Page 85 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

“True, true.” The duke chuckled.

Even though the fire still burned, Maddie’s teeth chattered uncontrollably. “I am q-quite c-c-cold.”

Stephen dropped his gaze to her bare feet. “Then let us get you somewhere warm.” Swinging an arm beneath her knees, he lifted her as if she weighed nothing.

“Let’s go, William. I believe there is a comfortable inn in the next village. We shall rest for a bit before continuing to London.”

The duke stood and took off his jacket, tucking it around her as if it were a blanket. “Ride on ahead of me. I will distinguish the fire and follow.”

The three of them looked at the pit. Charred bones sat amongst the glowing logs.

“I’d bet ten shillings that his cologne fueled the fire.” William Harrington sniffed and cringed as if recalling the spicy blend, or perhaps he was inhaling the horrid odor of burned flesh that hung in the air. He gagged. “I probably shouldn’t have eaten that cheese.”

Maddie whimpered.

Stephen glared at his brother-in-law as he consoled Maddie with sweet,shushingsounds.

“What?” The Duke of Astleyshire shrugged and held up his hands. “You were thinking it too, Eaton.”

Perhaps he was, but her gentlemanly hero would never say such a callous thing. However, he would take her somewhere, whisper filthy things in her ear, and heat her blood. In his arms, the chill was already fading.

She snuggled against his chest as he carried her to the horses.

Chapter twenty-nine

October 11th, 1817

Madalenealwayslookedlovely,but ’twas obvious she’d taken extra care to prepare for their meeting with the prince. Aureate threads glittered in the embroidered trim of her new burgundy dress, and her hair was twisted and looped into an intricate coiffure. She stared up at Stephen. The gold speckles in her eyes glimmered beneath the chandelier, and her smile seemed to promise,No matter the consequences today, I will remain by your side.Damn, he was besotted.

A palace footman approached William Harrington, and they spoke in hushed tones. As the servant stepped away, William waved to them.

’Twas time to settle this jumble once and for all. The three of them followed the servant into a grand room bedecked with gilded furniture. They bowed to the large man sitting beside a table filled with pastries of every size and color.

“Your Highness,” they said in unison.

“William,” the prince beamed, “how is that delightful wife of yours?”

“Quite well. She sends her regrets that she was unable to attend today and hopes that you are still enjoyingTattle’s Tales.”

“Exceedingly, so. I hope I am still her favorite patron.” The prince reached into his waistcoat and pulled out a folded paper. “I took the liberty of penning some story ideas for her.”

William accepted it with a genuine smile, then tucked it into his pocket. ’Twas evident the cousins held each other in high regard.

He presented Stephen with a flourish. “Captain Eaton is my wife’s twin.”

The prince appraised Stephen with what appeared to be genuine interest. “Ah, I see the resemblance. It must have been quite exciting to grow up with her.”

Leave it to Georgie to charm the most important man in England.

“Quite,” Stephen said in all earnestness. “All three of my siblings are barrels of fun.” And although they caused him untold trouble, he wouldn’t trade them for the world.

With an upturned palm, William presented Madalene. “This is Mrs. Madalene Spencer, Sir Elias Saxton’s widowed niece from America. Saxton owns one of the largest shipping companies in England. His event precipitated the news we bring you.”

“Ah, yes. I know of Saxton.” The prince’s gaze traveled over Madalene as he hummed appreciatively. “Your uncle has quite the head for business. I am fascinated by his innovative ideas. I hear he even has canned oranges and drinks made of lemon and sugar for his crews.” The prince extended a hand. “Please sit.”

They arranged themselves around their host, who, without further pretense, said, “William, in your missive you wrote that you needed to discuss items of national security. I hope that I will be of help. LF will be joining us soon.”

LF?Who in the blazes wasLF? Wait. Did HRH also refer to the secretary of state as Lord Fudgie?