The Hanover Square Affair

Street and tell them all I know, they'll go after them and drag them back. And they both would likely die a horrible death.'

'What will you do, then?'

Louisa watched me, expectant.

I stared at a point beyond the flaking plaster arches that climbed to my ceiling. The firelight softened the once-gilded walls to a mimicry of their former glory.

'I must let them live.'

Louisa looked relieved. 'I'm glad.'

'May God forgive me.'

Louisa leaned to me, fragrant with lemon and silk, and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.

'Even if he will not,' she whispered, 'I will.'