglected to include the most relevant information; that behind an unassuming exterior, Langtry House hid its own secrets. The clandestine passages were like silent catacombs holding the house’s mysteries.

Cosmo closed the secret door, which clicked into place, looking deceptively innocent. Not only was the house much more complicated than it appeared, so too was the man who stood before her with a smug expression on his too-appealing visage.

“Don’t be such a poor sport, Angel. I see you hate to lose.”

Anger quivered in her chest. She did abhor defeat, especially when so much was at stake. “I don’t deny it is especially lowering to be bested by a
crétin
who excels at drinking and rutting.”

“Now that we’ve outlined my proficiencies, why don’t we turn our attention to yours?” The mischief in his eyes failed to mask the brooding intelligence behind them. “Exactly what are your primary accomplishments, Mademoiselle Lamarre?”

Bristling, she turned and paced away from him. In all the searches she’d conducted in the course of her work, she’d never been detected. Until now, and by the likes of him. “I don’t know how I could have missed it.” She spoke more to herself than to him. “I checked the walls.”

“They are solid.” His manner was not unkind. “The walls are specially designed so the cavity behind them will not sound hollow.”

“I should have been more thorough.” She wanted to kick herself. A coastal house in an area overrun with smugglers was bound to have hidden cupboards and undetected rooms.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Angel. Whoever designed the secret passageways here at Langtry had a particular zest for intrigue.” He took a seat, easing that long body into a comfortable chair by the fire. “Almost every chamber is accessible by a secret cupboard, false floor, or hidden door.”

She stilled, her scalp tingling as the implications of that bit of information settled in. “Including my chamber.”

His lazy smile widened. “Indeed.”

“You spied on me?” She flushed at the thought that he might have watched when she’d thought she was alone, when she undressed or bathed, or indulged in the most intimate of behaviors alone in bed at night.

“An interesting choice of words. But, no,” he said softly. “I am not that much of a scoundrel.” His face changed, sharpened, as though something on her face gave her thoughts away. “Although I’m beginning to regret my gentlemanly inclinations.”

She swallowed. Hard. “I suppose I should be grateful you are not a complete
cochon
.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” His resonant voice wrapped around her. “Perhaps, one day, you will want me to watch.”

Desire sluiced through her. “Perhaps.” Not wanting to see his reaction, she turned abruptly and marched to the door, intent on leaving him before she allowed something to happen that she would regret. Pausing at the door, her back still to him, she said, “Will you ask us to leave Langtry now?”

“Are your brothers part of this?”

“No,” she said, lying.

“You’re welcome to stay. I believe in keeping my enemies close. I fully intend to find out what you are after. Whatever it is, I won’t allow you to do injury to Aldridge. I’ll protect my father at all costs.” With those cool, implacable words, he threw down the gauntlet. “No matter whom I have to destroy in the process.”

The full realization of just how badly she’d underestimated Cosmo Dunsmore settled deep and heavy within her. Behind that ironic lightness lurked a darkly clever man of startling perceptiveness.

For the first time in her career, she’d lost complete control of the game. But, then again, this evening had demonstrated that it was entirely possible she’d never really had it in hand to begin with.

The following morning, Cosmo appeared at breakfast to find his father alone at the table, engrossed in the latest newspaper from town.

Aldridge glanced up. “You’re awake early.”

“Unfortunately,” he said, going to the sideboard to fill his plate. Someone needed to keep an eye on the parachutist. “I couldn’t sleep.”

His eyes on the paper, Aldridge sipped his coffee. “You’ve been staying close to home of late.”

Cosmo sat at the table, motioning for Toby to bring him some coffee. “Dorset doesn’t offer the diversions of the capital.”

“No indeed.” Putting the paper down, Aldridge perched his elbows on the table and fisted his hands under his chin. “I thought perhaps the presence of the Lamarre family might be attracting your interest.”

Cosmo dug into his breakfast. Mari certainly attracted his attention. Kissing her, holding her soft warmth in his arms last evening, had shaken him to the core. The paradox of that abundant feminine flesh wrapped in Mari’s fierce, flinty exterior entranced him. In the same breath, he silently cursed himself for his idiocy. He could have no tender feelings for the parachutist; he needed to remember she was the enemy. He must speak to Will to decide how to proceed from here. “I’m surprised both Will and Miss Lamarre are still abed.”

“You are the only slugabed this morning, Cosmo. Will and Miss Lamarre have long since breakfasted.”

Cosmo put his fork down. “Indeed?”

“Yes, they engaged in quite an animated discussion,” Aldridge said. “He expressed an interest in seeing how her parachute frame is constructed.”

Good old Will. He likely had hopes of collecting more information on Mari before reporting back to his superiors at the Home Office. Cosmo rose from the table. “If you will excuse me.” Will needed to be made aware of the events last night, in particular that Mari now knew Cosmo suspected her of pernicious intentions. “I think I’ll join them, especially as Will intends to depart this morning.”

Aldridge regarded him with surprise. “So soon? I thought he intended to stay on for a few days.” His last remarks were punctuated by a string of light coughs.

Cosmo frowned. His father’s ailment seemed to have lasted far longer than it should have. “Can’t Dr. Hodges give you something for that cough?”

Aldridge waved the concern away with a hand. “It’s merely a chest cold. One of the disadvantages of growing older is that one cannot shake off such nuisances as easily as before.” He picked up the newspaper and returned his attention to it, effectively pronouncing the issue closed.

Seeing he would make no ground where his father’s health was concerned, Cosmo went to find Will and Mari. The
M
brothers were outside the barn, inspecting the white silk parachute spread over the ground.

Maxim hailed him first, and Cosmo inquired as to what they were doing.

“We must look it over very carefully to assure there is no hole or other breach before we take it up.”

“Are you ascending today?”

Maxim shook his head. “Tomorrow. Mari hasn’t finished repairing her frame.”

The thought of watching Mari plunge from the heavens scraped his lungs like shards of ice. “Speaking of the parachutist, where is she?”

Marcel shot him a sharp look. “What do you want with her?” he asked with an upward jerk of his chin.

“My friend, Mr. Naismith, is with her,” he said in a nonchalant fashion. “I wish to join them.”

Cutting him a skeptical look, Marcel motioned toward the barn with a tip of his head and went back to his work without another word.

Heading to the barn, Cosmo decided the problem with the elder of Mari’s two siblings was that he was entirely too perceptive. Marcel understood full well what Cosmo wanted from Mari. Unfortunately, debauching every inch of her luscious body was an intent no brother would tolerate.

He entered the barn to find Mari standing next to her parachute, answering Will’s polite questions about the contraption.

“Taking a look at Miss Lamarre’s frame, Will?”

They turned toward him in unison. “Cosmo,” Will said. “I’m pleased you’ve arisen before I take my leave.”

His eyes met Mari’s. After last night, a new knowledge pulsed between them. Crossing her arms over her breasts—which he’d had bare and overflowing in his hands and mouth just a few hours ago—she said, “This is very early in the day for Monsieur Dunsmore.”

He yawned on cue. “I can’t perceive why anyone would willingly rise at this ungodly hour.”

“Miss Lamarre tells me she intends to make a practice jump on the morrow,” Will said. “I shall be very sorry to miss it.”

“Perhaps you’ll be able to attend our exhibition in London,” Mari said.

“Where will it occur?”

“I shall make the parachute descent at the parade ground of the St. George’s Volunteers near Grosvenor Square. Do you know it?”

After a few more minutes of polite conversation, Will took his leave of Mari and paused outside to bid farewell to her brothers before continuing to the stables to retrieve his mount.

Cosmo walked alongside him. “Did you learn anything?”

“I’m no expert in these matters, Cosmo, but hopefully your information will soon be in the hands of people who are.”

“I’d hate to see her hurt.”

Pausing to study him, Will pushed his spectacles up the bridge of his nose. “What exactly is the nature of your relationship with Miss Lamarre?”

“One of unrequited, unfulfilled lust,” Cosmo said, knowing that was a half truth. He could hardly admit that a smile from the woman had the power to render him weak in the knees. Once they reached the barn, Will called for the groom to bring his mount. Turning to Cosmo, he said, “Do you have hopes in that direction?”

Cosmo exhaled. “How could I? If the woman is a spy, she could very well be out to destroy Aldridge. I caught her searching his bedchamber last night.”

Will’s eyes widened. “No! Did she see you?”

“Oh, yes. I told her I knew she was up to no good, and assured her I would do whatever it takes to stop her from hurting Aldridge.”

Will turned to thank the groom who brought his horse. Climbing into the saddle, he paused to look down at Cosmo. “What about the brothers?”

“She claims they are not a part of her scheme. But you can’t believe a word that comes out of that lovely mouth.”

“Were you able to ascertain what she might be looking for?”

“No, but I did inform her that I fully intend to find out. I am not entirely without resources.”

Will’s pale brows inched upward. “How do you mean?”

“This land has been in our family for more than a century. I might not be cut out for this cloak-and-sword business, but the people here are loyal to us.”

“Meaning?”

He shrugged. “Meaning it’s a mistake for anyone to underestimate the power of that allegiance.”

“You might be more adept at the spy game than you realize. But have a care, she could be dangerous.”

He held Will’s gaze. “As can I when pushed.”

Shading his eyes with one hand, Cosmo squinted against the sun, peering skyward at the striped balloon carrying Mari into the clouds. His stomach felt as if heavy, jagged rocks clunked around inside of it. Suspended impossibly high up between the heavens and earth, Mari cut loose from the silk contraption keeping her aloft thousands of feet above the ground. Relieved of her weight, the colorful balloon skyrocketed upward while she plummeted in the opposite direction, spiraling downward in the parachute gondola with stunning velocity.

His stomach dropped. When would her damn umbrella open? God’s breath! He must be out of his mind to watch Mari fall from the sky while he was sober. He should have had a glass of brandy. Or a whole bottle.

Just when his heart felt ready to explode, the parachute unfolded with a sudden jerk, unfurling a billowing white canopy over Mari’s head, arresting her fall. The basket lurched a few heart-stopping times, causing her to sway wildly, before the boat finally righted itself and settled into a calm descent. The afternoon sun glowed through the snowy parachute, forming a nimbus around her as she floated to earth. She looked ethereal and delicate, like a true angel drifting down from the heavens.

A sickening feeling welled inside of him. So much could still go wrong. Nothing stood between her and mortality except an umbrella-like silk contraption and a wicker boat. Not much to test fate with. He forced a breath. At least her parachute gondola had stayed intact, unlike last time, when she’d hurtled to earth without it.

A hush of wonder hung over the onlookers. Aldridge stood in the shadow of the house with the household servants gathered around him. The grooms had taken a break from their chores to witness the spectacle. Unable to bear being near them, Cosmo moved far across the open lawn, watching from beneath the trees. Alone.

She swung close enough for him to hear the wind whistle through the silk parachute. He discerned she had moved slightly off course and would not land in the open field as planned. His heart accelerating, he ran in the direction of the wayward umbrella as it swooped over the trees and out of his view. He raced through the wooded area, ignoring the sting of sharp branches scraping at his arms and face. The thud of Mari’s car hitting the ground, followed by a series of heavy hops, rolled through him in icy waves. He burst into the clearing to find her already out of the basket and on her feet. Cheeks flushed, her hair was askew as usual, unfurling about her shoulders like waves of black diamonds shimmering in the sun.

“
Zut alors!
” Hands on breech-clad hips, she unleashed a string of expletives in French. Relief flooded him. Clearly, she was fine. “I do not understand why I veered off course again.”

“You didn’t stray so very far.”

Her gaze snapped to him as though she’d just noticed his presence. “What are you doing here?”

“I rather hoped you’d land on me again.”

A smile twitched her lips. Surveying the collapsed umbrella, with its pole flopping to the side, she said, “Perhaps I had too many vents.”

“Was it not a good jump?”

She shrugged. “It was not so very bad, but I must work to perfect my landing.”

They moved in silence for a moment while gathering her equipment. “Why do you do it?” he asked in a quiet voice. “Surely you realize you endanger your life each time you disengage from a balloon.”

She shrugged. “I don’t think one such as you would understand.”

“One such as I?” That hardly sounded flattering. “Try me. Is it the risk, the danger?” It made perfect sense to him that a spy, if that’s what she was, would be drawn to the same pursuits as a parachutist—the lurking danger, the thrill of the unknown.

“No, it doesn’t feel that way at all.” A serene expression fell over her face. “In truth, it is wonderful. When I am up there alone, it is so very quiet and I am floating with the wind. It is the most peaceful feeling you can imagine.” She looked skyward, the rainbow of colors in her eyes—mostly greens, ambers, and soft browns—catching the sun. “It is
liberté,
the ultimate freedom.”

Her peaceful countenance made his throat ache. “Freedom from what?”

“All things.” Her face still tilted into the sun, she closed her eyes as though reliving the experience, her dark lashes fanning delicate shadows across her cheeks. “For a moment, I am flying. It is just me and the air and the sun. It is the most exhilarating sensation.”

The words, so bright and joyous, pricked his chest. “Icarus also found it to be so. He flew too close to the sun to his own fatal peril.”

She opened her eyes, where the brilliant revelry of color shone more brightly than usual. “He fell into the sea because his wax feathers melted. But had he been afraid, had he flown too low, the sea would have dampened his feathers and the result would have been as disastrous.”

“All the more reason to remain on dry ground.”

“All the more reason to be cognizant of one’s limits, and to ensure that my equipment works.” She held up a finger as though to prove her point. “And that I do not lose my head by trying to fly too close to the sun.”

It struck him anew that this unfathomable passion she had for falling from the sky could kill her. The idea of it made his chest sore. Pulling Mari into his arms, he caught the surprise in her eyes just before his lips covered hers. He suffused the act with the intensity of feeling roiling inside of him. Blood pounded through his veins as he pulled her body tight against his, indulging in the softness of her lips and the ambrosial taste of her mouth. Her body’s feminine curves snug against his, Cosmo exhilarated in the feel of having Mari safe in his arms, warm and alive.

She kissed him back with equal ardency, throwing herself into the intimacy with the same vehemence she demonstrated in everything she attempted. Mari nipped his upper lip, and a shock of pleasure shot through him when she sucked on it as though it were a sweetmeat she couldn’t get enough of.

Heaven. Not that there was anything angelic about the way she used her lips at the moment. It drove him to madness. He’d end up in bedlam if bedding her proved half as erotic as kissing her.

After several blissful moments, he reluctantly pulled away, remembering where they were and that one or—God forbid—both of the
M
brothers could come upon them at any moment.

A soft glow bathed her face. “Perhaps you are right,” she murmured after a moment.

Still dazed from the kiss, he barely heard her over the pounding in his chest. “About what?”

“About me liking a challenge.” She grinned, her wide smile showing the tiny gap between her front teeth. “Otherwise, why would I put up with the likes of you?”

A tenderness he shouldn’t feel for her swelled in his chest. “I cannot begin to fathom.” Taking her hand, he interlaced his fingers with hers. “I am a risky proposition for any discriminating female.”

They left her equipment neatly assembled for her brothers to retrieve after they located the balloon Mari had disengaged from, which would eventually find its way down somewhere in the vicinity. As they walked back to the house, it occurred to Cosmo that he understood Icarus’s obsession. Mari gave him that soaring feeling. She was like an opiate, and he wanted more and more of that heady sensation, despite the fact that it might not be good for him. Might even do him harm.