“I was distracted.” She gestured to his chest.
“Did she see you?”
Belle gave him a look.
“Of course, she saw you.”
“I made her tea.”
“Oh, God.” He raked a hand through his hair.
“And then I told her I had my wicked way with you, but that I won’t marry you until you beg.”
“I hope to God you are not serious.”
“About which part?”
He was dressed now and strode across the room, pausing before her. “We need to have a long conversation.”
“Not unless it involves you begging.”
“Belle!” He closed his eyes and took a long breath. “Not now. Get dressed and stay here. I’ll be back.”
And he went to the door, opened it, and said, “Mama! You’re here.” He closed the door, muffling his voice. Belle began to gather her clothing. She did intend to dress, but she would most definitely not stay here.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hew was prepared for the sight of Will and his mother sipping tea in the outer chamber, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t a shock. They were chatting about his Uncle Ernest, the spy Blue, who Hew had forgotten Will knew. But then his uncle and Will’s parents had worked together years ago.
His mother rose, and Hew went to her, kissing her cheek. She took his hands and looked at him. “You look quite recovered. In his letter, Mr. Randall seemed to imply you were half dead.”
“Miss Howard was kind enough to nurse me back to health.”
She released his hands. “Is that what you call it?”
Will cleared his throat. “I should go back to my room—”
“No.” Hew gave Will a look that indicated he would throttle him with both hands if Will so much as tried to walk through the door. “Unfortunately,” Hew continued, ignoring his mother’s pointed comment. “They’ve suffered because of their kindness. Their tea shop was set on fire, and her father—”
“Yes, she said he was abducted. I assume you will fetch him back.”
“I will.”
“And do you have time to dress properly and take tea with me?” she asked. “Perhaps in the dining room downstairs?”
“Mama, I’m sorry.”
She held up a hand. “Your father said there was no reason for me to hie to London as though I had a swarm of bees chasing me. I suppose I should have listened.”
“I do appreciate your concern. I was badly injured.”
“But you’re better now.” She lifted her walking stick from the arm of the chair, where she’d laid it. “I am happy for it, and to see you. It’s been months and your letters are quite perfunctory.”
“I’m not allowed—”
“No matter. Once you are done with this matter—whatever it is—you will come and visit? Your father has not been feeling well, and I think he will be cheered to see you.”
“Is he still suffering from the gout? I’ll come as soon as I am able.”
