Page 94 of To Love A Spy
“In negotiating with the captain, I may have taken some liberties in presenting the facts,” he replied.
“I am glad to hear it,” said the minister. “We may have to travel rough to get you out of this debacle.”
Lynsley nodded, though for an instant the thought of him and Valencia as a family stirred a certain longing. However, it was Auberville who demanded his full attention at the present moment.
Friend or foe?
He ventured a cautious question. “Are you saying that the Ministry is already aware of this turn of events?”
Auberville gave a tense laugh. “Mon Dieu, let us hope not. But they will soon enough. We haven’t much time to spirit you out of Paris.”
“Actually, I’ve my own arrangements in place,” he murmured. “But I would be grateful for assistance in getting to the rendezvous point.”
“That is easy enough.” The minister’s face relaxed slightly. “I suspected that the Americans have other operatives in place. Mr. Madison and Mr. Armstrong are men who leave little to chance.”
“You are allied with them?”
“I am. I believe the emperor is leading France on the road to ruin, and so I am dedicated to seeing that my country strive to be a true democracy, like the American republic.”He dropped his voice even lower. “Is Rochambert dead?”
“Yes,” replied Lynsley.
A flicker of satisfaction passed over Auberville’s features. “Bon. That one was a right bastard. I am glad that Washingtonheeded my warning that his lust for blood might ruin our plans in Marseilles.”
“As you say, Madison is a meticulous man.” The marquess repressed a wry smile. Sometimes war made for strange bedfellows. “He likes to eliminate any obstacles that stand in the way of success.”
“Indeed.” Auberville slanted a sidelong look. “It was a stroke of brilliance to use you and your wife to draw Rochambert into a trap. I confess, you had me fooled for a while. You are more dangerous than you look, Monsieur Daggett.”
“Appearances can be deceiving.”
“Quite.” Auberville flashed his document again, quickly quelling the objections of the officer standing guard over the makeshift medical tent. “Madame Daggett deserves a medal for having the bravery to serve as bait for that devil.”
“I imagine our government will agree,” said Lynsley. Spotting Valencia in the shadows, the marquess lengthened his stride. Her skirts were hiked up to allow a solicitous soldier to inspect a shapely stretch of leg. He did not have to call upon his acting skills to sound suitably upset. “Move aside, move aside. Are you hurt, my dear?”
“I think I have sprained my ankle,” she said in a plaintive whine. “Oooooh, ithurts.”
“A cold compress—” began the soldier.
Lynsley shouldered him aside and gathered her in his arms. “I know damn well how to take care of my wife, sirrah! The first thing is to get her to more comfortable quarters.”
“This way, monsieur!” The rest of the troops shuffled back as Auberville gave a brusque wave. “I have a carriage waiting close by.”
Valencia’s brow flicked up in question.
“Just play along,” he murmured, brushing a kiss to her brow. “It appears we have a guardian angel.”
She responded with a dramatic groan.
Auberville led the way to one of the side streets. “Let us hurry,” he urged. “Before the Imperial Guard arrives to take charge of security. They are not so easy to bully as the local regiment.”
“I am perfectly capable of walking,” said Valencia.
Lynsley ignored her. “How far?”
“Just a few minutes more. The carriage is stationed by the Jardin de Luxumberg.”
“Who else is involved,” asked Auberville as they hurried down one of the side streets.
The marquess shook his head. “It’s best you don’t know.”
