Page 58 of The Bachelor Spy
Although if she were being perfectly honest, the whole idea brought the greatest thrill.
“I did not confront him,” Brandon continued. “There was something in his air that gave me pause.”
“Very wise, Brandon.” Grace nodded. “I can tell you’ve been reading your fiction.”
The man blinked a moment and then, after a slight shake to his head, he said, “He walked toward the forest path.”
“The forest path?” Grace slowly stood. “Brandon, do you mean the path toward the ruins? The one to the chapel?”
“Indeed, madam.”
She stepped closer to him, studying his face. “Brandon, have you noticed if Mr. Smith smells of cloves? Or cedar?”
Brandon’s brow shot skyward. “Pardon, my lady?”
“Oh—never mind.” Why would Brandon have reason to sniff the man? She might have to make her own investigative stroll to the west wing. “We should keep doubly alert to this.”
“I had intended to do so regardless, my lady.” Brandon’s expression softened almost imperceptibly. “I am … concerned about potential threats to this household. Particularly given your condition.”
“You are so thoughtful.” Her smile bloomed along with a sudden warmth in her chest. “Lord Astley would be terribly pleased.”
“Of course, my lady.” He hesitated again but appeared to think better of it. “And Private Smith has a way of watching people when he thinks no one is looking. He’s … observant. In a manner that seems inconsistent with a man recovering from severe injuries.”
Like a spy?Grace’s throat went dry.
Good heavens, it was as if three mystery novels converged on top of Havensbrooke while her darling sleuthing partner was absent. “You think he’s dangerous.”
“I think, my lady, that a man who pretends to be more injured than he is—and who wanders areas of the house where he has no business—bears watching very carefully indeed.”
Pretending to be wounded.
Like Blake.
“Most certainly,” she whispered.
“And perhaps notify Mr. Blake, my lady?”
Her head snapped up. “Mr. Blake?”
Brandon regarded her calmly. “He has always had a sensible mind, and as a member of the family—as well as Lord Astley’s trusted companion—I think it wise. I imagine Lord Astley would wish it, were he here.”
Would he? If Frederick knew Blake wasn’t entirely who he seemed?
But her heart knew the answer.
Frederick would trust Blake. Even now.
And Grace would—must—also.
But she fully intended to shake several answers loose from the man in the process.
If he was going to sneak around her house on some mysterious errand while lots of other people were sneaking around, then it was about time she discovered what exactly all this sneakiness was about.
She looked heavenward for assistance, offering a prayer.
And since Frederick was still in Germany, Grace had to be brave enough for both of them.
Blake hadn’t spoken to Grace for any length in two days.
