Her cheeks reddened, but he saw the answer glowing from her eyes.
"I see," Hastings replied with a chuckle. "I would be willing to offer you a place as well, Miss Collins. You have a great deal of your uncle in you. However, I suspect I shall get the same answer."
Alex held his breath. Here was a use for her considerable talents. He'd always thought she'd make a better agent than he would. Hastings no doubt hoped they would serve together, but Alex didn't think he could function as an agent knowing that Katherine might be in danger. But could he stand to be left behind if she accepted?
She smiled at him, not even bothering to turn toward Lord Hastings. "I fear you are right about my answer, my lord," she replied readily. "I too hope to be wed shortly and would like to devote myself to my husband."
Alex blew out a breath. Despite the audience, he could do no more than pull her into his arms.
From a distance, he heard Lord Hastings chuckle. "If you meant to keep your mission of seeking a bride a secret, Borin, you're doing a dashed poor job of it."
Alex raised his head, but kept her close. She made no move to leave his arms, as if she found them all too comfortable.
"It is no secret, my lord," he told the marquis. "You see the happiest man on earth."
"And the happiest woman," Katherine assured him. "I had a husband mission to start, and it succeeded beyond my wildest dreams."
"Well, if they won't accept a position," Sir Richard declared from the doorway, "I will."
"Did you all overcome my guard," Lord Hastings demanded, "or was he carried away by gypsies?"
"Neither," Sir Richard replied, moving into the room with a nod toward Laughton, who was shaking his head. "Though I suspect him shortly to carry off my niece in marriage by the way they are crooning over each other."
"Blasted epidemic," Hastings complained, though there was a twinkle in his dark eyes. "Just like this spying. Send them on their way, Richard, and we can talk."
"Your servant, sir," he replied, putting a hand on Alex's shoulder and pushing him toward the door. "Send Bixby to me and see my nieces safely home, won't you, Borin?"
"With pleasure, sir," Alex assured him.
Out in the antechamber, he slowed his steps, savoring a few moments alone with Katherine. She did not complain, lingering with him before the door.
"Have you truly forgiven me?" she murmured, enfolding one of his hands with her own.
He used his free hand to trace her cheek with one finger. "There is nothing to forgive. You did what you felt you must to save your family. I admire your courage and your foresight in carrying out the plan. Do you forgive me for thinking you were anything but marvelous?"
A tear trickled down her cheek, and he caught it with his finger. "Tears?"
"Happy tears," she replied with a sniff. "And there is also no need to forgive you. You had every right to be angry with me. I used my talents to disadvantage. I promise not to manipulate you again, Alex. But I fear I shall always be a managing female. It seems to be in my blood."
He smiled. "I have a great number of activities that need managing, my dear. Your considerable skills will not go to waste. I'm certain together we can determine a way to retrieve that ruby ring you left behind. However, I have a more urgent task for you right now."
She cocked her head. "Oh?"
He grinned and placed a quick kiss on her ear before whispering. "Yes. Can you manage to find a way to occupy your stepsister once we return to your town house so we may have some time together?"
She smiled back. "For you, my dear Alex, I can manage anything."