“Perhaps I have a secret key, Lieutenant.” Saints, what had I just said? Never had I sounded so dizzy and flirtatious. “How goes the work with Major André?” I asked, moving to safer ground.

“Excellent. He is an outstanding superior. He is loved by all and no one denies him anything. I am trying to learn his ways.”

I laughed. “And how are you faring?”

“Not very well yet, but I am a good student and keep hope for the future. Which reminds me…will you be attending the Visser-Devoor wedding? I thought perhaps we might continue talking there? Not that we need stop talking now. The opposite, in fact, is what I was trying to say. Before I interrupted myself.” He shook his head. “You know, for a moment, I thought I’d rescued it.”

“You had, Lieutenant. For a moment.”

“ ’Tis something, I suppose.”

We stood, smiling at each other. Waiting as an elderly couple strolled past us.

He had enchanted me, I realized. Caught in his amber gaze, I felt warm and glowing. Like a lantern had been lit inside me. Who was this handsome young gentleman with beautiful lips and intriguing conversation? Then I remembered—he’d been put up to courting me, and I now understood why.

Lieutenant Duncan likely had a good name and reputation but lacked wealth, which I could provide. We were problems and solutions, after all. Estates and family names to be protected and strengthened through marriage bonds. It stung, but this was how it needed to be. And if a fortune had drawn him to Miss Coates, how could I really fault him? It had drawn me to her, too.

Lieutenant Duncan shifted his weight. “Miss Coates, I have enjoyed your company tremendously.” His voice deepened with sincerity. “Might I see you again tomorrow?”

“Yes,” I said, and almost said it again.

I wanted to see him. I wanted more of this good ache humming through me, like I was a string played by a bow.

It’d been such a long time since I’d felt it.

Three whole years.

Chapter 13: Across the River

A few hours later, just after midnight, I prepared to leave the house to return to Mrs. Burgin.

I stuffed twelve Spanish dollars into my new silk purse. Money, I well knew, rescued desperate situations better than any novel’s hero. Grabbing my black velvet mantle, I blew out the candle and crept downstairs.

In the kitchen, I hurriedly packed cheese, apples, and bread in a basket for the Burgin children. My every movement sounded too loud and my fingers twitched. Lucy’s tabby cat, Johann, watched me from his spot on top of the cupboard, his tail swishing. I’d just added a jackknife Maggie used for peeling to my purse when I heard footsteps crunching in the courtyard.

I spun to the door. Terror speared through me. Through the glass, I saw a face hovering in the darkness outside.