Page 84 of The Bachelor Spy
Frederick’s grin spread, and his hand moved to touch Grace’s, a connection so natural and tender it caused Blake’s chest to squeeze. He’d been privileged to witness their romance from its tumultuous beginning, and seeing them together still—despite war, despite distance, despite everything—was a reminder that some things remained not only worth fighting for but worthlivingfor.
“I can only imagine,” Frederick said dryly. “She never fails to fill every letter with interesting tales.”
Oh, Freddie hadn’t heard the best yet.
“There is so much to tell,” Grace interjected with barely contained enthusiasm, “but not until you’re properly settled and Dr. Ross gives me leave to excite your imagination, my dear Lord Astley.” She sent Blake a bright grin, joy practically radiating from her. “I’m certain we could use your ready mind to help with some of the adventures.”
Oh dear,Blake thought at the same moment Frederick spoke the words aloud, though his cousin wore a grin.
Blake hadn’t worked up to smiling yet, especially at the thought of Grace enlisting Frederick in this whole dangerous mess while the man couldn’t even see.
Perhaps he ought to temper Grace’s excitement a bit on that score.
Zahra smiled up at him from Frederick’s side. “Mr. Blake was wounded at the Front, Papa. But he is much better now. Mama has been taking very good care of him.”
Something in the way she said it—perfectly innocent but somehow loaded with meaning—made Blake’s lips twitch. The girl was far too observant by half.
Rather like her mother.
“Has she indeed?” Frederick tipped his head in Blake’s direction. “She’s very good at that sort of thing, isn’t she?”
“I’m afraid I’m an extremely poor patient, however.” Blake narrowed his eyes at Grace in playful challenge.
“Exactly,” Grace returned without missing a beat. “One would think he’s not wounded at all from the amount of activity he insists upon.” She raised her brows to him, proving she could take his teasing without difficulty. “Very mysterious behavior for a man supposedly recuperating.”
“How shocking,” Frederick murmured. “Blake being uncooperative and mysterious. I’m positively stunned.”
Blake shot him a look that Frederick, naturally, couldn’t see but would certainlyfeel.“Some of us prefer not to burden others with the tedious details of our suffering.”
Frederick laughed—a sound that struck Blake square in the heart.
Safe.Even if wounded.
And to keep him safe, perhaps Blake should temper his wife’s ready desire to divulge every bit of information she knew and some she surmised, perhaps wrongly.
Brandon appeared at the doorway, his timing impeccable as always. “Pardon my interruption, but Dr. Ross has arrived to see you, my lord.”
“Ah, that is my cue to step out and find a place to rest from my wounds.” Blake offered a slight bow but caught Grace’s gaze as he rose. “Lady Astley, might I have a word regarding your trip into town tomorrow?”
Grace’s eyes widened before she stood. “Oh, of course.” She squeezed Frederick’s hand. “I’ll see Dr. Ross in, Frederick.”
“Thank you, darling,” he said, but there was something in the set of his mouth that Blake couldn’t quite interpret. Frustration, perhaps. And why wouldn’t there be, given the uncertainty of his vision?
Blake offered his arm and led Grace to the door, lowering his voice. “And we need to find a lengthier time to talk about last night.” They stepped outside in the hallway, Blake closing the door behind him. “Because I can only imagine what scenarios you’ve constructed in that formidable imagination of yours.”
“Only what I heard, I assure you,” she shot back with a lift of her chin. “Though I did miss portions when the fighting became more intense, likely because it was so gloriously distracting. I had no idea people actually fought like that outside of novels. Now I shall read those scenes with much more clarity.”
Of course she’d find it all fascinating. She was positively irrepressible. He almost grinned.
“Grace, I’m afraid it’s all quite serious.” He held her gaze, his expression sobering. “You understand that, don’t you?”
“Of course.” She blinked up at him as if he’d gone mad. “I’ve seen firsthand what desire for treasure or information can do to people. Antiquities in Egypt, paintings in Italy, a burning castle in Scotland.”
“And with those experiences in mind—though I’m no proponent of keeping things from one’s spouse—you may wish to wait before sharing such details with Freddie just yet.” How to explain the situation delicately? “The tragedies of war can lead to uncertain temperaments, especially for those in the initial stages of gas exposure. Though Freddie appears in remarkably good spirits, perhaps prudence suggests—”
“Oh.” Grace’s face went pale, one hand moving instinctively to her stomach. “I never would wish to … to make things worse for him.”
“Of course not.” He touched her arm gently. “And it may be nothing at all. Perhaps in a few days, once we’ve seen he’s steady, you can divulge to your heart’s—and extraordinary imagination’s—content.”
