Bride for a Night(145)

Her hand brushed over his chest to lie against his heart, as if unconsciously attempting to ease his concern.

“I am sorry.”

He turned to press his face into her unruly curls, breathing in the sweet scent of lilac and warm woman. Who could have ever predicted he would not only put aside years of inexorable control to share his feelings with his wife, but that he would actually seek her comfort?

Astonishing.

“It was inevitable that I would be forced to reveal Harry’s relationship with Jacques Gerard,” he admitted, his voice revealing his painful regret, “but I have hopes that his treachery will be kept a closely guarded secret.”

“I do not understand. I thought you were convinced he must stand trial.”

“That was my original thought. However, I believe Harry has offered me the means to ensure the prime minister will do whatever necessary to prevent word of the betrayal from becoming common knowledge.”

She shifted so she could study him with a suspicious frown. “What means?”

His lips twitched as he sat upright and reached for his jacket at the end of the bunk. Did she fear he had some nefarious plot in mind?

Reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket, Gabriel pulled out the piece of parchment he had hidden. Then, leaning back, he handed it to Talia. “This.”

He hid a smile as she carefully tucked the blanket over her lovely body, as if he had not already memorized every delectable inch of her satin skin, before she unfolded the parchment to study the list.

She at last lifted her head with a puzzled frown. “I have been introduced to several of these gentlemen, but I do not recall them being particular friends of Harry. Why would they assist him?”

Gabriel snorted, well aware that at least two of the gentlemen had threatened to issue a duel with his reckless brother when they’d caught him in bed with their wives.

“I can assure you that assisting my brother was never their intention,” he said wryly.

“Then why do you have their names listed?”

“I did not list them.” He grinned. “Jacques Gerard did.”

She silently considered his revelation, her cunning mind swiftly comprehending the impact of the names.

“They are traitors?” she asked in shock.

He gave a lift of his shoulder. “It would seem so.”

“But…” She regarded him with wide eyes, struggling to accept the evidence. “Dear heavens.”

“Yes,” he murmured.

Her lips flattened as she tossed aside the list and gave a disapproving shake of her head.

“Is there no one to be trusted?”

“Power is too often corrupted, I fear, but we at least have the means to use their weakness to our advantage.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You have a plan?”

He plucked the parchment off the bed and waved it lazily.

“Neither Jacques nor the traitors are aware that Harry stumbled across this list.”

His smile widened in anticipation. He had swiftly recovered from his own dismay at the sight of the names. Unlike Talia, he had already been jaded by his fellow members of parliament. Which meant he understood that the traitors would never come to justice, despite the fact that the bastards would be eager enough to see Harry hang for his crimes.

A knowledge he intended to use to his advantage.

“Where did he find it?”

“At the vicarage.” He silently reminded himself to have the house searched from attics to cellars, as well as the church. “Harry copied the list and left behind the original. So far as they are concerned, their contemptible alliance remains a secret.”