Page 6 of A Season for Christmas

“Interesting.” Oliver frowned. “He did a good job of covering.”

“Speak with Mrs. Rebecca James when you have the chance,” Catherine advised. She had no doubt the woman was in mourning for her lost duke, and she would likely be all too willing to help. Though Catherine doubted the creditors would be to blame—it was very difficult to collect a debt from a dead man, after all. Whether or not the new duke would be willing, or able, to honor the debt was also questionable.

Immediately, Evie reached for a pen, dipping it quickly in the inkpot beside it to write down the name on the edge of the map.

“That still leaves Clarence and Montagu,” Evie said. She looked up at Catherine. “Would you be able to accompany Mr. North for the holidays? I know it is a lot to ask, but his grandmother is far more likely to talk to another woman than her grandson’s friend. Priscilla trusts you, and we have all seen how well you can keep a secret.” Samuel frowned at Evie’s statement but did not interrupt. “It would be a great help to us.”

“And you always did love a good mystery,” Samuel murmured, his gaze meeting hers again. Clashing with hers, challenge clear within his eyes.

“I…” She could not find the right words. She wanted to do her duty by the Crown. It did sound as though her presence could be of use. She was honored that Evie and the others trusted her so much. Not just with their secrets but with an assignment.

But…

Traveling to Clarence for Christmas withSamuel?

Madness. The very idea was madness. As was the inescapable fact that he’d been the one to suggest it. What on earth was he thinking? He’d run after seeing her with the Duke of Kent, though it had been no more than a flogging.She and Kent had no relationship beyond discipline. But that had been too much for Samuel. That was not the kind of man he was, not the kind of bedroom play he’d enjoy. She’d known it then, and he’d proven it when he’d left.Again.

So, why on earth was he suggesting she accompany him to Clarence now?

Samuel

He could bring Catherine. She was the only woman in the world who might not rouse Gregory’s suspicions because Gregory had been there for him through the heartbreak of courting her and losing her. Gregory had been the one to tell Samuel when Lord Cross died. It had taken Samuel some time to wrap up his business and return home, but Gregory had been the first to know he was on his way… and why.

Gregory would not only understandwhySamuel had brought an extra guest, but if the guest was Catherine, he would encourage it.

It was not until he’d made the suggestion that he realized how badly he wanted her to say yes. To choose him. The idea of her rejecting him—again—even though this was an entirely different kind of offer, made his chest tight.

“If I could have a moment alone with Catherine,” he said, keeping his gaze locked on hers. He could see her chest heave as she took in a deep breath, but she did not protest.

There was curiosity in her eyes, along with a kind of… fear? Longing?

Or was he putting his own emotions on her?

All he knew was that this was likely his one and onlychance with her. He did not want her to see how desperate he was for her. She’d already refused him once and looked to be on the verge of doing so again. He did not even know if the people they’d become would love each other the way the people they’d been in their youth had loved.

But he wanted to know.

He wanted to try.

The others nodded at each other and filed out, Mrs. Stuart taking a moment to touch Catherine’s hand and whisper a word of encouragement. He also thought he heard her say that she would be right outside if Catherine needed her.

Hopefully, Catherine would not need her.

Samuel was moving on impulse now, following his gut rather than his head, which could be dangerous at the best of times. However, his gut was also responsible for some of his best investments. Sometimes, a man just needed to follow his instincts, and his were telling him that this was his chance with Catherine.

If he blew it now, he was pretty sure he would not get another one.

Trying to see if he liked what she wanted, if he could fulfill her needs, would be far better done away from London and all the prying eyes. He certainly did not want to make an attempt at a Society of Sin event, only to fail and embarrass them both. Or lose his nerve and humiliate himself.

Traveling together would make it impossible for them to stay apart. They’d be in forced proximity, unable to avoid each other the way they had been. It would be as much for him as for her.

As the door closed behind Mrs. Stuart, Catherine huffed a breath, crossing her arms across her chest in a mannerthat was rather defensive. Despite that, she also immediately started talking rather than hearing what he had to say.

“I do not know what is going on, but I am not traveling anywhere with you.”

Well then, if that was how it was going to be.

“Why not? Do you have other plans for the holiday?” If she did, of course, he would not interfere, but from the way she winced, he was fairly certain his arrow had struck its target. Since both her parents and her late husband’s family’s homes were far from London—as far as he knew, none of them were currently in the capital—traveling to either would take a substantial amount of time. Much more time than she had before Christmas.

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