Page 129 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” Kerley said as he placed his hand on the door. “In the meantime, I do hope you enjoy our hospitable lodgings.”

Jane glanced around the room and muttered, “It’s hardly hospitable.”

“It’s far better than the cell I lived in for two years,” he replied curtly. “At least you don’t have to deal with rats gnawing at your toes.”

Kerley closed the door and locked it behind him. Jane rested her head against the wall as she thought about what he had revealed. Was it true that her brothers were spies? It would explain their peculiar behavior these past few years, and she had to admit that it didn’t seem so farfetched the more she thought about it.

What of Corbyn? Could he be running an agency for all the agents of the Crown? And had he truly left Kerley for dead in France? That didn’t sound like the man she knew and loved. But what did she truly know about him?

Frankly, Jane didn’t know what to believe anymore.

Corbyn paced Baldwin’sstudy as he attempted to formulate a plan that ensured Jane would be saved from Kerley’s evil clutches. He refused to let any more harm come to Jane than already had.

Blazes! This was precisely why he had worked so hard to avoid attachments in his life. They could be used against him, and innocent people could be hurt for no reason other than revenge. Why had he shown any favor to Jane? He should have just dismissed her out of hand and been content in his life. His lonely life.

It was better to be lonely than to put people at risk. Hadn’t he always encouraged his agents to follow his example? Yet he’d failed in that most difficult task. He’d fallen in love. Which was an intolerably stupid thing to do.

Baldwin’s voice broke through his musings. “Are you even listening to me?”

“I am not.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

Corbyn stopped pacing and turned to face his friend. “I’m a little distracted right now.”

“Precisely my point,” Baldwin said. “You can’t face Kerley alone. It would be like a lamb to the slaughter.”

“I disagree.”

Oliver spoke up. “I’m afraid I agree with my brother. You seem awfully distracted.”

“The note said I need to go alone,” Corbyn responded, “and I refuse to put anyone else in harm’s way.”

“Well, I’m coming with you,” Baldwin asserted.

“As am I,” Oliver said, crossing his arms over his chest. “She’s our sister. We’re coming.”

Corbyn frowned. “What if Kerley sees you?” he asked. “It could be the difference between life or death for Jane.”

Baldwin smirked. “I believe you’ve vastly underestimated us.”

“I haven’t, I’m just afraid,” Corbyn admitted reluctantly.

Oliver dropped his arms. “That doesn’t sound like you,” he remarked. “You’ve never been afraid before.”

“I’ve never had so much to lose, either.”

“Meaning?” Oliver pressed.

Baldwin interjected. “Corbyn just realized that he is in love with our sister.”

“He is?”

“And our dear sister is in love with him, as well,” Baldwin shared.

Oliver smiled. “I suspected that to be the case, but I never thought Corbyn would act on his feelings.”

“I haven’t, but Kerley saw through me,” Corbyn said.

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