The Oslo Affair (Shadows of War, #2) CW Browning (sci fi books to read TXT) 📖

“Is that Stephen Mansbridge I hear?” a voice called from the other side of the patio.

They turned to watch as Rob rounded the corner of the house with Miles close behind. Evelyn caught her breath as her pulse leapt again at the sight of the tall, handsome pilot with her brother. Good grief. Why couldn’t she get a hold of herself when she saw him? He was just a man, after all. A very good-looking man, but just a man.

“Good Lord, it is!” Rob crowed, vaulting over the low balustrade that encircled the patio. “I haven’t seen you in what seems like years! How are you?”

“Robbie!” His mother exclaimed in exasperation. “Really! There’s an entrance right over there!”

Stephen grinned and went over to ring Rob’s hand.

“Never better, old man, never better,” he said. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it for the funeral. I couldn’t get away, I’m afraid.”

“So we heard. You mother explained everything.” Rob turned as Miles circled around the patio to come through the opening a few feet away. “Don’t let it worry you. The whole day is something of a blur, to be honest. I doubt if I remember who did show up. Miles! This is Stephen Mansbridge. We’ve known him for years. Practically grew up with him. This is Miles Lacey, a mate from Duxford.”

Miles grinned and shook Stephen’s hand. “Hello.”

“Hallo.”

“You know Evie already,” Rob said, continuing the introductions. “This is my mother. I don’t think you met her when you were here the other day.”

“No, indeed.” Miles smiled and held his hand out to Mrs. Ainsworth. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for having me. I’m sure the last thing you want is a house guest right now.”

“It’s no trouble,” she answered graciously, motioning him into the seat Stephen had vacated. “Rob explained the situation. Did you really have to land in London?”

“I’m afraid so. It doesn’t look as though they’ll have the plane fixed by tomorrow, so I’m to go back with Rob. I was all set to stay in the hotel another night when Rob suggested I stay here.”

“Of course! You’re more than welcome,” Mrs. Ainsworth said warmly. “We’ve plenty of room.”

“Have you had tea yet?” Rob asked. “I’m starving.”

“Thomas is just bringing it.”

“I gather from that conversation that you’re a pilot as well?” Stephen asked Miles, pulling out a cigarette case.

“Yes.”

“You wouldn’t happen to be related to the Laceys in York, would you?” he asked, his brows creased thoughtfully. “I could swear you look familiar.”

Evelyn thought she heard a very faint sigh beside her.

“Yes, I am. I believe we met last year at Lord Sandringham’s masquerade,” Miles said.

Stephen snapped his fingers and his face cleared.

“Of course! I knew I recognized you! And now you’re flying airplanes.”

“Oh, I was flying airplanes then, as well.”

Evelyn looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

“I’m fairly positive you failed to mention that you were one of the Yorkshire Laceys,” she said, tilting her head.

“You didn’t ask,” he replied with a quick grin.

“Stephen, how long are you staying?” Rob asked.

“Only for tea. I just stopped in on my way to Wales.” Stephen lit a cigarette and glanced at him. “I’m glad I was able to catch you, though. It’s been a long time.”

“So it has. Are you still with the diplomatic service?”

“As long as they’ll keep me.”

Miles looked at Evelyn as Stephen and Rob moved away to the other end of the patio.

“How much longer is your leave?” he asked.

“I have to go back tomorrow, the same as Robbie.”

“Doesn’t seem fair, does it?” he asked. “It’s hardly enough time to wrap your mind around everything.”

“That’s what I was saying this morning,” Mrs. Ainsworth agreed.

“There is a war on,” Evelyn pointed out. “We’re lucky we got the three days that we did.”

“I know,” her mother sighed. “I’m grateful for the time you had. I just wish you had more of it to relax before going back. Why don’t you show Mr. Lacey the stables after tea?”

“Please call me Miles,” he said. “When you say Mr. Lacey, I feel I ought to look round for my father.”

“Very well, Miles.” Mrs. Ainsworth smiled. “Do you ride?”

“I do.”

“Wonderful! Evelyn can take you out this afternoon. The fresh air will be good for her.”

“And what about you?” Evelyn asked fondly. “What will you do for fresh air?”

Her mother waved a hand vaguely. “This is as much fresh air as I can stand today. Don’t you worry about me.”

Miles looked at Evelyn and his green eyes met hers. He smiled slowly.

“It looks like you’re stuck with me.”

Evelyn grinned. “I’m sure I’ll find a way to manage.”

Evelyn studied her reflection in the mirror critically. She wore a simple dress in her favorite shade of blue that was more than appropriate for an evening meal at home. She’d purchased the gown in Paris in the spring during an impulsive afternoon of shopping and this was only the second time she’d worn it. The color brought out the blue of her eyes, and her cheeks were still flushed from her ride with Miles earlier. Her mother had been right. The fresh air had done her a world of good.

Well, that and the company of Miles Lacey.

Evelyn turned from the mirror and went across her room to the door. There was no denying her attraction to the pilot. From the first moment she laid eyes on him, she had felt irresistibly drawn to him. The ever-present twinkle in his green eyes filled her with warmth, and when he smiled, she felt it clear through to her toes. There was something about Miles that was altogether different from any other man of her acquaintance, and Evelyn was uncomfortably aware that this was a man she could easily fall in love with.

And they both had to return to their respective stations, and the war, in the morning. He would go back to flying his Spitfires, and she would return to Scotland to prepare for Oslo.

Evelyn opened the door and stepped into the hallway. It