Page 40 of Presenting Miss Letitia (Once a Wallflower 1)

“And Fraughton?”

“Fraughton is dead. Marston killed him.”

She looked stricken. “Oh! Was that my fault? Because I told him about his wife’s affair?”

“No, Letty. As if what you said could make a ha’penny’s worth of difference. The men harbored a deep hatred of each other.”

“And Marston?”

“He got away, I’m afraid. The dragoons are searching for him, but he has probably left the area.”

“Where would he go?”

“He’d pack up and leave the country if he is wise.” Brandon frowned. He was prepared to follow the devil to France. He wouldn’t rest until the brutal man was dealt with.

“Why would such well-to-do gentlemen involve themselves in smuggling?”

“Same old story. Greed. But it’s not a case of smuggling a few barrels of brandy, casks of wine, or bolts of silk. They were intent on setting up an empire. Bringing in opium through the Silk Road to Italy which was then under Napoleon’s control, thence to France.”

“Opium? That’s a drug, isn’t it? Don’t they use it for medicines like laudanum?”

“Yes, and morphine, but in its pure form, it is very destructive. Many would become dependent on it, which would keep them in business.”

“They are evil.”

A clatter of carriage wheels sounded on the road outside the window. Then men’s voices were raised in the entry.

“Our chaise has arrived.”

“Have something to eat first.”

“No time.” He grabbed the cake she’d left uneaten, off the plate. Discovering it to be moist and tasty, it disappeared after a few hearty bites. He stood and offered her his arm.

As the chaise took them to London, Brandon sat back and ran a hand over his eyes.

“You must be dreadfully tired,” Letty observed.

“You get used to going without sleep in this business.”

“What made you get into it? Surely your father would have objected? Do your parents live in London?”

“They prefer to spend most of their time in the country. Father has never approved of me. But he knows nothing about the work I do.”

“Why don’t you tell him? Surely he would be proud of you.”

He shook his head. “The work of agents is not considered to be particularly admirable.”

Her eyes widened. “Not admirable? When you risk your life for your country? Why ever not?”

“Agents are seen to lack the nobility of soldiers. It involves some rather unsavory aspects which gentlefolk don’t wish to acknowledge goes on.”

“But for a good cause, surely?” She leaned forward. “What for instance?”

“We don’t always fight fair, Letty. But I prefer not to go into it.” He cocked an eyebrow. “I suspect you would find it far too interesting.”

She grinned. “I might. But doesn’t your father’s unfair disapproval bother you?”

“It did once. I’ve grown used to it.” This conversation was heading into dangerous territory. “Your parents are no longer with us?”

---