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Table of Contents
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About The Requisite Courage
Praise for Tracy’s Historicals and Suspense
Title Page
The Requisite Courage
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Dedication
About the Author
Other books by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Copyright Information
About The Requisite Courage
As Europe draws toward war, an extraordinary woman steps into the arena.
In Edwardian England, Lady Adelaide Azalea Margaret de Morville, Mrs. Hugh Becket, lately of the Cape Colony, was born the daughter of an Earl, but is now the widow of a commoner. She straddles two worlds, speaks fluent German, and can ride, hunt and shoot. Her talents draw the eye of spymaster William Melville, who recruits her to help him fight a shadow war against German agents both at home and abroad.
Her first assignment is to attend a weekend house party at Balmoral Castle. One of the guests intends to assassinate King Edward and she must find out who before they make their move…
This novelette is the first in the Adelaide Becket Edwardian espionage series.
1: The Requisite Courage
…and more to come.
An historical suspense novelette.
Praise for Tracy’s Historicals and Suspense
Tracy Cooper-Posey deftly blends historical detail with heart-touching romance, a beautifully rendered plot and compelling characters that will haunt you for days after you read the last page. The BookNook
Tracy brings serious competition to the big boys of spy thrillers.
If you like John LeCarre, Lee Childs and John Grisham, you will absolutely love this book. It far surpassed my highest expectations.
Ooh the suspense .... Who to trust!!
A page turner and a pure pleasure.
The Requisite Courage
Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Scotland. 1906
Adele had attended too many royal functions to consider a party at Balmoral more than merely interesting, even if it was a weekend house party at which King Edward himself would be present—weekend house parties being notorious for generating scandals and adventures to supply the rest of society with gossip to last the season.
What was vexing was to step beyond the butler’s silver tray and size up the guests as Melville had instructed her, only to find she knew the first guest her gaze rested upon rather too well.
Six feet and two inches of debonair Saville Row tuxedo, thick dark blond hair combed into rare obedience, and grey eyes which missed nothing. Those eyes were narrowed and examining her right now.
Daniel Hargrave Bannister. The Second.
“Oh, bother…” Adele murmured. She plucked a champagne glass from the tray the footman held out to her and thanked him absently as Daniel moved toward her.
“Lady Adelaide, how delightful,” Daniel said in greeting. “And here I thought that Cape Town had acquired you forever while I lingered neglected, here in England.”
“I heard you were in East Africa, Daniel. Collecting ivory, wasn’t it? Or were you a miserable failure at that, too?” She smiled and sipped and tried to examine the other guests, but Daniel’s shoulders were simply too high and rather broad, as well.
“I am a perfect shot,” he said coolly. “As you well know.”
The mention of guns made her reticule feel suddenly too heavy on her arm. “I’m not sure how I might know that,” she said stiffly. “The only time I’ve ever seen you was in drawing rooms, usually propping up a mantelshelf, which seemed to adequately suit your personality.”
Daniel’s jaw grew firmer.
“I must present myself to the King,” Adele added before he could fire a return salvo, for she had spotted the King’s corpulent figure, surrounded by glittering teagowns and satin lapels. “Excuse me.”
She crossed the room, scanning faces as she moved. Most of them were people she knew from her few seasons in London, but she hadn’t seen any of them for several years.
One of the small group gathered around the King was Boyd Waterman. The Earl of Whitehead, he was now. She touched his elbow. Boyd glanced at her, most of his attention upon the King, who was speaking. Then Boyd swiveled his gaze back to her, his eyes widening.
“Good Lord! Adele!” he exclaimed softly, turning to her. “I thought you were in the Cape Colony.” He bent and brought his lips and his bristling mousy-brown moustache within an inch of her cheek. “How marvelous!” Then his smile faded. “I’m so sorry about Hugh.”
She managed to keep her smile in place. “Thank you.” She nodded toward the King. “Would you do the honors, Boyd?”
“You’ve never met Bertie?”
“No, I’ve never had the pleasure.” She had been one of the last debutantes to be presented to Queen Victoria.
“Well, then.” Boyd brought his arm around her back and shepherded her into the little circle, while stepping back to make room for her. He cleared his throat.
King Edward finished speaking to Miriam Lynwood, then raised a brow at Boyd. His gaze shifted to Adele.
“Your Highness, may I present to you Lady Adelaide Azalea Margaret de Morville, Mrs. Hugh Becket, lately of the Cape Colony but now returned to us.” Boyd added, “Lady Adele, His Royal Highness, King Edward VII.”
Adele gave a shallow curtsey. “Your Highness. Thank you for the invitation. I am honored to
