Page 68 of Love Abandoned

Chapter Thirty-Two

Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream.

All this the world well knows; yet none knows well

To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.

—Shakespeare, “Sonnet 129”

“Chafing cold outthere.” Walford threw himself into the neighboring chair, rubbing his hands together and holding them toward the fire. He looked across at Richard. “The Home Office is not impressed with you.”

Richard raised his glass. “Well, tell them I said, ‘Welcome. I’m not impressed with me either.’” He took a sip and stared at the fire. Nor was Elizabeth. Hell, even William had inadvertently made him feel like a swine. Which, of course, he was.

“They were, however, impressed with the latest information. French troop movements along the main road from Lisbon into Spain. And indications of heavily defended bridges and fords. This knowledge may save many men.”

“At least some good has come from it all,” Richard said, and he meant it. He could not lament the saving of lives regardless of how it had turned his own personal world upside down.

“They’ve asked me to press you about Patricia’s whereabouts. I told them you didn’t know, but they’re still furious that their own agents let her slip out. Your aiding and abetting her escape is fuel on the fire. I’m not sure they’re going to let it go. Especially after seeing the value of her last piece of information. Operations are desperate for such insight.” Walford’s brow wrinkled. “Miller in particular seemed especially keen to know Miss Paisley’s whereabouts. I suspect he’s one of the ones under fire for letting her get away. He cornered me privately, insisting you reveal where she’d gone.”

Richard shrugged. “You cannot get blood from a stone.”

“That may be so, but it might not prevent them from trying. Consider yourself warned. They can be tenacious. And they remain concerned that the source is playing both sides. They’ve not resolved how he came to have the letter from Wellesley.” Walford stood.

“Not staying for a drink?”

“No. We are off tomorrow morning. It’s fresh air and country living for me for the foreseeable future. For the first time in my life, I am looking forward to seeing Woodfield and my father. It’s all so much easier with Catherine by my side.”

Richard winced. If Walford had meant to wound, he had hit his target.

Walford stared at him for a moment. “Our lives are richer for our wives’ companionship. Talk to yours, man. I learned the hard way that silence only increases the void.” He thrust out his hand, and Richard shook it. “You know where to find me if you need me.”

Richard sat for a long time, pondering Walford’s advice. If only it were so easy. Finally, he got up, ready to head home. He shook his head. Not home. Without Elizabeth and the boys, it was solely a house. He sighed. It was nobody’s fault but his own.

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