Jenna Petersen - [Lady Spies] by Love, From London Read Free Book Online Page B

the other woman’s stare, hot blood rushed to Meredith’s cheeks. She had become so accustomed to a covert world, such directness was uncomfortable now.
    Lady Carmichael glanced away, giving Meredith a welcome reprieve from the statement she didn’t know how to properly address.
    “It probably seems odd to you that I’ve told you so much about our family’s trials.”
    Meredith shrugged one shoulder, even though she agreed with the assessment. She had hoped for, rather than expected, such candor.
    “I only give you these details because I know you experienced the same kind of loss when your parents died.” Lady Carmichael smiled. “You were once quite fond of my son, were you not?”
    Meredith sucked in a harsh breath. “Y-Yes, my lady. I suppose you could call us childhood playmates.”
    Lady Carmichael nodded. “Perhaps a renewal of that friendship would do him some good.” The lady patted her hand. “I’m sure you are tired and wish to rest before supper. Shall we go back inside?”
    Meredith nodded weakly as relief rushed through her. Of course, the spy in her wanted to be disappointed that the conversation had ended. Lady Carmichael was a font of information about Tristan and had opened her eyes to several possible motives for his turning to underground criminals. But the woman in her had a different reaction. The conversation, with its topics of family loss and old feelings, long forgotten, awoke emotions in her she did not wish to face.
    As they strolled toward the house, Meredith cast a side glance at Lady Carmichael. Her thoughts drifted to long ago summers when Constance patted her on the head or gave her a kind smile or word. As a lonely girl, she devoured those moments like sweets. Years later, Constance was still everything she remembered. A lovely, compassionate woman.
    Guilt stabbed her. She was using the other woman’s kindness against her and her beloved son. Even worse, she was keenly aware that this woman was considering her as a possible mate for Tristan.All while she had no idea what a blackguard he might be.
    The entire situation made Meredith’s head ache.
    Lady Carmichael smiled as they entered the house. “Simpson will show you to your room. Please don’t hesitate to ring if you need anything at all.” She squeezed Meredith’s arm gently. “I’m very glad you’re here, my dear. I shall see you at supper.”
    “Thank you, my lady,” Meredith stammered. “I look forward to it.”
    But she didn’t. As she followed the footman up the stairs and down a long hallway to her chamber, all she could focus on was the bloody task at hand. And how many lives it would destroy if she found the evidence she sought.
    She nodded to the man as he bowed away, leaving her alone in a lavish room she hardly took the time to examine. As her lady’s maid came forward to help her remove her pelisse and bonnet, she sighed. Back to work.
    First, she had to write home and obtain more information about Edmund Archer’s tragic death. Then she had to get a grasp on her senses and concentrate on her case, not the ramifications her investigation would have on this broken family…or the man who led it.

Chapter 5
    “T ristan, did you hear me?”
    Tristan glanced up at his man of affairs, Philip Barclay, with a start. “What? Yes, of course.”
    His old friend quirked an eyebrow. “Really? Because I just told you we would be dyeing the sheep housed in the southern fields a vibrant blue and you agreed.”
    Tristan pursed his lips. “Very well, I was not attending. No blue sheep.”
    Philip chuckled as he closed his ledger, but when Tristan didn’t join in the laughter, his friend’s face lengthened with concern.
    “The situation is weighing on you.”
    Philip’s words were a statement, not a question. Tristan turned away. There were very few people in this world that he trusted completely, but the man in his office was one of them.
    Philip was the youngest son of a wealthy baronet. The two boys had