Page 46 of The Moonstone Pirate
Burness settled in the chair beside Draco and listened.
“I put out word that I am looking to continue my smuggling activities. The Irishman took the bait. I cannot back out now that we are so close to planting me in their operation, no matter the consequences.”
Burness stared into the glass of scotch he’d poured for himself. “The Home Office should have warned me.”
“It started to fall into place very fast. That murder was bloody bad timing,” Draco muttered. “If it all falls apart now, the Home Office will still have the names I’ve given them. It is something. Meanwhile, I intend to get answers. Was the Irishman involved in Driscoll’s murder? Did he order it done? If not him, the rebel leaders?”
“What do you think?” Burness asked.
Draco shook his head. “I think McTavish was unaware. I’m hoping I can persuade him to turn informant and give us the rebel names. Not the low-level men such as Healey and Burke, but the important planners.”
“You’ve taken it this far. I suppose you ought to play along for as long as necessary. But Draco, do not be foolish. Let us help you out if the Crown agents are not in a position to do so. This rebel plot seems to be the most serious England has faced in years.”
“It is, and I cannot simply walk away from it.”
“All the more reason why you must let us assist you.”
Draco assured the marquess he would keep him apprised and seek help if needed. “Not for my sake, but to protect Imogen. I’ll need you to watch her closely and make certain she stays away from Moonstone Landing once the Irishman arrives. This is not some small task meant to patronize you. Imogen is not going to stop poking her nose into my business, and it worries me.”
In some measure, Imogen’s success in connecting Healey and Burke to Driscoll had gone to her head, and she needed to be reined in before she got hurt. This was what he emphasized to Burness again.
“I’ll do my best.” A soft look came over his face. “She has always been…Imogen. There’s no one quite like her. Those big eyes of hers can melt your heart. Her sweet smile and genuine goodness make you want to hug her. Everyone underestimates her because she is young and beautiful, and thinks too much with her heart. But her mind is razor sharp, and she picks up on things faster than lightning. She will howl if I restrain her. Oh, I will do it, because her life is too important ever to place at risk. I mean to protect her, as I have always done since she and Ella were children.”
Draco felt those same protective urges toward Imogen, although he wanted to do more than merely hug her. However, Burness would gut him, the Crown assignment be damned, if he ever took so much as a step out of line with his niece. “Let her maintain her usual routine, but she should not go anywhere without an escort. No wandering about the village on her own.”
“I will confine her to Westgate Hall as soon as the Irishman’s ship is spotted in the harbor. You said he is due to arrive at the end of the month. This gives you two weeks. Will you be prepared by then?”
Draco nodded.
Burness regarded him in all seriousness. “I wish I could send Imogen back home to her parents, but they reside in London, and that would be more dangerous with Driscoll’s friends there. Anyway, she is safest with me to guard her. I will keep her locked in her room and chained to her bed if I must. That girl is my heart. It would destroy me if any harm came to her.” He set down his glass to signal the end of their discussion. “We had better join the others now.”
They strode into the parlor together.
It took Draco less than a second for his gaze to fall upon Imogen. She and Deandra were chatting by the fireplace, Parrot dutifully at her side and stretched across her feet.
She smiled as he walked over. “Are you going to take Parrot home with you tonight?”
“Alas, yes. My apologies for stealing your foot warmer.” He chuckled and knelt down to be at the dog’s level. “I instructed you to stay beside her, not sit atop her.”
Parrot sniffed indignantly and rolled onto his back while remaining atop her feet.
Draco gave his belly a rub. “All right, I will not tell you how best to protect our butterfly.”
Imogen’s smile faded. “Do you think I still need protecting? Oh, yes, I see. There may be a few suspects still lurking in Moonstone Landing.”
He nodded.
“Is it safe for me and Papa to return to Woodley Lodge?” Deandra asked.
Draco rose and moved beside them to lean his shoulder against the fireplace mantel. The night was warm and no fire had been lit, nor would any be necessary over the next few weeks while the air remained warm and gentle. Candles had been lit at twilight and now bathed the room in a golden glow. “Yes, I expect it is safe for you to come home. However, I would prefer that you remain here a few more days as a precaution.” Deandra smiled at Imogen. “Do you mind terribly having me around a little while longer?”
“Not at all.” She cast Deandra the sweetest smile in return. “You know I am enjoying your company.”
Draco cleared his throat. “By the way, I did not cancel your reservation at the Kestrel Inn. I’ll join you.”
Imogen’s eyes rounded in surprise. “You will?”
Deandra clapped her hands. “Splendid! What made you change your mind, Draco?”
