“We can only hope that Walter, Sam, and the others were able to fend them off,” Philip said.
“Hope is too fickle to base assumption on,” Christopher argued. “To be safe, we must assume that Eddington was successful.”
“So how will you proceed?” Philip’s gaze was sympathetic behind his spectacles.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Christopher settled his hip more securely against the front of his desk. “I will offer myself to Eddington in trade.”
“By God, no!” Tim roared. “She means to betray you.”
“What choice does she have?” Christopher countered.
“Eddington is an agent,” Philip said. “I doubt he would hurt the girl.”
“I have my doubts, as well. But by law, he should return the girl to Welton and I think he will, if Maria does not provide the assistance he has demanded of her.” Christopher looked at Tim. “Return to Lady Winter, but escort her to me this evening.”
“You would sacrifice yourself for her benefit, when she will not do the same for you?” Tim asked in obvious outrage.
Christopher offered a slight smile. How could he explain? How could he put into words the greater weight he gave to Maria’s happiness than to his own? Yes, he could confront her with his knowledge of Eddington, but where would that leave them? He could not proceed with his life knowing he had thrown her to the wolves, leaving her at the mercy of Welton and Eddington and men like Sedgewick who wished to harm her.
“Philip and my solicitor are aware of the steps I have set in place to see to the welfare of all of you, should something untoward happen to me.”
“I care naught about that!” Tim argued. “’Tis your welfare that concerns me.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Christopher smiled. “I am grateful.”
“No.” Tim shook his head. “Yer daft. Lost yer mind o’er a woman. Never thought to see the day.”
“You have said that Lady Winter refused him information until he baited her with her sister. I hold no blame on her for this. She truly has no other choice if she has any hope of reclaiming her sibling.”
“She could choose you,” Tim muttered.
Hiding his pain, Christopher gestured for them to leave him. “Go now. I have some matters to arrange.”
The men departed reluctantly, and Christopher sank into his seat behind the desk and released his breath. Who would have thought his relationship with Maria would end like this?
Regardless, he could not find the will to regret their affair. He had been happy for a time.
For that, he would gladly pay whatever cost was required.
Chapter 21
The ride to the St. John residence felt as Maria imagined a ride to Tyburn would feel.
Somewhere behind her, Eddington and other agents followed.
The knowledge ate at her with a viciousness that caused her physical pain. She wanted Amelia back more than anything in the world, but her heart told her the price she would pay was too great.
There was no escaping how deeply attached she was to St. John. Despite all of the things she had discovered about him over the length of their liaison, she could only seem to dwell on his kindnesses—his handling of Templeton, his concern over her injury, the way he made love to her.
As she exited the carriage and stared up at Christopher’s house with its empty planters and burly guards, the minute details of their association filled her mind. Heated moments and tender ones. Moments of comfortable silences and moments of verbal sparring. They shared a startling affinity and similar pasts.
Lifting her skirts, Maria ascended the short steps without haste and swept through the waiting open door. Many of those who lived under his protection lined the downstairs, watching her gravely, their eyes dipping to the foil in her hand. Her gaze met each and every one of theirs, challenging them to interfere.
None did.
She climbed the main staircase to reach Christopher’s bedroom and knocked on the door. When she heard his voice call out to her, she entered.
Christopher stood before the mirror, shrugging into a beautifully embroidered waistcoat that was held out by his valet. The colorful floral pattern was a lovely accent to his butter yellow breeches and the matching jacket that hung on the nearby rack. The entire ensemble reminded her of their first meeting in the theater, and her chin lifted.
“I have something to tell you.”
Christopher’s gaze met hers in the reflection, then he caught sight of her weapon. With a low murmur, he dismissed the servant and faced her. “Why, Lady Winter, had I known my lover would send you in her stead, I would have dressed warmer.”
“Your garments are perfect.” Her mouth curved. “Less material between the tip of my blade and your skin.”