Page 106 of Irresistible
Kent sat in one of the chairs and took another sip of his port. He either didn’t realize how angry Dougal was, or he didn’t care. Or he already knew. “You are no longer associated with the Foreign Office. I don’t have to explain anything to you.”
Dougal wanted to believe that he and Kent were friends, that their relationship went beyond the Foreign Office. Perhaps foolishly, he’d thought Kent believed that too. “Then why did you come?”
Exhaling, Kent nodded toward the other chair. “Are you going to sit?”
Dougal reluctantly perched on the chair. “You hired Miss Goodfellow to spy on me.”
The revelation didn’t provoke a reaction, confirming what Dougal suspected—that Kent was already aware Dougal knew the truth. “I understand why you are upset. She is to be your wife. Congratulations, by the way.”
Dougal didn’t want his good wishes, not until he heard the man’s explanation. “Did you really believe I had something to do with that bad message or Giraud’s death?”
Kent features creased briefly. “I didn’t, no. But others wanted to be sure. You must know that I defended you?”
“I would hope so. I also know you didn’t tell me that I was suspected.”
One of Kent’s brows arched. “You know why I couldn’t.”
“I know that we bend rules when necessary.”
“As Miss Goodfellow did.”
That was how he knew. “As you noted, she is to be my wife. We don’t keep secrets from each other.”
“Of course not,” Kent said softly. “Anyway, she told me earlier when I met her to pick up the message she’d deciphered—she’s bloody amazing.”
Pride and love gathered in Dougal’s chest. “I know.”
“She said she can’t work for the office anymore, that she doesn’t want to keep secrets, and that she’d told you she’d been asked to investigate you. Her loyalty is firmly with you.”
Dougal knew that, but was glad to hear it nonetheless. “I can’t help but feel my work for the Foreign Office is somehow tainted now. I risked myself for four years, and this is how I’m rewarded?”
Kent sat forward. “Not at all. You must understand—two of your missions ended in failure. That had never happened before. You were one of our best operatives.” He drew a breath. “Now that Giraud has been found to have been working against us, you remain one of our best operatives. Your record is absolutely untarnished. The office still hopes to contact you in the future.”
“I think it’s best if they don’t.” Dougal preferred to put all his energy into his family, which was precisely where it belonged. If he worked in government at all, it would hopefully be in Parliament, where he could work to effect important and necessary change.
Kent frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. But I do understand. Please know that I never believed you could be guilty of anything nefarious.” His gaze was earnest, and Dougal wanted to believe him. He also knew they’d have little interaction going forward so it didn’t really matter.
Dougal stood. “I think we’re finished.”
Kent slowly rose. “It seems so. I wish you and Miss Goodfellow every happiness. Truly.”
Dougal watched the man leave the office and eventually followed him out. However, he didn’t return to the members’ den. Instead, he went to the library, thinking that was where Lucien would have taken his father and Robbie.
Finding them there, Dougal worked to release the tension from his shoulders. Itwasfinished. The double life he’d led was finally behind him.
Feeling much lighter than a short while ago, Dougal made his way to his father and Robbie. Da was seated in a chair with Robbie standing next to him. Lucien was fetching them whisky.
“Ah, here is your bride,” Da said, his gaze twinkling as he looked toward the doorway.
Turning, Dougal’s breath caught. Jess looked happy and beautiful, her blue eyes more vivid than he could ever recall, especially when they landed on him, and her lips curved into a bewitching smile.
She and Evie came toward them, and Dougal made the necessary introductions.
Evie gave him a scolding look, but Dougal knew she was in jest. “You didn’t give us much time to prepare, but I’m pleased to report that Jess will look resplendent in her new gown tomorrow.”
She would look resplendent in anything—or nothing. Dougal kept that to himself. Later, when he stole into her father’s house for the last time, he would tell Jess.
“Everything is arranged,” Da said from the chair. “What a glorious day it will be. And soon I hope there will be even happier news and an heir will be secured.” He gave Dougal a sheepish look. “I don’t wish to pressure you. That is my fondest hope.”
