Page 65 of Lady and the Scamp

Emily gave a tight smile. It was just like Will to deflect attention from himself. But that’s what men of duty did. They did not want attention, couldn’t claim it even if it was thrust upon them. Their lives were in the shadows. “I don’t believe that, Your Majesty. You know who he is now?”

She nodded. “I knew before, though the details were not made clear to me until more recently.”

“He is very good at what he does, very capable. He would never have allowed any harm to come to you.”

“Regardless, it was you who knocked the poisoned tea from my hand. You who bodily attacked that footman when he—”

She broke off, putting her hand to her throat. It was a rare moment of loss of composure for the monarch.

Emily tightened her grip on the hand she still held. “The last few days have been trying for all of us.”

“Yes, this Irish situation has been most trying,” the queen said. “But you need not concern yourself with that. When you are better, we look forward to your company again.”

“Your Majesty,” Emily began.

The queen sighed. “I already know what you will say. I had hoped my instinct was wrong, but it rarely is.”

“You know what I want to ask?”

“You want to leave us.”

Emily nodded. “Not permanently, Ma’am. I just need some time away.”

“Of course. Will you go to Averley Hall?”

Emily had almost forgotten the dowager house at Averley Hall. But she couldn’t return there, not with all the memories of her dead child and her dead husband. She wanted fresh and new. “I thought I might go to take the air at Lyme Regis.”

“I see. And will anyone be joining you?”

“I had thought to take Pratt, of course. I can rent a house with other servants.”

“You know who I mean, Emily. Don’t think I didn’t see the looks you and Mr. Galloway exchanged these past weeks. I may be married, but I am not blind.”

Emily felt her cheeks heat. “I’m afraid Mr. Galloway has had to leave. I have not had any word from him.”

“And this pains you?” Now it was the queen who squeezed Emily’s hand.

“I...” Emily was mortified to feel her eyes burning with the threat of tears. “I don’t know how to feel, Ma’am.”

“You will sort it out then,” the queen said. “And yes, you have my permission to take your leave. But it’s only temporary. I need you, Lady Averley. I can’t be left at the mercy of the Duchess of Charlemont’s frowns and ill-humor.”

Emily suppressed a laugh. “No, Ma’am. And I do promise to return.”

“Well, then. We shall see you soon enough.” She rose and made her way out of the room. Pratt returned a moment later and gasped when she saw Emily out of bed.

“My lady, you should rest.”

“No time for that, Pratt. We must begin packing.”

Chapter Sixteen

“Good work, Will,” Baron said, sitting back in his chair and steepling his hands. “I never doubted you were the agent to send. I’ve even received word that the queen wants to bestow some sort of medal or order upon you.”

Will shook his head. “No.” The last thing he needed was more attention. He wouldn’t make a very good agent if everyone knew he’d been decorated for his service.

“I’ll see if she can do it privately,” Baron said, making a note.

“It’s not necessary.”

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