Page 10 of Separated from My Love
Serenity narrowed her eyes into tiny slits. “You do know something, don’t you? My, look at all those colors swirlingaroundyou.”
“Is she always like this?” he asked Trenton, bewildered. His eyes narrowed as he stared at herspeculatively.
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t spend too much time in her company. Is she right? Do you know where Genevieve is?” That had to be what Serenity was referring to. Were they close to her? Had the mirror led them to the spot where they were most likely tofindher?
“Do you know who I am?” the manasked.
As if they would? If they did, Trenton would never have asked him to tell him where they were. This had to be some sort of stalling tactic. “I can’t say thatIdo.”
“I’m Brandon Bennett, the fifth Duke of Branterberry.” He scoffed. “And you dare to come into my home and make demands of me. I have more power than you could everdreamof.”
Trenton didn’t want to be in this man’s place for anything in the world. He had one desire, and it wasn’t to be a powerful duke in the nineteenth century. But now that he had a name, he had something to work with. He did know who the Duke of Branterberry was. He was Dominic Rossington’s former boss and head of that particular branch of the war office. It explained why Serenity thought he was keeping secrets. As the head spymaster, he probably held more thananyoneelse.
A smile grew on Trenton’s face as he studied the duke. “Well, Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I don’t suppose you can supply the yearnowtoo?”
The duke sighed. “I’m not going to even attempt to understand why that is so important to you, but it is currently the summerof1819.”
So almost a full year since Dominic Rossington had rescued Rosanna Kendall in France—that was the last instance he could find where Genevieve was seen by anyone. Rosanna had written about her interactions with her friend, Eve in her journals. He turned toward Serenity and said, “I think we are where we needtobe.”
“Well, that’s too bad because you both are leaving. I refuse to have you stinking up my home any longer.” He glanced down to the mess Trenton had made on the floor. “I’m going to have to dispose of that rug. I did likeittoo.”
“You’re suddenly in a hurry to see the backside of us.” Trenton drew his brows together. “What changed in the past few moments? You were ready to send us toNewgate.”
Something Trenton realized was entirely possible. The Duke of Branterberry did have the power to make that happen. They were in the Branterberry’s home, but he wasn’t sure if it was his London townhouse or his country estate. He wasn’t even sure which he wanted it to be. Neither one was particularly close to Weston or Seabrook. To return home, they would have to make their way to Weston. It held the one mirror they knew for certain would allow them to travel though time. It would also give him the opportunity to check in with Alys. Regina would want to know how her sister was doing. Of course, none of that mattered if he didn’t find Genevievefirst.
“I’m not sure you’re worth thehassle.”
“I assure you we’re not,” Trenton said. “Serenity and I will be on our way soon enough. I do have a couple more questions firstthough.”
The duke glowered at him. “I’m afraid I can’t entertain your silly need to pepper me with inane questions any longer. I must insist you leave immediately.” Branterberry walked over to the closed door and flung it open. He waved his hand, gesturing theydepart.
Interesting, but he wasn’t buying what the duke was selling. He didn’t have time to play games any longer. He wanted to find the love of his life and go home. The duke was standing in his way, and something in his gut told him the man standing before him was fully aware where Genevieve was. Trenton stood and met the duke’s gaze. He didn’t waver for a second as he said, “Where isGenevieve.”
“I don’t know anyone by that name,” thedukesaid.
“He’s lying,” Serenity said hopping to her feet. “He’s swirling in a sea or secrets and lies, but this one is practically glowingoffhim.”
“I am not lying,” thedukesaid.
Serenity moved toward him and cupped his cheeks in her hands forcing him to look her in the eyes. “She’s here in this house,isn’tshe?”
Trenton smiled. He’d never been more grateful than at that moment Serenity was with him. Nothing was better than seeing one of the crown’s best spymaster’s flustered and unsure what to do. He fumbled with the door handle as if trying to decide if he should close it or push them out. Serenity saw auras—she hadn’t mentioned she was a built in liedetector.
His nostrils flared as he clenched his hands into fists at his side. “I refuse to give into your strange intimidation or confirm your suspicions.” The duke practically squirmed under Serenity’s bombardment. His gaze shifted past her and then he glanced back. She met his gaze boldly and winked. The duke flinched as if she’d actuallytouchedhim.
“You already have.” Serenity smiled sweetly and moved closer to him. “I told you already—I see you—all of you. There is no hiding anythingfromme.”
If Trenton had more time, it might be interesting to see the duke fold under her form of interrogation. His Grace had never seen anyone like her, and admittedly Trenton hadn’t either. He didn’t particularly envytheduke.
The man took an involuntary step back, and his head bounced off of the back of the door. Trenton would have laughed, but it wasn’t appropriate. He still didn’t know where Genevieve was. A movement at the entrance caught his attention. He turned his gaze toward it and sucked in a deep breath. Standing before him, as beautiful as he remembered, was Genevieve. Her auburn hair was tied up into an elegant chignon. But what hurt was her lack of interest in seeing him. She dismissed him with that one glance and turned her attention to the duke andSerenity.
“Do you require assistance, Your Grace?” sheasked.
“Not at all,” he replied. “These two wereleaving.”
Like hell they were. He wasn’t going anywhere withoutGenevieve…
