Page 19 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

“I’m being practical. Threatening his family could make Wedmore more dangerous.”

Dom’s jovial smile fell away. He took a sip of brandy. Wedmore had been a founding member of the Regent’s Consul. His reputation was not to be taken lightly.

“Also, I need you to use your connections to gain permission for them to visit the Acropolis.”

“You are too personally involved, Hackberry. This will not end well."

“I’m not—" Jonathan took a breath.

He barely knew Miss Darlington. How could he be too close to his assignment? “Will you help arrange the Acropolis or not?"

Dom studied him over the rim of his glass. “I will, but remember who you are. And who she is."

Jonathan nodded curtly. “And you will follow them in my stead?”

“You know I cannot refuse. Whether I like it or not, I’m involved now."

Seven

The next day Evangeline settled on the marble bench near the fountain in Lord Dominic’s courtyard and opened her sketchbook. A beam of late morning sunlight illuminated the paper, the charcoal lines standing out against the page.

She, Regina, and Xavier had visited the Stoa of Attalos the previous day. It was once a thriving market of small shops built by King Attalos II of Pergamon as a gift to Athens. Evangeline had sketched the layout while on site and started adding details earlier that morning when she couldn’t sleep.

The glass doors leading to the sitting room she shared with Regina and Xavier opened.

“Bonjour,” Xavier said as he walked outside carrying a tray loaded with fruit and flaky nut pastries drizzled with honey.

Regina followed with the teapot, looking more refreshed than she had in weeks. The fresh air and exercise from walking the streets of Athens seemed to have been what she needed.

“You are up early,” Regina said.

Evangeline smiled. “No, you two are up late. Did you forget about visiting Hadrian’s Library today?”

“The ruins have been there for centuries and aren’t going anywhere.” Regina pointed toward the square wood slat table pushed against the outside wall. “We can set up there,” she said to Xavier.

He carried the tray across the courtyard, surefooted on the uneven clay tiles.

“We are having a picnic,” Regina explained, though it was unnecessary. “Do you want to join us?”

“I ate earlier this morning. I want to add details to my drawing from yesterday.”

“Was the book from Lord Dominic’s library useful?” Xavier asked.

“Very.”

Sir Jonathan had invited her to browse the shelves after dinner last night, and she had found a very old book that described the sights and sounds of the marketplace from before it fell into ruins. She couldn’t determine how accurate the account was. Most details about the ancient world had been passed down by word of mouth until someone decided to record them. But she woke that morning with a vision in her mind, and she wanted to put it on paper.

Once Xavier placed the tray on the table, he took the teapot from Regina and slipped his arm around her waist to guide her to the simple wooden bench.

“This was a lovely idea,” Regina said. “We haven’t picnicked since Hyde Park.”

“You fell in love with me that day.”

“I did not. I still believed you were a scoundrel.”

“But a handsome devil, non?”

Regina laughed and laid her head against his shoulder. Xavier dropped a kiss on her hair before urging her to sit.