Page 39 of Project Duke

Bartholomew opened and closed his mouth.

“Is there something amiss?” Nathaniel asked.

“No. Of course not,” the man said. “Let me see where the ledgers are for the payments to the sailors and officers aboard those ships.”

He turned back to the row of ledgers and started looking through the books. He found one and pulled it out, then the door behind them opened with a loud bang and heels clacked against the floor.

Nathaniel and Bartholomew turned around. Calliope charged into the office, fuming.

Bartholomew let go of the ledger and stared at her with confusion and surprise.

“Calliope,” Nathaniel snarled when she stood next to him. “How did you get in here?”

Calliope raised one brow. “Please. Your officers are much too gallant. What must they do when a young lady faints from heat in front of them? They must bring her inside into the shade, of course. And while one of them went to fetch a doctor, the other one went to fetch water. I’m sure they’ll be quite surprised to find the bench in the lobby empty upon their return.”

Nathaniel shook his head.

“Nathaniel, please find your manners and introduce me.”

Nathaniel’s stomach was churning. He could not fathom this woman, but he could not simply ignore her, either, as much as he might wish to at this moment.

“Bartholomew, allow me to introduce my wife, the Duchess of Kelford.”

Bartholomew’s expression cleared in understanding. He gathered a polite smile on his face. “Pleased to meet you, madam.”

“The pleasure is mine,” said Calliope with a charming smile.

What a stubborn, sly woman. Why could she not just listen to him and keep herself out of danger’s path?

“So.” She looked eagerly at the row of ledgers. “Did you find the lists of sailors?”

Bartholomew’s face fell. He gave Nathaniel a hard stare.

“I’m afraid there was a mistake, Kelford. As much as I enjoyed meeting your new wife, I cannot in my good conscience allow military information to be shared with civilians. Especially not women.”

Calliope’s enthusiasm evaporated. “Officer Bartholomew, I assure you—”

“Please.” Bartholomew waved his hand towards the door.

“But—” Nathaniel started.

“Kelford, I am warning you,” said Bartholomew. “My duty is to my country and my king. My word is final.”

Feeling the sense of a lost battle, Nathaniel nodded somberly. “Come along, Calliope. You heard the man.”

“But, Nathaniel…”

He gently took her by the elbow and tugged her after him.

“Good day, Bartholomew,” he added as he and Calliope walked out of the room.

When the door closed behind him, he turned to her, her big eyes on him with regret. “He almost gave me those lists before you came in!” he grated out through clenched teeth, forcing his voice down. “I told you to stay away. Will you listen to me for once in your life? Do you see how you are actually doing more harm than good?”

She straightened her neck. “Is Bartholomew’s family rich?”

Nathaniel shook his head. “Excuse me?”

“What is his social status?”