Page 44 of A Courtship of Conspiracies
He knelt down, one knee sinking into the damp leaves, and closed the man’s eyes. He bowed over his raised knee, resting his brow against his fist. Once again, he had arrived to find death already waiting. He was engulfed by the helplessness, the failure of it all. He did not know Mr. Ashcombe, yet his death pressed on the old wound.
A cold realization struck him. Whoever killed Ashcombe might have seen Kate outside in the dark last night before he arrived. His failure to be there had left her exposed.
Desperation, hot and hollow, twisted through him. He cursed under his breath, the sound lost in the damp air. He had told himself that holding Kate at a distance, keeping her ignorant of the dangerous world he moved through, would keep her out of harm’s way. But it had not. It had only left him blind to what she knew, where she went, and what danger was already gathering around her.
Kate had become the one distraction he could not master and the one he could not afford. She unsettled every careful plan, every disciplined instinct. Near her, his judgment shifted, and everything narrowed into a single consuming purpose. He must protect her. But if he lost command of himself, even briefly, he would fail her. As he had failed Henry.
Distance had only left her more vulnerable. Keeping her close was the only option left.
He could not keep her entirely ignorant or entirely shut out. But he could keep her close enough to guard her and limit how much of the shadows she saw.
A figure approached on horseback, likely the magistrate. He straightened, brushing dirt from his gloves. There was no time to dwell on his thoughts. He would need to offer his assistance, butthen he and Kate were leaving for Dover as quickly as he could manage it.
The smell of salt and sea reached James long before the rooftops of Dover came into view. The port town was the closest point to France, making it a fortified gateway to Europe crowded with travelers, troops, and every manner of shipped goods.
He pulled back on Apollo’s reins as they entered the main thoroughfare, drawing level with Kate’s carriage. He would have preferred to travel beside her, but after the horrors of the morning, vigilance demanded he watch their surroundings.
Their party pulled up to The Fox & Raven, a small, reputable inn, its dark wooden siding worn but sturdy. James knew the place well and had sent word ahead requesting rooms so that they would not have to stay near the docks, where raucous sailors and men of ill repute gathered at all hours.
He dismounted and left Apollo in the care of a groom before opening the carriage door. Kate placed her hand in his as she alighted. He was pleased to see her color had returned. She caught sight of the weathered inn sign, and a small laugh escaped her.
“Do you object to my choice of inn? We can go elsewhere if you are opposed to this one.”
She stopped him with a reassuring smile. “No, this is perfectly fine. Thank you, my lord.”
He turned to help Tess down the carriage steps while the driver unloaded Kate’s trunks. James surveyed their surroundings before offering Kate his arm.
“I am sure you wish to settle in your room and rest for the afternoon.”
She shook her head. “The journey was short. I am only in need of a few minutes to refresh myself, and then Tess and I would like to explore the city.”
He gave her a tight smile as they walked the short distance to the door of the inn. He had no doubt what her version of exploring included. “I suppose there is no way to convince you to spend a relaxing day at the inn?”
“Do you truly wish me to answer that?”
“I believe I already know the answer but thought it worthwhile to ask. I will escort you through town. Does an hour sound agreeable?”
“Yes, quite. I look forward to it.” She offered him a small smile before disappearing with Tess inside.
James let out a long sigh. He was more eager than he ought to have Kate on his arm, but he had no wish to bring her within sight of a company that might be run by traitors and murderers. He told himself he would be able to convince Kate to keep to the more genteel parts of town, but he knew her better than that.
The hour passed quickly. After leaving his belongings in his quarters, he settled in the common room to scrutinize the other occupants while he enjoyed a cup of tea with honey, one of several reasons this inn was a favorite.
Movement near the back passageway caught his eye, and his pulse stirred at the sight of Kate entering the room. His jaw tightened as he noticed other men turning their heads as she passed, though he could not blame them. She was undeniably beautiful. What the men could not see was the intelligence and courage that were nearly his undoing.
He rose as she walked toward him, warmth pooling in his chest at her nearness until she spoke.
“Lord Brenton.”
Blast.What did he have to do to convince this woman to call him James again?
“Lady Katherine.” He gave a quick bow and extended his arm. “Shall we?” Tess followed discreetly, close enough to serve as chaperone but far enough away not to intrude.
Under the guise of exploring the town, he had learned the general location of the company’s warehouse from the innkeeper. James led Kate outside and turned them toward the docks. They strolled through busy streets, the bustle of residents and travelers all around them.
Kate’s quiet voice reached him beneath the noise. “May I ask what the magistrate discovered?” She cast a quick glance to the crowds around them.
He did not answer right away, and the delay was long enough to irritate her.
