“Yes, well, there has been a new development that requires discussion,” Belle interjected before Simon could say anything.
Jo frowned at them, her eyes flickering between Derek, Simon, and Belle.
Belle stepped forward, breaking any direction of thought her friend’s mind might have taken. “Perhaps we can avail ourselves to some tea and cakes first before we take a stroll in the gardens. No need to not enjoy the treats.”
At James’s grumbling assent, they moved to where delicious lemon cakes beckoned. Of course, Derek was the only one to forgo eating, availing himself only to a cup of tea. The others, well, they all dug right in.
“Perhaps now, Westfield,” Derek murmured moments later, “You will enlighten us as to the reason you invited us here.” His eyes had taken in every angle of the garden, even darting over her slumberous aunt in his assessment.
“We can let De Roux be,” Belle murmured before Simon could give anything away about her brothers.
Silence met her statement. She glanced at them then, noting the surprise registered on their faces—well, on all except Derek Shaw’s.
Hedid not even blink.
“And why, precisely, would you wish for us to stop our mission to apprehend a foreign spy that means to not only to harm you but possibly the Crown?” Derek asked.
“There are more forces at work here than you are aware of.”
“That’s not good enough,” Derek answered.
James stepped forward. “And since when have you been so deeply embroiled in this that you know things that we clearly do not?” The note in James’s voice seemed to suggest if there was spy business in the works, he would know it all.
Since my brother told me so.
Belle risked a glance in Simon’s direction. Should she—could she—tell them? If word ever got out, would the lives of her brothers be in danger? But then, being spies, they possessed the means to take care of themselves, didn’t they? And Quinn had asked her to tell her friends to let this be. How could she convince them without explaining why?
But then, did she count Derek and James Shaw as true friends? They’d been cloaked in mystery since the moment she met them. On the other hand, they did save her life. It was impossible to tell if she could trust them with her brothers’ lives, however. And instinct warned that she should always look out for her siblings first.
Perhaps it was best not to say anything—not yet anyway.
“I am not embroiled in anything other than being a pawn in a game of chess. But I have it on good authority that the matter is being taken care of as we speak. I, for one, would love nothing more than for it to be over.”
Derek Shaw nodded. “Understood.”
Belle narrowed her eyes on him. So did Jo and St. Aldwyn, who’d up to that moment been thoughtful, but silent.
“Who is this source of yours, Lady Belle?” James asked.
“It would not be a source, Mr. Shaw, if I tell you.”
“Yet you felt you could trust Westfield with the information.”
St. Aldwyn took a step closer to Westfield. “I’d be careful making accusations if I were you.”
Still, Belle did not deny it. What was it about men and their inherent need to want to be aware of everything, even if it was none of their concern?
“I am not purposefully trying to be difficult, Mr. Shaw, but it truly is not my place to tell. Lives are at stake here.”
Hers especially.
Simon shifted to place himself in a proactive stance before her when James Shaw still looked unconvinced. “I was there when her source made an appearance. She speaks the truth.”
Belle groaned inwardly at his declaration. Jo’s gaze whipped to her, a knowing smile playing across her features.
This was exactly what Belle had wished to avoid.
“Oh, and when did this source inform you?” Jo asked curiously.
