Extract

Mills & Boon^®

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A MARQUIS TO PROTECT THE GOVERNESS

Parker J. Cole

‘You said you trusted me.’

‘I do, André.’

‘Then what is this all about?’

He pulled the letter from a hidden pocket of his waistcoat and handed it over to her.

‘The letter,’ she breathed.

‘So you did know about it?’

‘Only after Jacqueline told me that I’d received one. I did not know who it was from until you told me.’

Deciding to take her word at face value, he said, ‘It’s from the king’s mistress, as I said.’

An odd look appeared on her face, surprise mixed with unease. He thought for a moment that she would take her leave of him, but instead, she stood there as she opened the letter, reading it in the dim light. When she finished, she placed it back into the envelope and stared out into the darkness.

After a moment, he asked, ‘What does it say, Isadora?’

Turning back to him, she said, ‘It says that my employer is to escort me to the palace in four days’ time.’

His mouth opened and closed. ‘Why?’

There was enough light to reveal the changing dynamics of her face. The uncertainty making the corners of her mouth turn down. The slight melancholy in her eyes before her eyelids drifted downward, shielding them from his gaze. ‘I can’t say. It’s a secret too dangerous to tell.’

‘So you won’t tell me what a woman I despise is writing to you about,’ André countered.

‘There’s too much at stake, André. My secret is such that, if discovered by the wrong people, it could put the crown in jeopardy.’

It was a very serious claim to make, giving André pause. He mulled over the idea in his mind before he asked, ‘Are you a spy?’

Isadora pressed her lips together. ‘I cannot say,’ she answered finally. ‘You will find out everything soon enough.’

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A MARQUIS TO PROTECT THE GOVERNESS

Parker J. Cole

Available next month