Page 12 of Irresistible
She did, but she was also supposed to be investigating him, which she certainly couldnotdisclose. He offered a persuasive argument to share at least some things. Perhaps he knew the mysterious Mr. Torrance and could provide some information.
“Yes, I agree,” she said. “I did learn the man’s name. It was Torrance. He offered to send me more ciphers to solve, and I accepted. However, I didn’t learn anything else.” Her father, who’d been reading in another room, came in to tell her it was time to go. During that exchange, the gentleman had taken his leave, preventing further discussion. “Do you know Torrance?” she asked.
“I am not familiar with that name, but those in the Foreign Office sometimes use aliases. Can you describe him?”
“He was older. Perhaps fifty? Or sixty?”
“You don’t sound very confident.” Was that a note of disappointment? “You’re going to have to learn to recall more specific details, especially what people look like, even those you think are inconsequential. You never know when someone in the background will become vitally important to an investigation.”
Definitely disappointment. Jess pushed away her frustration. Perhaps she should not have told him. “Are you saying you can describe everyone in a crowded room?”
He smiled briefly. “Not quite. But I do survey the room thoroughly—and quickly. I may not remember every detail, but I can generally recall that there was an older man in a blue coat and a stout woman with gray hair and a bonnet with a yellow ribbon That sort of thing. For instance, last night, you wore a rose-colored gown with a cream-colored fichu made of gauze. Your earrings were of pale coral.”
Jess couldn’t recall what he’d been wearing. She vowed to herself in that moment that she would become the most aware person in England. She would strive to record everything she saw in the recesses of her mind. Then Fallin would be impressed.
Was that her goal? To impress him? She couldn’t allow herself to think of the dashing gentleman she’d met four years ago. This was the Viscount Fallin, a spy, and he was potentially working against the crown.
Her goal was to succeed at this endeavor. Sheneededto.
“I will immediately start to survey situations in the same manner,” she said firmly.
“Good. So, this Torrance fellow approached you at the library and gave you a cipher. Did you find that odd?”
“Not particularly. He was very kind. I suppose the odd part was that he asked if he could send me one every week. The puzzles grew increasingly more difficult. In hindsight, it seems clear he was trying to determine if I was up to this task.”
“You’re certain he’s with the Foreign Office, then.” It wasn’t a question.
Jess lifted a shoulder. “Nothing else makes sense. It would be a silly coincidence.”
“Precisely. Here’s a piece of advice I received early on in my career, and it has stuck with me: take nothing for coincidence. That is crucial.”
She gave him a bland stare. “Such as our carriage having trouble near the house we’re hoping to infiltrate?”
Approval shone in his gaze. “You can afford one coincidence—perhaps two. This is why it’s so important for our behavior to be convincing. We must overcome any doubt or suspicion with our charm and wit.”
Jess hadn’t realized she would need to be charming or witty. She was used to being told she was boring because of her interest in political events or her love of books and language. “I’m not sure how much charm I possess. In case it passed your notice, I am firmly on the shelf.”
“It has not, and I confess I am rather intrigued by that. I’ve deduced that you’ve gone out of your way to avoid marriage. That’s the only thing I can think to explain such ridiculousness.”
Was he flirting with her? She stared at him, trying to discern his motives. Then she realized what was happening. He was already playing the role, treating her as a man would treat a woman he cared about. “You are too kind,” she said demurely. “I have been waiting for the right gentleman.” That was an outright lie, but she was following his lead.
“I see.” He leaned his side into hers, looking at her from the corner of his eye. “I think you’ll find that you’re more engaging than you realize.” Then he straightened, and the moment—the utterly false interlude of mutual appreciation—was gone. “Now, tell me about your cipher solving. How did you become so passionate about it?”
“I have always enjoyed riddles and puzzles. And words. I find it extremely satisfying to solve a cipher.”
He turned his head toward her. “You must be exceptionally good at it to have garnered the notice of the Foreign Office and for them to have enlisted you.”
She was surprised by his respect. Perhaps this partnership wouldn’t be as troublesome as she’d thought last night. She might even like him, though she must keep herself from developing any sort of friendly attachment that might interfere with her objective. She batted her lashes at him. “Have I perchance earned the right to ask one question?”
He grimaced slightly. “I was really quite beastly last night. My deepest apologies. Yes, you may ask me a question, but if it’s about the Foreign Office, I won’t answer.”
She had no idea if it was, but reasoned he simply wouldn’t respond. “Evie seemed concerned about you and the fact you returned to town. Is aught amiss?”
“That is what you wish to ask?”
“It seems I should get to know my husband, even if he’s fake.”
“You’re right. However, you actually needn’t get to know the real me.”
