CHAPTER 33

C HAPTER 33

C ade slept very well with Tamsyn in his arms, and it was near dawn when he woke. After a few moments of savoring the pure bliss of being with her, he reluctantly swung from the bed before bending to kiss her temple, saying softly, “Thank you, my darling girl.”

She made an agreeable humming sound but didn’t quite wake up. Smiling, he pulled on his clothes and silently left the room. He tried not to wonder when, if ever, they would have another such night of privacy and passion.

The inn was quiet and he hoped he could return to his bed without waking his brother, but as he entered the room, Bran shifted in his bed by the window and muttered, “Your stealth energy works very well.”

“Good.” Cade divested himself of his clothing again and slid into his bed. With luck he could get a couple hours more sleep before rising for breakfast.

Knowing that Bran deserved at least a summary, Cade said, “As you suggested, I asked Tamsyn if things were moving too quickly for her. She was quite firm in asserting that was not the case.”

Bran chuckled. “If she’s decided that, the subject is now closed. But I’m glad you discussed it.”

After a long silence, Cade said, “We’re going to reveal our relationship to Rhys and Gwyn when we get back to London.”

“I think that’s a wise decision and gives you the best chance of a successful outcome,” Bran said. “Together you can figure out the best way to proceed.”

Even though Cade had used stealth, Bran had probably guessed what Cade and Tam had been doing besides talking, but the subject was private. Instead he said, “I’m getting an increasingly strong feeling that all four of us—you, me, Tamsyn, and Andre—should go to the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard. Just for a couple of days.”

Cade wouldn’t mind having more time before confessing to Rhys and Gwyn. “Do you know why there was a request for your presence?”

“The Commissioner of the Dockyard is Sir Charles Saxton. He had a long and honorable history as an officer in the Royal Navy before he was appointed Dockyard Commissioner at Portsmouth. His reputation is impeccable, but Rhys said that he’s rather traditional, which makes it somewhat surprising that he’d request aid from the Home Office’s gifted department.”

“Is he concerned about anything in particular?”

“I’m not sure.” Bran’s voice turned amused. “Plenty of people who have no use for those of us who are gifted are willing to believe in intuition.”

“Which of course has nothing to do with being gifted,” Cade said with a chuckle. “It’s a much safer word.”

“A sea captain as capable as he was must have good intuition,” Bran said. “Perhaps Saxton senses something is wrong, or perhaps one of the men under him is worried. Rhys told me that the Yard is enormous and contains a number of major industrial facilities. With the resumption of war, they’re also expanding the Dockyard, so there must be many opportunities for French agents to cause trouble.”

“And since the sea and the Royal Navy are all that stand between us and Napoleon, the safety of the dockyards is very important. Do you have more specific information about the one in Portsmouth?”

Bran covered his mouth with a yawn. “Yes, but I’ll save it for the morning. I’m hoping to persuade all three of you to go with me.”

“I will,” Cade said, yawning himself. “As you spoke, I got the feeling that I should be with you.”

Bran made an approving sound, then fell asleep again, probably to dream of Merryn. As Cade burrowed into his bed, he hoped he’d dream of Tamsyn.

* * *

At breakfast that morning, Bran told the others about the Portsmouth Yard. “All the naval yards are being expanded now that we’re at war again, and Portsmouth was already the largest British yard. It’s also the largest manufacturing site in Britain and quite possibly the world.”

“Which means there are many, many targets for determined French agents,” Tamsyn said thoughtfully. “I’ll go with you.”

Bran turned to Andre. “Are you interested? It would be a short visit.”

Andre hesitated. “I’m anxious to get to Woolwich to find Elizabeth.”

“Quite understandable,” Tam said. “If you’re uncertain what to do, try closing your eyes and letting your mind become still, then see if one of the possibilities begins to seem like the right one.”

Andre did as she suggested, his face relaxing. After a minute or so while the others continued eating, he opened his eyes again. “How interesting! I realized that I should go with you to Portsmouth. That’s a useful technique, Tamsyn.” He smiled. “I’m interested in all matters of engineering, but I also hope to learn more about using my gifts by following the three of you around.”

Bran laughed. “You’re welcome to do so. We all have thoughts on being gifted—and we don’t always agree by any means!”

“I have had very little training,” Andre said hesitantly. “When Grandmère told me about your family, I hoped you would be able to teach me more.”

“We’re happy to,” Cade said. “We’ve all benefited by being members of the Tribe of Tremayne.”

“And new cousins are welcome.” Tamsyn studied Andre through narrowed eyes. “I feel that you are going to be very helpful.”

“But many of the Tremayne family are working against France,” Cade said seriously. “Half of your heritage is French. Are you comfortable allying yourself with France’s most determined enemy?”

Andre nodded. “I’ve thought of this, but half of me is also British. Though there is much I love about France, I do not support Napoleon, who yearns to conquer all of Europe and beyond and doesn’t care how many people die in his quest.”

Bran gave a nod of approval, then finished off the last of his tea and stood. “I’ll go arrange for a carriage so we can be off soon. Luckily, none of us have much baggage.”

Andre also stood. “I look forward to spending hours in a carriage with you where you won’t be able to avoid my questions!”

They all went upstairs to their rooms. Cade came up last and went to Tamsyn’s room as no one else was there to see. He tapped quietly, then entered.

Tam was efficiently packing her few garments into her carry bag. She looked up with a smile. “You’re ready to go?”

“Not yet. I wanted to give you a hug before we set off.”

“What a fine idea.” Tamsyn walked into his arms and they held each other. She smelled delicious. As she settled against him, she said softly, “The more I think about Portsmouth, the more I feel we’re going to find something important there.”

Cade frowned. “Dangerous?”

Tam hesitated. “Somewhat. And I think it will lead to something more dangerous. It’s good that we’re going together.”

With a sharp flash of intuition, Cade realized that this visit would, indeed, lead to something critical and dangerous. His arms tightened around Tamsyn. “We’ll all be alert,” he said out loud. And his silent message was I’ll keep you safe, my love. I promise.