Page 51 of The King's Man
She gave him a quick sideways glance. His mouth had set in a thin, hard line, the brows creased.
‘I am hardly in a position to refuse work when it is offered, Captain Lovell.’
‘Well, you will refuse this!’
She brought her chin up and looked him squarely in the eye. ‘I’m sorry, Captain Lovell. This is a private matter between Mistress Talbot and me, and if it causes you awkwardness then I make no apology.’
‘Causes me awkwardness?’ Kit’s eyes widened. ‘I try very hard to keep my private life just that, private!’
‘And your private life is entirely your concern, just as my right to accept a commission is my concern!’ Thamsine said. ‘Do you still wish to partake in coffee?’
Kit brought his attention back to her. ‘Yes. That was the purpose of this excursion.’
They walked in silence. Kit glowered and limped beside her, his hands behind his back. Thamsine, unrepentant, straightened her back and ignored her surly companion.
The smell emanating from the coffee house hit them even before the door opened. Thamsine stood still, breathing in the heady aroma. ‘Oh, I have never smelt anything like that. Do you suppose it tastes as good?’
Kit’s face lightened and he closed his eyes. ‘It does have a pleasant smell. After you, Thamsine.’
They secured a small table, in a dark corner away from the crowd, and a servant brought them two small cups filled to the brim with the dark, steaming brew. Thamsine sniffed it suspiciously and took a tentative sip. The smell belied the bitter taste. She wrinkled her nose and set the cup down.
Kit watched her. ‘Is it bad?’
‘It’s an acquired taste!’ she said, watching as Kit took a sip.
He frowned. ‘I must agree with you. I can’t see it replacing a good ale.’
‘So, tell me how you met Lucy Talbot,’ Thamsine asked.
He gave a heavy sigh. ‘Am I to get no peace on this subject? Very well! I bumped into her, or should I say, she bumped into me. She was not watching her step owing to the number of parcels she carried. Lucy and the parcels went flying. What more could a gentleman do than assist her?’ He set the cup down and looked at her. ‘Now, tell me how things are with the French Ambassador.’
She shrugged. ‘There is nothing to tell. His mistress is pleasant but rather dull. Bordeaux himself is charming, and then there is this odious little man called Baron de Baas … ’ She broke off as Kit looked up. ‘Do you know him?’
‘I … ’ Kit grimaced and looked out of the window for a moment before turning his attention back to her. He sighed. ‘I think it is time for honesty with each other.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Thamsine, when you were in the Tower, I believe you met with a man called John Thurloe.’
Thamsine felt her heart skip a beat. Did he suspect her of being a spy? She bit her lip and replied slowly. ‘I was questioned by a man of that name. What of him?’
‘I know why you’re working for Bordeaux. Thurloe put you there.’
‘What do you mean?’ Her heart skipped a beat. She must be bad at this game if he had already guessed.Best to try and brazen it out, she thought.
Kit’s shoulders hunched and he looked away. ‘Thamsine, this isn’t easy for me.’ He took a deep breath. ‘We are in the pay of the same employer. Thurloe told you he would provide you with a contact. I … I am to be your contact.’
‘What!’
‘Keep your voice down. You heard what I said.’
‘You mean you are in his pay?’
He looked over her shoulder and swallowed. ‘Yes.’
She stared at him as the implications of his words sank in. ‘You’re a turncoat?’
He flinched. ‘Keep your voice down, woman! I take no pride in it, but it pays well and I do it.’
