Page 40 of The Allure Of Lord Devlin
Philippa pulled her back into the shadows. “They’re speaking Gaelic, I think.”
“Could the parchment be written in Gaelic?” Dharma could barely hide her excitement.
“I’ll tell Tobin to investigate the language. It’s a language that the Scottish highlanders used, but isn’t it interesting that she is talking to Longton when she left with Fencourt? Where is he?”
They pressed back into the shadows as Fiona and Longton stepped onto the terrace. The other man slipped away. The couple switched to English.
“I’m warning you, Fiona.”
“He’s agreed to wed me. I have no reason to blackmail you into marriage now. And Devlin knows nothing. Everyone gets what they want.”
“Good.”
Fiona’s voice made Dharma’s skin crawl. “Before we go inside, let me just remind you that should anything happen to me, I will send certain information to the war office.”
“I’m well aware of the situation I’m in. Fencourt is ensuring that Lady Dharma is kept away from Lord Devlin. Now it’s up to you to ensure you put an end to his hunt. Serve him up as your husband and marry the man.”
“It’s not that easy. Lord Devlin isn’t a fool. He’s dismissed my husband as the traitor, knowing it had to be someone far senior within the cabinet.”
“Then I best find someone else to blame. Lord Doyle. He’s dead, so can hardly refute any evidence. Plus, he’s Irish. The Prime Minister doesn’t trust the Irish.”
“You can do that?” Fiona asked in awe.
“I’ll contact your man, Stewart, when I’ve organized a plan. You concentrate on seducing Devlin and mention Lord Doyle’s name.”
“How do I suddenly come up with Lord Doyle? Lord Devlin will be suspicious.”
Longton walked them toward the door so they couldn’t hear what he said.
“Well, now we know who the traitor is, but how Devlin’s going to prove it is beyond me.” Philippa’s words were dancing around in Dharma’s head. What she was more excited about was the fact they had proof that Fiona was in league with Longton. Devlin wouldn’t marry her now. Would he?
“Do you think it’s safe to go inside?” Just then, out through the terrace doors came Hawthorne and Rosemary and the ladies quickly moved to meet them. They explained everything and suggested to Hawthorne that they needed to talk with Devlin and Sin.
“How will he get away from Fiona?” Rosemary asked.
“He’ll find a way. Let’s meet at His Grace’s house tonight, then Devlin can say it’s urgent business with the tin mine.”
No sooner had they re-entered the ballroom than Devlin was there asking Dharma to dance. Since she was supposed to take a turn on the floor with Hawthorne, she looked at him, but Hawthorne merely stepped aside.
“What are you up to?” Devlin asked. “I didn’t go to the trouble of pushing you away to see you become involved in this dangerous situation.”
“Gosh, you look lovely tonight, Lady Dharma. Why, thank you, my lord.”
Devlin grimaced. “Apologies. You look beautiful tonight. Then again, you always look beautiful.”
“Apology accepted, but you are causing quite the stir dancing with me.” Had that made him forget his question? “I’d wager there is a bet at Whites over who you will actually marry. I know who I’d put money on and my odds have improved significantly.”
“Fiona is dancing with your brother. It is polite to return the favor.” So he hadn’t sought her out just because he had to see her—touch her...
“So, what were you all doing outside on the terrace? And don’t say getting some air. It’s too cold. Your lips were almost blue, indicating you’d been outside a long time.” He wanted to dance with her to get information. His goal, as always, was his father.
“If you must know, Philippa and I were following your betrothed.”
“Don’t call her that,” he snapped.
“But that is who she is. You agreed to her blackmail. Just because you’re cross with yourself for agreeing to such a stupid proposal, don’t take your frustration out on me. Besides, she just met with Longton and he most definitely is the traitor. I therefore think it would be more than honorable for you to decamp from the proposal.”
His grip on her hand tightened. “You heard Longton admit his part?”
