Page 130 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Do you intend to offer for her?” Oliver asked.

“Heavens, no,” Corbyn declared. “After this is over, I will stay as far away from Jane as possible to ensure she is never harmed again.”

Oliver looked displeased at his response. “That is rather a sad way to live.”

“That may be true, but at least Jane will be safe,” Corbyn asserted.

Baldwin leaned back on his desk. “A life without love is a lonely one, Corbyn.”

“Regardless, it is a practical one for me.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” Baldwin argued.

“You would wish me to retire my position, then?” Corbyn asked in disbelief.

Baldwin put his hands up in front of him. “I never said that.”

“But you implied it.”

“I merely suggested you consider what you truly want out of life,” Baldwin said.

Corbyn gave him a pointed look. “Being a spy is all I have known,” he asserted. “It’s who I am.”

“There was a time I would have agreed with you, but then Madalene came into my life,” Baldwin shared. “She saved me.”

“Not everyone is as lucky as you,” Corbyn expressed. “As I have said, multiple times, my life is not conducive to having a wife, and it never will be.”

“Just think on it,” Baldwin remarked. “There are worse things than death, you know.”

“Meaning?”

“I think you know what I mean,” Baldwin said. “Either way, we need to come up with a plan that will ensure no one dies.”

A knock came at the door.

“Enter,” Baldwin ordered.

The door opened and Pratt stepped into the room. “A Mr. Stewart is here to call upon you, milord.”

“Send him in,” Baldwin asked.

“As you wish,” Pratt replied.

Oliver gestured towards the door. “What is Stewart doing here?”

“I sent for him,” Baldwin admitted.

“Why?” Oliver asked.

“I thought he might be useful.”

“This is ludicrous,” Oliver declared. “With all of the agents at our disposal, why send for a blasted Runner?”

“Because I found Stewart to be rather competent when we worked with him earlier,” Baldwin shared.

“You worked with him, as well?” Oliver asked.

“I did.”

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