“Then you must call me Oliver.”
Lord Taylor gave him an approving nod. “I know that we have a sordid past, but I hope that won’t define our future.”
“May I propose that we let bygones be bygones?” Oliver suggested.
“I think that is a grand idea, Oliver,” her uncle responded.
Gesturing to a settee, Oliver asked, “Would you care to sit?”
“I would,” Lord Taylor replied.
Oliver led Emmeline to another settee and waited until she was situated before claiming the seat next to her.
Lord Taylor glanced between them, then asked, “Have you had a chance to discuss my proposal about Lockhart Manor yet?”
“We have,” Oliver replied, “and I have informed Emmeline that the decision rests solely with her.”
Her uncle turned his brown eyes towards her. “And what have you decided?”
Clasping her hands in her lap, she replied, “I have decided to retain ownership of Lockhart Manor.”
“I see,” Lord Taylor murmured, frowning. “I must admit that was not the answer I was hoping for.”
Emmeline bobbed her head. “I know, and I am truly sorry.”
“But not sorry enough to sell me the property,” her uncle added knowingly.
Ignoring his disparaging remark, she explained, “When I am at Lockhart Manor, I feel a special connection to my parents, and I am not ready to let that go.”
Lord Taylor abruptly rose. “If that is the case, then my business is done in Whitstable and I should return to Town.”
“I know you are angry—”
He held up his hand, stilling her words. “I am disappointed, but not angry. I wanted this property for sentimental reasons, as well, so I am unable to fault your decision.”
“I am happy to hear you say that.”
Lord Taylor smiled down on her. “Take care, Emmeline, and make sure you visit when you return to London.”
“I will,” she said, returning his smile.
“Then I shall tell Betty to expect you to come to call.”
Rising, Emmeline remarked, “I will be looking forward to it.”
Lord Taylor watched her for a moment, his eyes sweeping over her. “I don’t know why I am getting sentimental, since we shall be seeing you soon,” he said, his voice emotional. “I suppose it has something to do with almost losing you last night.”
Her uncle turned his attention towards Oliver. “Take care of my Emmeline.”
Oliver slipped his arm around her waist. “You have my word.”
With a parting glance at her, Lord Taylor departed from the room without saying another word. Her eyes remained on the empty doorway as she said, “That went well.”
“It did,” Oliver agreed.
“I didn’t think I would ever see my uncle soften his stance towards you.”
Oliver chuckled. “Neither did I.”
She turned to face him. “But that doesn’t mean my aunt won’t receive us with cold civility when we come to call.”
“Frankly, I anticipate that.”
Glancing over at the window, Oliver asked, “Would you care to take a stroll along the beach now?”
“I think that sounds wonderful.”
As they made their way down the footpath towards the beach, Oliver was starting to doubt that he could leave Emmeline to go to the peninsula. He wondered if he would he be able to stand being apart from her. But he already knew the answer. No. Somehow, completely unwittingly, Emmeline had become the most important thing in his life.
What was he to do? He was set to depart for the peninsula when he arrived back in Town. It was an assignment that he had been hoping for, but the thought of being that far away from Emmeline made his heart ache.
Perhaps it was time to tell her the truth and hope that she would accept him for who he truly was.
Emmeline’s words broke through his musings. “Are you all right, Oliver?”
“I am,” he replied. “Why do you ask?”
She lifted her brow, then said, “You have been standing there for nearly five minutes looking perplexed.”
“I have?”
“You have,” she confirmed.
Taking a step closer to her, he said, “I apologize for neglecting you.”
“There is nothing to apologize for, especially since I do not feel neglected.” She smiled playfully.
Oliver reached for her hand and held it. “I have been meaning to talk to you about something rather important,” he said as he turned to walk down the beach.
“It sounds serious.”
“I’m afraid it is.”
Emmeline glanced over at him. “Whatever it is, I have no doubt that we can get through it together.”
Keeping his gaze straight ahead, he informed her, “I have been asked to go to the peninsula for business.”
“How long would you be gone?”
“I am not sure, but it could be months, or even years.”
“Would it be possible for me to accompany you?” she asked, her voice hopeful.
“It would not.”
Emmeline grew silent as she withdrew her hand from his. “I see,” she murmured.
“I’m afraid you don’t see.” He stopped and turned to face her. “I am not sure I want to go anymore.”
“Why?”
“Because of you.”
“Me?”
He grew serious. “I know this marriage started out as one of convenience, but I would like to change the terms.”
“You would?” she asked, her eyes lighting up.
“I would,” he said, “but before we can even discuss the possibility, I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
Oliver took a step closer to her, his eyes imploring. “I’m afraid it may drastically alter the way you feel about me.”
“I don’t think that is possible.”
“What I’m about to reveal can never be repeated.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “Do you understand?”
“I do.”
Oliver’s eyes scanned the beach before he brought his gaze back down to meet hers. “I am an agent of the Crown.”
Emmeline arched an eyebrow. “Are you in earnest?”
“I am.”
Frowning, she took a step back. “Now you are just being cruel.”
“In what way?”
“Do you truly expect me to believe that you are a spy?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I do,” he replied. “My assignment has been to root out radical thinkers amongst the ton. I have used the cover of a rakehell and gambler to achieve my purposes.”
Emmeline blinked. “You were just pretending to be a rakehell?”
“Yes,” he rushed out.
“Unbelievable,” she muttered under
