A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1) Laura Beers (well read books .TXT) 📖

“We must put our duty ahead of our own wants,” Baldwin stated.

“Father used to say that.”

Baldwin grew nostalgic at that thought. “That he did.”

Rising from his chair, Oliver said, “If you need me for any reason, you know where to find me.”

“Thank you for escorting Miss Dowding home safely last night,” Baldwin said, leaning forward in his seat and opening the ledger.

“It was my privilege,” Oliver remarked. “She was even astute enough to give the Runners a false name.”

“She is no simpleton.”

Oliver smiled. “No, she is not,” he agreed. “But I can’t help but wonder what your intentions are towards her?”

Baldwin shot his brother an exasperated look. “Not you, too.”

Oliver chuckled. “I was only teasing,” he replied.

“Thank you.”

“But in all seriousness,” Oliver started, “you would be a fool to pass on a woman like Miss Dowding.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I have never met another woman like her, and I doubt you will either.”

“That may be true, but I have no thoughts of matrimony at this time.”

Oliver stepped closer to the desk and asked, “Do you mind if I try for Miss Dowding?”

Baldwin stiffened, and an adamant refusal was on the tip of his tongue. But he didn’t want to admit that he was harboring some feelings for Miss Dowding, albeit unrequited.

“By all means,” he said with a clenched jaw.

Oliver smirked. “That is generous of you, Brother.” He walked over to the door and opened it. “I wish you luck tonight.”

Baldwin huffed as he watched Oliver depart from the room. It might be best if his brother attempted to woo Miss Dowding, he decided. Then, he might finally be able to stop thinking about her constantly.

In the darkened coach, Madalene fidgeted with the strand of pearls around her neck as they headed towards Hawthorne House. She found she was rather nervous to see Lord Hawthorne again, but that made no logical sense. Why would I be anxious to see him, she thought. He was a friend, nothing more. So why did he occupy so much of her thoughts?

“Good heavens,” Mrs. Foster proclaimed, “whatever is the matter?”

Her fingers stilled on the pearls. “Nothing,” Madalene replied. “Why do you ask?”

Mrs. Foster gave her a knowing look. “Whenever you get anxious, you start fidgeting.”

“I do?”

“It is a very telling sign, at least for me.”

Dropping her hand to her lap, Madalene admitted, “I find that I am anxious about seeing Lord Hawthorne again.”

Mrs. Foster looked displeased by her admission. “You know how I feel about Lord Hawthorne.”

“I do, and you do not need to worry yourself on that account,” Madalene said. “We are only friends.”

“You seem to have started keeping secrets from me the moment that you two met, and that concerns me greatly.”

“You have nothing to worry about.”

Mrs. Foster reached forward and patted her on her knee. “I will always worry about you. I couldn’t love you more even if you were my own child.”

“I know, and I feel the same way about you.”

“Then I urge you to be cautious around Lord Hawthorne,” Mrs. Foster said, leaning back, “and his brother.”

“Lord Oliver has only ever behaved as a perfect gentleman to me.”

Mrs. Foster gave a disbelieving huff. “He is a rakehell.”

“He is harmless,” Madalene countered.

With a shake of her head, Mrs. Foster replied, “You are entirely too trusting when it comes to men, my dear. They will take advantage of your innocence.”

“I can handle myself.”

The coach came to a stop, and it was only a moment before the door was opened. After they exited the coach, they started following the line of people into Hawthorne House as they made their way towards the ballroom.

Stepping into the rectangular room, they were immediately greeted by Jane. She went to embrace Madalene and whispered next to her ear, “I am so glad that you are finally here.”

Madalene laughed and replied in a hushed voice, “I can only imagine how much you hate standing here to greet people.”

“You have no idea,” Jane said, taking a step back.

Mrs. Foster spoke up. “You are looking lovely this evening, Lady Jane.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Foster,” Jane responded, running a hand down her pink ballgown.

“I am so glad that you could accompany Madalene this evening, Leah,” Lady Hawthorne interjected.

“Someone needs to keep her out of trouble,” Mrs. Foster joked, earning a laugh from Lady Hawthorne.

Madalene looked over and saw Lord Hawthorne standing rigidly next to his mother. He was speaking to one of their guests, but he didn’t appear to be enjoying himself. He shifted his gaze towards her, and she realized that she had been caught staring, causing her cheeks to grow increasingly warm.

“Madalene, you are holding up the line,” Mrs. Foster murmured before she gently nudged her down the line and closer towards Lord Hawthorne. Their gazes met and, for the briefest of moments, she felt as if they were the only two in the room. However, it was evident that he didn’t feel the same because he dropped into a stiff bow.

“It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Dowding.”

She curtsied. “You are too kind, Lord Hawthorne.”

Lord Hawthorne turned his head towards Mrs. Foster and said, “Thank you for coming to my ball.” She couldn’t help but notice the terseness in his voice.

After Mrs. Foster responded politely, they left the line and stepped further into the ballroom. An ostentatious golden chandelier hung from the painted ceiling, and the ivory papered walls were embellished with golden accents. In the rear, there were a set of French doors that opened to the gardens.

A half-orchestra was warming up in the corner, and guests lined the walls, leaving the chalked dance floor open.

They had barely advanced further into the room when Madalene was approached by Mr. Ridley and his mother.

“What a pleasant surprise!” Mrs. Ridley exclaimed. “I hadn’t expected to see you in Town, Miss Dowding.”

Madalene smiled politely. “I’m afraid my departure has been delayed.”

“I am sorry to hear that, but happy that we are able to enjoy your company a little longer,” Mrs.