Page 25 of The Scarlet Spy (Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Extraordinary Young Ladies #3)

“ T o family.”

As the afternoon sun filled the duke’s gallery with a soft glow, Sofia watched Lynsley raise a salute and take a sip of his wine. It must be hard to swallow the loss of a well-trained agent, she reflected, though the marquess’s gentlemanly smile gave no hint of censure.

“Kind of you to stop by and offer your congratulations,” said Osborne. He rose from the work table, where he and the duke were sketching plans for the wedding decorations, and drank from his own glass. “Thank you for accepting the news with such good grace.” A week had passed since the night of the fire, and the banns of marriage had just been posted.

The marquess sketched a polite bow. “I have learned in this business that one must be flexible. And pragmatic. All of the Merlins eventually leave the nest.” He turned to Sofia. “I wish you joy.”

“Thank you, sir.” She had found love, she had found family, she had found herself. The only sense of loss was in parting ways with the Academy. She must leave the dirt and the dangers behind now that she was taking her proper place in Society. It seemed impossible to think the that two worlds could ever coexist.

Sterling came over to shake Lynsley’s hand. “Forgive me, Thomas,” he said, wiping away a tear. “I seem to have turned into a watering pot in my old age. However, allow me to thank you for redeeming the death of one grandchild. And for bringing a lost one back to life.”

“I am not the Almighty, Henry. Merely a humble servant of the government. But I am happy to have been of some service to you.” The marquess did dart an ironic look at Osborne. “In all truth, I ought to be angry—I can ill-afford to lose such a sterling agent with Napoleon marching on Moscow.” He exaggerated a sigh. “But love conquers all.”

The duke laughed.

Sofia turned away, feeling the sting of salt in her eyes. The marquess was in many ways like the father she had never known. She was sorry for letting him down.

Lynsley, to his credit, did not harp on his disappointment. Indeed, he sounded quite jovial as he asked about plans for the wedding trip.

Sterling cocked his head. “I thought I mentioned to you that we are all going to my estate in Scotland for an extended stay. The Highland heather and moors around Craigellachie are lovely this time of year. The young people will have a chance to relax and recover from their ordeal. And I shall have an opportunity to become better acquainted with my granddaughter.”

“Ah yes, you did mention something of the sort.” The marquess coughed and turned to Sofia. “I don’t supposed I could interest you in a small task while you are there. There are rumors of French agents infiltrating along the North Sea coast. I could use a pair of trained eyes to take a look around and report on the situation.” He drew out a crumpled map. “But of course, you likely have other things on your mind.”

Sofia looked longingly at the weather-stained paper. “It is going to be awfully quiet there,” she murmured.

“It wouldn’t do to have a bored bride,” drawled Osborne. “However, if you wish to accept the marquess’s proposal, I will have to insist on an additional clause to be added to our marriage contract.”

“Which is?” she asked softly.

“That any danger we face, we face together.”

The duke clasped Lynsley’s arm. “Come, let us have a celebratory sherry in the library and leave the two of them to negotiate the terms in private.”

“An excellent suggestion,” said the marquess. “I hear you have a cask of the ‘89 Amontillado in your cellar . . .”

Sofia waited for the door to close before letting out her breath. “This is no laughing matter, Deverill,” she said, seeing the smile on his face. “I nearly got you killed this last assignment. I don’t want to force you into an arrangement you will come to resent.”

“My love, I never felt so alive as in these last few weeks. Neither of us would be satisfied with a life of indolent indulgence. We would be bored to flinders.”

“But you are the darling of Society. The ton looks up to you as a shining light of charm and wit. I . . .” Sofia looked around the room, taking in the sumptuous furnishings, the polished woods, the expensive art. “Your world is a comfortable one. I fear you will miss the accolades and attention. ”

His smile faded, replaced by a crooked uncertainty. “The ton will find a new Lord Sunshine—they always do. As for me, the clever quips, the glitter and gaiety have long since lost their allure. I was more alone than you can ever know until I found you, Sofia.”

“Dev—”

Osborne’s arms were suddenly around her, strong and sure as he drew her against his chest. “No, hear me out, sweeting. The bon mots may come effortlessly to my lips, but talk of true feelings is not so easy. It is hard to find words for how much I admire your strength, your honor, your sense of purpose.” His lips were warm against her cheek. “So let me simply say again that I love you.”

Through her tears, the blue of his gaze was a shimmering sapphire blur. Sofia blinked. “Merlins aren’t meant to cry. We are trained to fly alone, but my heart is here with you. I know none of the fancy poetry of your world?—”

Osborne silenced her halting words with a kiss. “We will make our own world, a balance between light and dark,” he murmured.

“That sounds beautiful beyond words.”

“Then let us go report for duty, and get the details of our next mission from Lynsley.” But rather than release her, he swept her up into his arms and carried her to the sofa. “But not quite yet.”

It was some time before Sofia straightened her skirts and smoothed the errant curls from her cheeks. “We had better make an appearance. They will be wondering what became of us.”

He chuckled. “No, they won’t. However, I shall discipline my naughty desires for the moment and obey your command.”

She gave a mischievous grin. “Get used to it.”

His brow arched. “Now, just a moment! I must insist on equal rank. I would never live it down if my friends learned that my wife wore the trousers in the family.”

“Speaking of trousers, it goes without saying that I will wear breeches and boots for riding.”

Osborne flashed a wicked smile. “I’ve no objection to seeing your lovely legs—” As he opened the brass latch, a folded sheet of paper fell from between the door and the molding. It was sealed with a black wax wafer bearing the image of a hawk in flight.

“Hmmm.” After a long look, he handed it over to Sofia.

She cracked the seal and smoothed out the creases.

The towns to watch are Nairn, Fidhorn, Burghead and Lossiemouth. I‘ve arranged for a small yacht to be at your service. It will be anchored in the village of Spey Bay. Messages can be sent to me through the owner of The Gorse & Grouse.

Good hunting,

L.

One last thing—in consideration of his past services, tell Osborne he can consider himself a full-fledged Merlin.

He read it over her shoulder and laughed. “I have just one question.”

“What’s that, my love?”

“Do I get a tattoo?”