A Spy Unmasked (Entangled Scandalous) by Tina Gabrielle Read Free Book Online Page A

The party is less than two weeks away. We must prepare.
    Robert
    The missive was curt and lacked flowery prose, just like Kirkland. Sophia glanced at the mantle clock, her heart hammering. She looked down at her worn work gown and the smudges of dirt on her hands.
    “Smith!” she called as she rushed out of the library. “Please summon the carriage. I must change and then attend to some business.”
    …
    A half hour later, her carriage stopped before an impressive mansion in Grosvenor Square. Smoothing the skirts of her fine morning gown of blue alpaca, Sophia stared at the massive pile that had belonged to the old earl. Built of white stone with painted black shutters, the home’s window boxes were bursting with well-tended, colorful blooms.
    “Shall I accompany you, Lady Sophia?”
    At the softly spoken question, Sophia glanced at her maid and chaperone seated inside the carriage. “Yes, Rose. But I shall require some time alone with Lord Kirkland.”
    Rose’s eyes widened. “Is that wise, my lady? We’re visiting a bachelor’s home.”
    “We are discussing several of my father’s inventions. It will take some time. Of course, you may stay if you deem it necessary.”
    Rose twisted her hands in her skirts, and Sophia knew she’d said the right thing. All her father’s servants knew how tedious and long a conversation could be regarding one of his inventions, let alone several.
    She’d once overheard the servants use the word “torturous” when referring to her father’s discussions.
    “As you wish,” Rose said, nodding obediently.
    The driver hopped down to lower the step, and the women alighted the carriage. Together they headed for the front steps, and Sophia lifted the heavy brass knocker.
    The door swung open and a dour-faced butler stared down at them.
    “Lady Sophia Merrill to see Lord Kirkland. I believe he is expecting me.”
    The butler held the door open farther. The women stepped into the vestibule and handed him their cloaks. The entrance was stunning, graced by polished marble and a glittering chandelier.
    “Lord Kirkland will see you in his study.”
    They followed him past an elegantly appointed drawing room, music conservatory, and dining room. The furnishings were rich mahogany, the carpets a lush Oriental, and the rooms spacious. Sophia marveled at Kirkland’s wealth.
    Her own father’s town house on Curzon Street was in an affluent location, but he had never believed in luxury, and she had grown accustomed to living with a small staff. Her father had rarely entertained. Rather, he’d spent his money on his laboratory and his research.
    The butler’s heels clicked on the marble floor. His spine was rigid, the image of a perfectly proper butler in an earl’s home. She couldn’t help but wonder if the servants were aware of their new master’s clandestine work for the Home Office.
    A door farther down the hall opened and Kirkland emerged, carrying a sheaf of papers. His tawny hair was mussed as if he had repeatedly run his fingers through the thick locks. He wore no jacket, and the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up, revealing his forearms.
    He looked studious and reserved…completely different from the mysterious, masked man of last night, the dangerous spy who had snatched her off her feet and slung her over his shoulder like a pirate would his booty.
    He glanced up from his papers and spotted her. His sensual lips curved in a smile. “Welcome.”
    Beneath his intense stare, a shiver of awareness tingled along her spine. “I received your note.”
    Kirkland turned to the butler. “Burke, I’d like to introduce my fiancée, Lady Sophia.”
    The butler stared, an expression of complete surprise on his face. Gathering his composure, he bowed. “Forgive me, my lady. I had no idea. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
    She curtsied. “Thank you.”
    “Perhaps Lady Sophia’s maid would like refreshment in the kitchen,” Kirkland prompted.
    Burke was quick to catch on.