LITMIR.BIZ

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ledger while she scratched her pencil along the page. She was a very beautiful woman. He assumed her to be around his age.

      Gabriel strode past a small grouping of chairs, till he stood a few feet from her. This was a woman who did not stop what she was doing for any man—even one with his prestigious title. Running his thumb along the smooth brim of his hat, he waited for her to finish her calculations. It did not take long before she placed her pencil down, closed the ledger and turned to him with a friendly smile.

      ‘You look well, Winterbourne. It has been a while.’ Her voice was like fine brandy, warm and velvety.

      ‘Eight months and twenty-seven days.’

      ‘How ridiculously precise of you,’ she replied, as amusement tugged at her full lips. ‘What a lovely coat. Such an exceptional fabric.’ She ran her graceful fingers down his right sleeve and rubbed the superfine fabric at his cuff. ‘Still fond of Mr Weston’s work, I see.’

      ‘I am, but I do not believe you invited me here to discuss my tailor.’

      ‘No, I did not. You might find what I have to tell you more interesting. Would you care to have a seat?’ she asked, gesturing to a nearby delicate chair. ‘I am pleased you were able to arrive so quickly.’

      He took a seat and adjusted his cuffs. ‘You indicated it was urgent. I saw no reason to delay.’ He didn’t want to be rude, but he wished he could forgo the pleasantries and return to Olivia. Being here always brought back memories of the night Nicholas was born. How he wished he could have sent Andrew...

      She leant her arm on the escritoire, her keen gaze sweeping over his face. ‘There is something different about you.’

      ‘I am the same man I was when my father introduced us.’

      She didn’t appear convinced, but knew enough not to pursue the subject. ‘Very well, what I have to tell you concerns the Prince Regent.’

      Gabriel’s heart kicked up speed. Would he finally have information that could be used to track down whoever wanted Prinny dead?

      ‘One of my girls had worked for a time as a seamstress at Drury Lane. A certain gentleman had made her acquaintance there and last night he sought her out here. When they were together in her room, he began to question her about the theatre, back entrances, closets near the boxes and the like. She mentioned it this morning during breakfast. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but then later today I read in the papers that Douglas is opening tonight at Drury Lane and the Prince Regent is expected to attend. It might not mean anything, but I thought it might be relevant.’

      She was right to bring it to his attention. The coincidence was too great. And Gabriel did not believe in coincidences. Was it possible they were planning to kill Prinny tonight in Drury Lane? Eighteen years ago, an attempt was made on King George’s life in that very theatre and Gabriel’s father had been one of the men to interrogate that gunman.

      ‘Do you know this gentleman’s name?’

      Madame LaGrange nodded thoughtfully. ‘He’s a Frenchman by the name of Comte Antoine Janvier.’

      Oh, hell! Were all the men in Olivia’s circle traitors to the Crown?

      The hair on the back of his neck rose. The Frenchman who’d spent countless hours in his wife’s company, who had been in his very home, could be the man who wanted Prinny dead. Their friendship had to have been orchestrated. He must have been using his friendship with Olivia to get closer to Prinny. But why would he want him dead?

      ‘Do you know of him, Winterbourne?’

      Gabriel could only nod, still processing how close Olivia had placed herself to a dangerous man. If something had happened to her... He almost knocked his chair over as he stood.

      She looked up at him and her green eyes widened. ‘I was right to tell you. You believe there is a connection.’

      ‘Yes, you were right to bring this to my attention. Janvier may just be the man I have been looking for. I cannot thank you enough.’ He reached the door and spun around when she called out his name.

      ‘Some day I may require your assistance. For a proprietress such as myself, it is reassuring to know I will be able to turn to you.’

      ‘I would gladly assist you in any way I can. I know you continue to place yourself in great risk providing me with valuable information.’

      ‘Betrayed men are not the most pleasant. As long as no one finds out where you acquire your information, all should be well. But, Winterbourne, you must see there is more unrest in our country than I believe you or I could stop. The streets are teeming with men and women unhappy with our government. There may come a day when what you and I do simply is not enough.’

      She tilted to her head, studying him. ‘I sensed when you arrived there was something on your mind. Is there something you wish to tell me?’

      How was he to begin? ‘While I like you and enjoy your company, I’d like you to consider using someone else as your contact.’

      Her head tilted the other way and she smiled. ‘You have reconciled with your wife.’

      Gabriel wasn’t about to discuss Olivia with her. He chose to chew his lip instead.

      She stared at him for a long time before she gave a small nod. ‘Very well, I will consider it. Who?’

      ‘My brother, Andrew.’

      ‘He has been in here. I know of the man. Why should I trust him with my life?’

      ‘Because I trust him with mine.’

      Silence stretched between them and then she turned back to her work. ‘Give me time to consider it. I will send a note with my answer in five days.’

      In five days Gabriel hoped all this would be over and she would not have information for him for a very long time.

      * * *

      During his ride back home Gabriel debated if he should warn Olivia about Janvier. She was hurt by Manning’s betrayal. He couldn’t predict what she would do when she found out Janvier was also involved in this plot. Perhaps it would be best to wait until he had proof of the man’s guilt.

      However if his instincts were correct, Drury Lane would not be the safest place tonight. For her own safety, he needed to somehow convince Olivia not to attend tonight’s performance. Knowing how stubborn she could be, he knew it might not be easy. He would send word for Andrew and then pray that his wife would be reasonable.

      * * *

      It was to be their first public appearance together in over five years. Olivia strolled around her dressing room, studying the gowns draped over her wardrobe doors and every available chair. Most of the eyes in the theatre would be focused on her and Gabriel tonight as London speculated on their reconciliation. And what she wore would be on everyone’s lips by morning. If she were forced to endure that much scrutiny, than at least she would look spectacular while doing it.

      She paused before the jonquil silk gown spread across the chair closest to her wardrobe and cocked her head. The exceptional creation had exquisite draping and a scandalously low neckline. The silk was so fine that it glided across her skin like water. Her dressmaker had outdone herself with this creation and Olivia had worn it only once because she found it too seductive for the life of a chaste duchess. This might be the perfect choice to silently announce to London that Gabriel was sharing her bed once again. Her lips rose into a satisfied grin. Perhaps it would also entice her husband to draw the curtains of their box during the interval.

      Then she recalled they wouldn’t be alone tonight. She let out a groan as she remembered inviting Janvier to share her box for tonight’s performance. At one time she intended to invite others to join them, but had forgotten.

      Gabriel would not be happy. And if she were honest with herself, she would have preferred to spend the entire night alone with Gabriel. But it would be rude to rescind her invitation to Janvier. She would not do that

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