“You’ll see that now,” Uncle Alfred added as if he’d heard her protest. “You’re still thinking of him as that young boy you first met, or the charming fellow who comes round for holidays. But it will be different now that he has a life of his own. I’m afraid we’re much too stodgy for him. While we’re stuck in London, he’ll be off having great adventures, escaping danger, and meeting many glamorous people.”

Lottie flinched at the knowing look he shot her.

“He has a long and illustrious career ahead of him,” Uncle Alfred continued. “Of that I’ve no doubt. He has the best instincts I’ve ever seen. But that requires a great deal of sacrifice, you know. A willingness and an ability to do whatever it takes to win using any means necessary.”

He paused, waiting for his words to sink in. Lottie had to bite her lip to keep it from trembling.

“And he’ll do it, Lottie. Actually, I think he finds that part the most appealing,” he said with a chuckle. “You’re an intelligent young woman. I don’t need to tell you what that will mean for a handsome man like him.”

Deception. Intrigues. Seduction.

Her uncle sighed. “In any case, that is not the kind of life for a man with a family. With responsibilities. Obligations.”

It went against everything Alec had ever spoken of wanting. Everything he had ever claimed to hold dear. Was all of that a lie as well? But it must have been. Otherwise, he would have stayed. He would have bothered to talk to her.

Still, Lottie made herself ask: “You’re sure that is what he wants?”

“Alec?” Uncle Alfred laughed, as if the very question was absurd. “Oh yes, my dear. Quite sure. In fact, I think he may be the best man I’ve ever recruited.”

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

The door to the compartment swung open, and Lottie sat up with a start. She had only meant to rest her eyes for a moment but the gentle motion of the train must have lulled her to sleep. She turned expectantly toward the doorway, but instead of Alec an older woman dressed in deep purple appeared.

“Oh! I’m so sorry. Did I wake you?” The woman’s graying temples indicated she was likely on the other side of fifty, but her full cheeks gave her a distinctly cherubic appearance.

Lottie offered her a sleepy smile. “It’s all right. I hadn’t meant to doze off.” She glanced out the window. The train had stopped at a station. “Would you mind telling me where we are?”

“Padua. Only an hour or so to go before we reach Venice.” The woman returned her smile and settled into the seat across from her. “I am Mrs. Huntington.”

“Mrs. Gresham.”