Bride for a Night(61)

His mind reeled as the appalling implications of his brother’s treachery bit deep into his heart.

Soldiers had died. He shuddered to think how many. The Corsican monster had been allowed to continue his rampage across Europe and now the Peninsula, because England and her allies had been constantly one step behind. And masses had been driven from their homes to flee from the raging battles.

Was there any worse crime that could be committed?

Unwelcome memories of Harry seared through Gabriel’s mind. Images of Harry arriving home in the early morning hours appearing drunk and disheveled with the stench of cheap perfume on his clothing. Of the young man badgering his mother for yet another loan to pay for a flamboyant carriage or box at the theater. Of the burly men who arrived on the doorstep demanding payment from one gambling hell or another.

Weak and self-indulgent.

Two faults that had proven more dangerous than any murderous madman.

Unable to stand still, Gabriel paced across the dirt floor, his mind in turmoil.

Was it possible his brother had been forced into becoming a spy? Had he been blackmailed into writing the damned note?

As unlikely as it might seem, it was the slim thread he could grasp at.

“Tell me from the beginning.”

Sophia cleared her throat, no doubt relieved that Gabriel had not chosen to kill the messenger.

“From what Jacques has revealed, he and Harry attended school together.”

Gabriel frowned, unable to believe that the intensely driven Jacques could ever have chosen a shallow gamester who considered nothing beyond his own pleasures as a companion.

“They were friends?”

“I do not know the entire story, but they were at least acquainted closely enough for your brother to be aware of Jacques’s sympathies for the revolution, as well as his return to France and loyalty to Napoleon.”

Gabriel glanced toward his companion. “How can you be certain?”

“Because he made a most surprising visit to this palace over a year ago.”

Harry had traveled to France?

“Exactly when?” he demanded.

Sophia took a moment to consider her answer. “Two years ago this past April,” she at last revealed. “I cannot give you the precise day.”

It was Gabriel’s turn to hesitate as he shifted through his memories, wanting to be able to prove that Harry had been safely in London when this woman claimed he was here bartering away his soul.

Unfortunately he had a vague recollection of his mother pouting for weeks because her beloved Harry had refused to accompany her to London for the beginning of the season. Gabriel had been equally surprised by his brother’s insistence to remain at Carrick Park, considering his intense dislike for the countryside.

If he’d had any notion the evil that his brother had been plotting…

With a hiss he shoved aside his worthless regrets.

Later he could wallow in guilt and self-recriminations. For now he needed to discover how this nightmare had started and where it was headed.

“He arrived without invitation?”


“He traveled with Madame Martine, who was his current lover,” Sophia said, watching his restless movements with a wary gaze. “I believe she was the one to suggest that Harry could ease his financial difficulties by forming an alliance with Jacques. Your brother is a gentleman with a love for the extravagant.”

Gabriel snorted. “I am painfully aware of my brother’s expensive habits, but I find it difficult to believe that he would ever reach the level of depravity necessary to betray one’s own country. Not unless he was being forced.”