My Lord the Spy by Audrey Harrison Read Free Book Online

was seated with Milly, both trying to concentrate on needlework, the result being that Clara sighed more than she sewed as her mind mulled over what Charles was doing when they were interrupted by a footman.
    “Miss Baker, the Earl of Chertsey wishes to pay his respects,” the footman said.
    “Lord Chertsey? Has he asked for my brother?” Clara asked.
    “He asked for you both, Miss, but on explaining that my master was not at home, he expressed the desire to see yourself.”
    “I see. Please show him in,” Clara said, laying aside her needlework.
    “Do you know Lord Chertsey?” Milly asked.
    “No,” Clara replied. “It must be through some acquaintance with Charles that he is here, although Charles has never mentioned anything.” Clara was not surprised; Charles told her less and less these days.
    The gentleman was shown into the drawing room. The moment he walked into the room Clara froze; she knew immediately he was the same man who had been her protector two nights ago. She would have recognised his form anywhere; every part of him was imprinted on her mind. She was reminded of his comment about recognising someone’s mannerisms, and she knew exactly what he meant when she faced him. The way he had walked into the room, the way he held himself, she had dreamed about for the last two nights. She flushed; his lips she remembered more than anything else.
    He was dressed to the same exacting standards that he had been at the masked gathering at Mrs Langtree’s. His blue frockcoat was made of the finest mid-blue wool. His silver and pale-blue waistcoat reflected the light. The folds of his white cravat would have made any dandy proud. His hair was curled in the latest style, looking perfectly dishevelled and a little longer than would normally be worn, making Clara long to move it from the back collar of his waistcoat. His breeches fitted snugly; he was obviously a man who partook of many sporting activities from the way his muscles moved as he walked. Gleaming boots finished the outfit to perfection. Here was a man who took pride in his appearance and, from his deportment, he was fully aware of the picture he presented.
    Clara suddenly felt underdressed in her pale green-checked muslin day dress, her hair tied in a braid and wound into a bun for comfort rather than style. She would have been slightly reassured to know her heightened colour and sparkling eyes enhanced her looks. Her poise was elegant and graceful, and the dress, although made for practical use, enhanced her slender figure.
    Edmund looked at Clara with amusement at her perusal of him as he walked into the room. He realised immediately she had recognised him. He had wondered if she would. His bow was given, and he gave her the flowers he was carrying.
    “For you, Miss Baker,” Edmund said with a flourish.
    Clara flushed a deep shade of pink. The flowers were reds and yellows, the colours were unusual in a bouquet and had obviously been chosen as a reminder of the red and gold outfit she had worn on the night they met. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “Milly, please let me introduce Lord Chertsey. Lord Chertsey, this is my cousin, Miss Millicent Holland.”
    “My Lord,” Milly curtsied, shooting Clara a puzzled look but refraining from asking anything while in company.
    “Miss Holland,” Edmund bowed.
    If Clara had felt overwhelmed by her protector when he was masked, she felt even more in awe now. He was the most handsome man she had ever met. His chestnut hair was curled to perfection, his features were elegant, his eyes a rich brown with surprisingly long lashes for a man. She had noticed his eyes when he was masked, but set in such a handsome face, they seemed to shine at her. His lips ̶ the same lips that had kissed her until her legs had been weak ̶ turned up in a smile that seemed to acknowledge that he knew exactly what she was thinking.
    “Cousin, would you be kind enough to obtain a vase for the flowers and order tea for his