Page 15 of To Love A Spy
“For what? Revenge? Redemption?”
“Perhaps a little of both,” she said with a wry sigh.
“Valencia, please reconsider.”
“No, sir. And that’s flat.” Her face was once again a mask of martial resolve. “We go together, or the mission is off.”
He drew in a long breath and held it pent up until his lungs threatened to burst.Duty. Desire.Did he really have a choice?“Then I have no alternative but to accept your terms. However, I, too, have a condition.”
Her sable lashes fluttered in the gloom. “Which is?”
“You must agree that I am in command. For any chance of success, a mission of this nature must be run with military precision. If I cannot depend on your following orders without question, I won’t put your life—or mine—at risk.”
Valencia didn’t answer right away.
“Yes or no. Black and white—in this there are no subtle shades of grey,” he added.
“Very well, sir. I accept your conditions.” She snapped off a mock salute before pulling up a chair.
“So, what’s the plan of attack?”
Chapter Four
Itwasa dirty trick, admitted Valencia as she watched the whisper of candlelight play across Lynsley’s features. She had placed him in an impossible position—either way he turned, he was forced to compromise his rigid notions of honor. She had counted on the fact that duty to country would overshadow his personal ethics. But on seeing the conflict in his eyes before he looked away, she couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty.
All is fair in love and war.The old adage sprung to mind, yet strangely enough, it made her even more uncomfortable. Was it wise to step back into the fray? She had carved out a quiet niche for herself on this out of the way island. Why risk reopening old wounds?
It was a question she couldn’t really answer.
“Might I have a bite to eat while we talk?” The marquess massaged at his temples. His hair was longer now than in the past, and touched with silver at the temples. “I am going to need my strength if I am to be battling both you and Rochambert.”
“I won’t be a distraction, sir. You have my word.”
“Hmmph.” His grunt was impossible to interpret.
Valencia let it pass. “I’ve some cold mutton and cheese in the larder, along with a loaf of freshly baked bread.” She paused for a fraction. “Sorry, no strawberry tarts.”
His lips twitched.
“How is Mrs. Merlin?” she asked hesitantly.
“Her hair is a bit greyer, and her glasses a bit thicker, but the old bird is as sharp as ever,” he replied. “She can still shoot a hole through a shilling at twenty paces.”
“I am glad to hear it.” She cleared her throat. “I’ll be back in a moment with a tray.”
“No, I’ll come with you.” Lynsley rose, awkwardly wrapping the blanket around his middle. “Might I have my trousers back? Now that we have finished negotiations, there is no need to hold them hostage.”
“They have been reduced to rags, I’m afraid. However, I should be able to find something suitable in one of my trunks. Over the years I’ve accumulated an assortment of men’s clothing from the various shipwrecks and smugglers that have washed up on these shores.”
“But not a man to go with them?”
Valencia felt a flush come to her cheeks. “That isn’t really any of your business, sir.”
“On the contrary. Itismy business to know the background of my soldiers. Whether you have a loved one waiting for you at home may affect your judgment when push comes to shove.”
He was right, of course. “Very well sir. The answer is no, I have no husband, no current lover.”
Lynsley nodded gravely.
