A Dangerous Game (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 2), Laura Beers [i read books TXT] 📗

the townhouse and saw a black coach parked further up the street.

She cautiously approached it and was pleased when the door opened and Oliver stepped out. He was dressed in a dark jacket and trousers, which contrasted with his white linens.

A footman stepped off his perch and relieved her of the valise, then strapped it onto the back of the coach.

Oliver approached her. “Are you sure that you want to go through with this?” he asked.

“I am,” she replied.

His face, which had been solemn, suddenly broke into a smile. “I’m glad to hear it.” He offered his arm. “I hope it won’t be an issue that we will be traveling at night.”

As Oliver assisted her into the coach, she replied, “That is why I brought my muff pistol with me.”

“Do you know how to shoot a pistol?” Oliver asked as he sat across from her.

“I do,” she shared as she felt the coach jerk forward. “After my parents died, I decided that I would learn how to protect myself, just in case the situation ever arose.”

“You do not need to fear for your safety,” he assured her, “you are under my protection now.”

“I appreciate that, but I can take care of myself.”

Oliver shook his head, but a hint of a smile was on his lips. “You always were the headstrong one.”

“There is nothing wrong with knowing what you want.”

“It is when you are too stubborn and refuse help.”

“Perhaps.”

Oliver gave her a peculiar look. “Did you just agree with me?”

“I did.”

“If you do that more often, then this marriage could work out splendidly,” Oliver joked.

Emmeline laughed. “Thank you for doing this for me.”

“You don’t have to keep thanking me.”

“But I feel as if I should,” she responded.

With a glance out the darkened window, Oliver said, “I believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial for the both of us.”

“You do?”

“Yes. The scheming matchmaking mothers will finally leave me alone, and you won’t have to marry the duke.”

Emmeline started fidgeting with the fringe on her reticule. “How does a marriage of convenience work, exactly?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” Oliver teased. “I have never been in one before.”

“Do we attend social events together?”

Oliver nodded. “I suppose we give the appearance that we are a happily married couple, but we go our separate ways when we are at home.”

“Will we reside at Hawthorne House?”

“Yes, for now,” he replied. “I informed my brother of my decision to elope with you, and he is making the preparations for our return.”

Emmeline pressed her lips together. “Lord Hawthorne must think me quite silly to elope with you and forego an advantageous marriage with the Duke of Billingham.”

“I explained your reasons to him, and he was surprisingly supportive of our decision to elope,” Oliver said.

“That is a relief.”

“You need not worry,” he encouraged. “My mother will rejoice when she finds that we are to be wed. She has always thought fondly of you.”

Emmeline gave him a timid smile. “I suppose I am just nervous.”

“There is no reason to be nervous. After all, you are marrying the most handsome and clever bachelor amongst the ton.” Oliver gave her a smug smile.

Her smile turned genuine. “I see your ego has only grown over time.”

“Frankly, it has stayed pretty consistent.”

Emmeline turned her attention towards the window and watched as the moon lit up the night sky. “How long does it take to travel to Gretna Green?”

“If we only stop to swap out the horses, we should arrive in two days’ time,” he explained.

“Splendid, but is it safe to travel at night?”

“It is a risk that I am willing to take,” he said. “If not, it could take up to four days to arrive.”

A silence descended over them as Emmeline watched the buildings begin to fade away and be replaced by the rolling hills of the countryside.

“It is lovely out here,” Oliver commented.

“That it is,” Emmeline agreed. “I find that I enjoy the countryside much more than being in Town.”

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Oliver said. “You would always spend every hour you could outside when you were residing at your country home.”

Bringing her gaze back to meet his, Emmeline replied, “It is true. I loved nothing more than exploring the woodlands behind our estate.”

“And our woodlands,” Oliver teased.

Emmeline smiled. “Jane and I did have quite the adventures,” she admitted. “I must admit that my parents were rather indulgent with me.”

“Yes, they were.”

Her smile dimmed. “I miss them dreadfully.”

Oliver gave her a look filled with compassion. “I can imagine.”

“Do you suppose they would be disappointed in my decision to elope with you?” she asked as she nibbled on her bottom lip.

“Your parents adored you, and I would imagine they would just want you to be happy.”

“Thank you for that.”

Oliver shrugged. “Besides, I have no doubt that they would have been elated that you picked me.”

A laugh escaped her lips. “You have not changed since we were little.”

At her words, a pained look came into his eyes. “That is not entirely true.”

“No?”

“I am not the carefree boy that I once was,” he replied.

She eyed him curiously as she asked, “Do you not spend your days gambling, drinking, and flirting with women?”

“I do, but there is so much more to me than that.”

“I know,” Emmeline replied.

“You do?”

Emmeline bobbed her head. “You may have your vices, but I believe you to be a good, honorable man.”

For a moment, he stared at her in disbelief. “And why is that?”

“Because you are saving me from a terrible marriage.”

Oliver pursed his lips and grew silent. Finally, he spoke up. “I am not the man that you think I am,” he expressed.

“No?”

“I have done some terrible things.”

“That is in the past now,” she remarked encouragingly.

Oliver threaded his fingers and placed them in his lap. “It is not that simple,” he said. “At times, my actions will not make sense to you, but I need you to know that I will be faithful to you.”

“I understand.”

“You should also know that I am a man with many secrets,” Oliver shared, his expression solemn, “and I