The Archer's Paradox (The Heart of a Hero Book 8) Read online

  Colin met her eyes and raised a brow, probably wondering why she was staring at him. Her heart thrummed. She’d been so busy being annoyed by him most of the time that she hadn’t noticed how handsome he was. She cast her eyes to the window, embarrassed that she had been caught. Hopefully he wasn’t adept at reading her expressions.

  “Make yourselves comfortable, ladies. It is but a short ride to the ball.” Sooner than she would have expected the carriage began to slow, then stopped. Colin pushed the curtain aside to look out. “I’m afraid we’re boxed in. Please excuse me.”

  With that short statement, he leaped from the carriage and disappeared into the night.

  Beatrice and Jane exchanged glances, then sat quietly. The occasional shouted order drifted to them, then it became quiet. The door to the carriage opened and Colin climbed in. The carriage began to move almost immediately.

  “The road was blocked, but I sorted things out.”

  “Do you always push your way in and take charge of strangers?” Beatrice asked.

  “All the time,” Jane said.

  He shrugged. “I do when someone else’s incompetence infringes upon my happiness.”

  Beatrice bit back a smile. “I see.”

  “He does tend to be a wee bit impatient. That’s why I handle most everything for him,” Jane said.

  “I can hear you,” he grumbled.

  “I know,” she shot back.

  Beatrice laughed at both of them.

  The carriage began to slow again, and Colin whipped the curtain back. “Finally, we have arrived.” He pushed the door open and jumped from the carriage before it stopped.

  “Is he always this enthusiastic?” Beatrice asked.

  “I’m afraid so. The man is never still. He’s constantly in motion.”

  He reappeared at the door. “I’m also not deaf.”

  Beatrice noticed something under one of the carriage cushions and took a closer look. Colin had brought his bow and quiver. Clearly, he believed in always being prepared. She understood. It was the same reason she always carried extra hatpins secreted about her person. They could be used as a weapon, to unlock doors, or simply to keep her thick hair in place.

  He helped both Beatrice and Jane out of the carriage and they headed toward the enormous house where the ball was being held. As they approached the house, Beatrice realized she had been here before.

  “Is this Lord Donnington’s house?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he said. “I take it you’ve been here before?”

  Beatrice nodded. “It was several years ago, when I first began working for Madame.”

  Jane patted her arm. “You must miss her.”

  “I do.”

  They reached the entrance to the ballroom and waited in the receiving line to give their respects to their hosts. She glanced into the ballroom, searching for familiar faces. It was easy to spot the captain and Elizabeth. He was nearly always the tallest man in the room. There were a few other members of the Legion in attendance, but no one that she knew well.

  Colin took Beatrice’s hand and placed it on his arm so he could introduce her to their hosts.

  “Mr. Hoskins. Glad you could make it,” Lord Donnington bellowed.

  “Thank you, my lord. May I present Mrs. Turner and Miss Pottinger?”

  Their host narrowed his eyes. “Have we met before?” he asked Beatrice. “You look very familiar.” Lady Donnington elbowed her husband and smiled at Beatrice.

  “It’s been some time, but I attended a ball here a few years ago, my lord.”

  It took a moment, but recognition dawned on his face. “Now I remember. You’re the girl who helped…well, I remember you. Enjoy the ball.”

  They moved into the ballroom and Beatrice searched for her friend, who was standing at the edge of the dance floor.

  “Beatrice, I didn’t expect the pleasure of your company so soon, but I’m delighted that you’re back in town.” Elizabeth pulled her into a hug.

  “I wish it was under better circumstances, but I am glad to see you.”

  The musicians took their places and Grant approached his wife. “I believe I have claimed your first dance.”

  “More like claimed all of my dances,” Elizabeth whispered, and they both laughed.

  In truth, though Beatrice did not begrudge her friend’s happiness, she wished for a similar situation for herself. She watched as they took to the floor.

  “Beatrice, would you care to dance?”

  She turned to find Colin standing rather close to her. Meeting his eyes, she nodded, suddenly feeling shy. He took her hand and led her to an empty space on the floor. Warmth emanated from him, sending a thrill through her. Working at a girls’ had school isolated her from contact with men. If she wasn’t careful, she’d soon find herself on the shelf. But for now, she was going to ignore her worries and enjoy dancing with a handsome man.

  The music finally started and he swung her into the waltz. He leaned close, his lips inches from her ear. “Are you at liberty to tell me what it is you do for the Legion?” he whispered.

  He was so close she could hardly concentrate on the steps of the dance, let alone answer his question. She glanced around, but no one was nearby. She kept her voice low. “I mostly translate intercepted letters and other documents, but sometimes I am called to take covert missions that require me to use my language skills and pretend to be someone else.”

  He frowned. “They send you in alone?”

  “It wouldn’t work otherwise. Most of the time I’m impersonating someone.”

  “What languages do you speak?”

  “I can read, write, speak, and translate French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Russian as if I am a native of the respective countries, but I can also translate documents in Swedish, Finnish, and a handful of other languages.”

  “Did your father teach you all of those dialects?”

  She shook her head. “No. It’s just something I have a talent for, so it’s easy for me to learn new languages.”

  “I don’t like the idea of you going into enemy territory alone.”

  “As if you never put yourself in harm’s way.”

  He frowned. “That’s different.”

  She pulled away from him so she could meet his eyes. “How so? Because you are a man?”

  “Err…that’s not what I meant. I am always armed with a weapon, whereas you have only your wit and intelligence to rely on. What I mean is, my strength is an advantage, whereas you seem to be left without a means of defense.”

  “I thank you for your concern.”

  He squeezed her hand. “My apologies. I did not mean to upset you. I am simply concerned for your welfare.”

  Warmth spread through her, calming her nerves. “If I may ask, can you tell me more about what you do with the Home Office? I gather your work frequently intersects with the Legion.”

  He nodded. “I have many roles, but am most known for my very accurate aim with both bows and guns. I have an uncommon ability to see well in the dark, which is why many of my colleagues refer to me as the Eagle.”

  Several loose ends clicked into place in her mind. She had heard of the Eagle, but she hadn’t realized it was him. He was a legend within the Legion and beyond, and known for his deadly accuracy, so it made sense that he would be assigned to monitor the coast in Kent. Though the worry of a French invasion had lessened over the past few years, it was still a prime location for spies to enter Britain.

  She smiled at him. “I had no idea I was with the famous Eagle.”

  “Infamous, more like.”

  Their set came to an end and he leaned close once again. “Would you like something to drink? I’ve found that the refreshment table at a ball is a wonderful place to catch up on gossip.”

  “My favorite pastime, to be sure.”

  He looked askance at her. “Are you being serious?”

  She rolled her eyes. “I usually stick to the gossip sheets, but we might as well make use of our time here.
”

  He led her to the table and poured her a cup of lemonade.

  It was rather hot in the ballroom, and it was no wonder given the number of people in attendance. “Where has Jane gone?”

  “She had some specific tasks to complete tonight. She’ll reappear later.”

  Beatrice nodded. Since they were meant to be listening for gossip, she sipped her lemonade and scanned the room for an acquaintance. Elizabeth was still dancing with her husband, and unfortunately, Beatrice did not see anyone else she knew. Colin was deep in conversation with a gentleman she didn’t recognize, so she moved toward the doors that opened onto the terrace to get some air. She stiffened. Someone lurked near a stand of trees at the foot of the terrace. Was that Monsieur Delacroix? She squinted, then rushed forward, only to have her forward momentum halted abruptly by a strong arm wrapped around her middle.

  Warm breath tickled her ear. “What do you think you’re doing?” Colin whispered.

  “I saw Delacroix. Let me go!”

  He released her, but kept a firm hold on her hand and dragged her into the darkness of the lawn. “I don’t care who you saw, you cannot chase after a man who may have committed murder.”

  He moved rapidly, and she struggled to keep up with him. “Do you see anything?” she asked.

  “He went into the maze.” Colin slowed to a stop. “It’s too dangerous to pursue him in the dark.”

  Beatrice breathed deeply, hoping to slow her thundering heart. “At least we can confirm that he is alive.”

  “True, but I think you need to face the fact that he is likely guilty of wrongdoing.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t believe he killed his sister.”

  “Perhaps not, but if he hasn’t done anything wrong, why is he hiding from us?”

  “I’m willing to believe that he is in some sort of trouble, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he is at fault.”

  Colin frowned at her. “I need you promise that you will not meet with him by yourself.”

  She sighed. “I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for quite some time.”

  He took both her hands in his and looked into her eyes. “Until we can be certain he isn’t dangerous, I need you to promise you won’t put yourself in harm’s way. Please?”

  Her heart clenched. She was torn between her sense of independence and her growing feelings for this man. She needed time away from him to think. “Fine. I agree. I’m going back to the ballroom now if that’s all right with you.”

  She entered the ballroom and spotted Elizabeth at the refreshment table. No one else was nearby. When she reached her side, she said, “Does Grant ever interfere with your missions or insinuate that you aren’t capable of taking care of yourself?”

  Elizabeth grinned. “He did at first, but he’s learned to keep his concerns for my safety to himself for the most part. I hadn’t realized you and Colin were close.”

  Beatrice shrugged. “We’re not close, exactly, but we are working together, and it’s maddening when he tries to keep me from doing my job.”

  “Just give him a little time. It took Grant weeks to realize that I can take care of myself.”

  Elizabeth laughed, then gestured toward the doors to the terrace. Colin and Grant were coming toward them.

  “We searched the lawn, but there was no sign of him.”

  Beatrice raised her brows at Elizabeth. If they were going to continue to work together, Colin would have to learn to trust her.

  Chapter Seven

  Colin needed answers. Jane had hit a dead end, so it was time for him to act. Beatrice was giving lessons to the girls, so it was the perfect time for him to slip out. It was impossible for him to keep Beatrice and her students safe when he couldn’t be certain where the threats were coming from. He shoved the door open and walked into the Home Office.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Hoskins. We’ve been expecting you.”

  Of course they were, since he had utilized his contacts to request a meeting.

  “Right this way, sir.” The man ushered him into a room in the back and shut the door behind him. As usual, the man behind the desk did not identify himself.

  Colin sat in the provided chair. “What do you know about the Delacroix family associated with the school for girls in London?”

  “The parents of the owner were killed during the revolution. Daughter and son escaped to England and disappeared for several years before she purchased the school building. Both are associated with the Legion.”

  Colin frowned. “You do know she’s dead.”

  His contact nodded.

  “I suspect the brother is the killer. Do you have any information that might convince me otherwise?”

  He shuffled through some papers and shrugged. “Nothing definitive, but we have cataloged some inconsistent behavior. Attends pro-Bonaparte events but no other information indicating that he supports the so-called Emperor.”

  That was odd. “Do you know where he lives?”

  “No.”

  Did they know anything? “Where he used to live?”

  “No.”

  Surely the man could at least confirm this one. “Do you know who owns the building that houses the school?”

  “She did.”

  “Do you know if there is a will?”

  The contact shook his head.

  “So her property defaults to the brother?”

  The man shuffled the papers again. Colin was beginning to hate the sound, which he associated with wasted time. “Not necessarily. She had two sons.”

  “Locations?”

  He flipped to the next page. “One in Liverpool, and the other in London.”

  Finally, some information he could use. “Delacroix is her maiden name. What is the surname of her sons?”

  “Delacroix.”

  “Are there any parish records of her marriage?”

  “No.”

  Colin leaned back against his chair. The situation became more and more ominous.

  “Where did her sons come from?”

  “I’ll look into it.”

  “Have either the brother or sons made an attempt to claim the property?”

  “Not that we’re aware of.”

  “Thank you.” He stood and strode from the office. The irony was that he was leaving with more questions than answers.

  Colin entered the house and stopped in the foyer. All was quiet. He went up the staircase and knocked on Beatrice’s door, but there was no response. There was noise coming from Madame Delacroix’s bedchamber down the hall. Moving quietly, he stopped outside her door. Someone was rustling through papers. He knocked, and seconds later Beatrice opened the door.

  She gave him weak smile. “Jane thought the girls needed to get out of the house, so she took them to the park. I decide to enjoy the silence and start going through Madame’s belongings.”

  Her porcelain complexion and delicate features highlighted the dark circles around her eyes. He feared she might break. “This must be difficult for you.”

  She shrugged and moved back into the room.

  “Can I help?” he asked.

  “Of course. I’d appreciate it. I made a quick search for her will before, but now I’m going through everything, hoping we’ll come up with something that will help us unravel all the mysteries.”

  He moved into the room and stopped next to her. “I’ve just returned from a visit to the Home Office.”

  Her brows rose. “Did you learn anything useful?”

  Clearly, she’d had experience with how the government worked. “I guess that depends on your perspective. Though records prove that Madame and her brother came to England in 1793 after their parents died, there is no additional information about them until she purchased this house.”

  “That’s a pretty big gap.”

  “Do you have any idea where they lived or what they did prior to starting the school?”

  She sighed. “No, but perhaps we’ll find s
ome clues in this room. What else do we know?”

  “There are no church records to prove that Madame was ever married, and her so-called sons use her maiden name as their surname.”

  “So, we can deduce that she either had them out of wedlock, or they were not her children.” She blew out a deep breath. “I feel as if I never knew her at all. I’m afraid to ask if there’s anything else.”

  She looked so sad and tired. He wished there was something he could do to remove the pain of betrayal. Unfortunately, he knew what it was like to have people you thought you could trust disappoint you. “There’s nothing else of use. I think we need to focus on finding Monsieur. He is likely the only person who has the ability to answer all of our questions. For what it’s worth, the Home Office is supposed to be getting me more information about Madame’s possible children.”

  Beatrice shook her head. “All right. Let’s see if we can’t find something helpful in this bedchamber. How about if you take the desk, and I’ll go through the wardrobe and chest of drawers. If possible, I’d like to find something of hers to give to each of the girls as a memento.”

  “I appreciate you sparing me the necessity of sorting through women’s garments.”

  The grin on her face was worth searching through all manner of items.

  In the first fifteen minutes, he found nothing of value in the three desk drawers he had cleared. Apparently, Madame Delacroix never threw anything away, even tiny scraps of paper that were too small to write on. Meanwhile, Beatrice had sorted through Madame’s many silk scarves and had chosen one to give to each of her students.

  “Colin?”

  Glad of the distraction, he walked over to where she sat on the floor. “Can you think of any reason why Madame would have so much diamond jewelry, especially given that as far as I know, she never wore any of it?”

  He put his hands on his hips. There were necklaces, earbobs, rings, bracelets, and brooches covering every inch of the top of the chest of drawers. “No, but it might explain why her brother is still hanging around but not showing his face.”