Chapter 20

Leah sat anxiously in the corridor of Buckingham Palace with the Duke of Wellington and Harlan. At long last she was about to meet Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch of England. Nervous anticipation coursed through her, knowing what was expected of her. There were many who were depending on her, so she prayed that her skills were an asset to all.

Harlan leaned over to whisper in her ear. "How are you doing?"

She glanced at him and whispered back, "Truth be told, I'm terrified."

"You will do remarkably. So long as you remember to call her Your Majesty, curtsy, and take her hand if it is extended, sit when she offers it, and—"

He continued on as Leah's head spun. The duke had gone through all of the comportment requirements with her earlier that morning, but while Leah had met dignitaries and socialites from all along the continent, England had control over so many.

It was this unimaginable power that had been passed to the young queen who many believed she could not fully control, that her uncle, Ernest Augustus, King of Hanover would be better suited. There was one major impediment to that idea, and that was the British people were loyal to their royal lineage. The crown had fallen on Victoria's head, which meant it should remain there, for better or worse.

Leah knew that she would be tested in regard to her loyalty, and she truly wanted to see Victoria succeed. The world belonged to men, was run by men, and it was nice to see another strong woman seated in such a revered position. Perhaps, with time, others might come to realize that it could be a world shared by both sexes equally.

"Her Majesty is ready for you."

Leah followed the duke and Harlan into the queen's private sitting room that was just as lavish as the rest of Buckingham Palace she had traversed. It was difficult to think that she might be walking these halls for however long it might take to apprehend the criminal that Harlan was searching for.

As Leah stood by and waited for her opportunity to speak to the queen, she had to marvel at how short Victoria was. Not only that, but her expression was solemn for one so young. At eighteen years of age, Leah thought she looked little more than a child, which, no doubt, was another reason some considered her unfit to rule. But Leah soon realized that the moment the lady opened her mouth to speak, each word was pronounced with a slight German accent and an air of authority. As someone who had been taught that one day, they would rule the entirety of Britain and its Commonwealth countries, there was no doubt this woman was the one in charge.

The esteem that Leah felt for the queen rose by degrees. She wished that everyone could see this side of Victoria, but Leah had no doubt the queen would soon prove her worth once she advanced to the coronation. Since it was some months before that would take place, as well as a marriage that would ensure the next heir, it was no doubt the country was anxiously watching, waiting for a misstep, a failure that would bring about the crumble of a civilization that had, until then, withstood more than the test of time.

"Miss Lindquist."

Leah stepped forward. "Your Majesty." As she curtsied, she cast her gaze downward in a gesture of respect, before meeting the queen's gaze.

She could tell that the queen was sizing up her worth. "I understand you shall be the one to offer information to our government regarding any threats against this house."

"Yes, ma'am."

"You believe that you can be successful in such an endeavor since you don't have any experience?"

Leah had to resist the urge to fidget. "I understand that I might not meet all the qualifications necessary for such an esteemed role, but I have had some training in espionage from my travels across the continent with my father when he was alive."

"I see." Victoria seemed to be trying to understand a complex puzzle, but in the end, she gave her assent. "Very well. On Wellington's recommendation, I shall trust you. My private secretary will offer you the necessary information you need to make yourself comfortable during your stay."

With that, she walked over and pulled a cord in the corner, in which a servant appeared and directed them back out of the room.

Once they were outside and in Wellington's coach, he laughed richly. "I do believe you made a glowing impression with Her Majesty."

"Do you think so?" Leah clenched her hands in her lap. "I wasn't sure she liked me very much at all."

"On the contrary," the duke returned with the same, pleased smile on his face. "I shouldn't be surprised if you were offered the role of one of her ladies-in-waiting when this entire affair reaches its conclusion."

Leah's mouth dropped open slightly as she turned to Harlan. He offered her a smile. "You were a remarkable success."

She basked in his compliment, but the tight lines about his mouth concerned her. He was likely wondering if he had doomed them all by giving in to her pleas to assist. She vowed she would be successful and not let anyone down. She was confident she could see this through until the end.

She couldn't stop thinking about what would happen between them once this was all over, and prayed it was the same, victorious outcome.

"That seemsto be wonderful news, and yet, you look as though you've bit into a ripe lemon," Benjamin noted after Harlan had settled himself.

Harlan had gone to the hotel to meet with the rest of his men and try to convince himself that there was nothing to worry about. Not yet, at least.

Rather than add to Benjamin's curiosity, Harlan shifted his attention to Lucas. "Have you heard anything new from the underground?"

Lucas shifted his glasses up his nose. "Not since Benjamin has been laid up."

"That will end tonight," the burly man announced. "I am sick of lying about like an invalid. I am well enough to finish this job."

Harlan knew that he wouldn't take no for an answer. Benjamin was as stubborn as an ox when he set his mind to something. It would be useless to argue otherwise. He was similar to Leah in that regard. "Very well."

Lucas gathered a paper from his satchel and handed it to Harlan. "Although we still don't know for sure where our assassin may be hiding out, Hugh sent a list of notable people at the vicarage in Dudley that he might have engaged with, to see if there might be some sort of connection to the rebellion."

"Like Leah's esteemed brother?" Harlan noted dryly.

Lucas glanced at Benjamin, and Harlan realized that he had missed something of interest. "What is it?"

"Since his wife is directly related to Mr. Bernard, it might be worth looking into her background to see if she is a sympathizer to the French."

Harlan slowly leaned back. He rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. Could it be that simple? The answer plain as the nose on Benjamin's face? "I shall need to know where Mr. Lindquist's loyalties lie as well. It stands to reason he would be more of s subject of interest instead of his wife, if she is as docile as Leah might claim."

Lucas's eyes widened. "Are you actually suggesting that Miss Lindquist's brother might be in league with this assassin?"

Harlan looked at him hard. "We cannot discount any possibility. Sometimes the most improbable solutions are the most obvious. It could be that Mr. Lindquist is the head of operations, not just for the church, but for the rebellion as well. It's the reason Hugh is there to keep an eye on things, in case Mr. Bernard returns to cause more havoc."

Silence fell, and then Benjamin scrubbed a hand down his face. "Bloody hell."

"Indeed," Lucas muttered. "This whole affair is becoming muddy, much more than we might have anticipated."

"At least Leah is where I don't have to worry about her," Harlan murmured.

Lucas exchanged another speaking glance with Benjamin before he spoke up. "I know you may not want to hear this, but could it be possible, because of Leah's close tie to Lindquist and Bernard's relation, and considering she also hailed from France at an opportune time—"

"I have considered the possibilities, actually," Harlan snapped, his mood turning as dark as his hair. "Which is why I ensured that her movements were being noted at the palace, although I have not told Wellington this. If there was any doubt whatsoever, he would not have agreed to let Leah anywhere near the queen. I trust Leah implicitly, and don't believe she is involved in any sort of conspiracy, but I have not become a respected agent by not covering every angle, however improbable."

His companions remained silent, but it was obvious they did not believe Leah to be part of the rebellion either. Harlan was relieved, because he trusted their opinions as well as that of his own.

"I intend to keep in touch with Leah, as well as her progress at the palace," Harlan added. "As of yet, I am not aware of any engagements that would draw the queen out into the open for a possible attack. Benjamin, I need you to keep checking into the underground to find out what you can. I feel at some point Mr. Bernard will be looking for reinforcements. Whatever you learn, send immediate word to Wellington at Apsley House. He will be expecting it. Lucas, you will continue assisting the constabulary."

As a murmured assent went about the trio, Harlan stood to leave. Lucas did as well. "I'll walk you out."

As they made their way to the lobby, Harlan took the initiative and directed Lucas into an alcove where they could talk without being observed by passersby. "I know you have an ulterior motive for getting me alone," he said evenly. "Say what's on your mind."

Lucas crossed his arms. "While I appreciate your straightforward attitude, I have to wonder if you aren't letting your emotions cloud your judgment."

"How is that?" Harlan countered. "When I said I intended to have someone watch Leah at the palace?"

"How about the fact that you're in love with Miss Lindquist?" Lucas said smoothly. "Thankfully, I understand the cause of your recent distractions if you won't do us all a favor and admit it to yourself."

Immediately, Harlan tensed. He hadn't realized that his emotions were so openly exposed for everyone to see. That could be dangerous. But rather than admit his feelings—or his failings—he said, "I will admit to a certain fondness and respect for Leah, but as far as anything more—"

"Your desire for her is so obvious that anyone with eyes can see the truth. Everyone, apparently, but you."

Harlan shoved a hand through his hair. "I can't admit to anything more right now, because that would be admitting to a weakness I can't afford." He turned away. "Not to mention the fact that she doesn't know the full truth about me."

"You haven't told her?"

"When might have I had the chance?" Harlan expelled a heavy breath. "When she awoke and discovered she had been kidnapped by a highwayman? Or perhaps when she was with Bernard? Our entire acquaintance thus far has been filled with nothing but lies and conspiracy. The time hasn't been right for romantic declarations or a journey through my past."

"You've had plenty of opportunity to tell her that you don't need to do anything for the rest of your life if you preferred it, that you're as rich as Croesus."

"Time will reveal all," Harlan said quietly, the fight leaving him to be replaced with a tight numbness. "As well as the fact that she might be carrying our child."

Lucas instantly stilled, his eyes filling with the empathy that Harlan had been hoping he could ignore. It only served to tear his heart open further. "Now if you don't mind, I have a job to do, so I might have the possibility of a happy ending."

With that, he walked away.

Leah lookedat her reflection in the dressing table mirror. She was due to dine with the queen in her sitting room, a private audience for the two of them. Some of the nerves she'd felt earlier were still very present, but they dissipated somewhat when a maid was sent to take care of her toilette. Following a wonderful, rose scented bath, Leah was pampered by the efforts of the maid as she brushed and twined her hair into an elegant chignon.

She donned another of her new gowns from Harlan, a deep green silk that hugged all of her curves. It had a low neckline that exposed the tops of her breasts, but not so revealing that it would be considered in poor taste. Harlan had told her, before they had parted ways, that everything was of the latest fashions and she should have no trouble impressing the queen with her wardrobe.

A box was set in front of her and Leah turned to the maid, "What's this?"

"From Mr. Mathis, miss. He sent it earlier today and said you needed just the right touch for a special evening, and he regretted that he couldn't be here in person to see you wear it."

Curious, Leah opened the box to reveal the emerald earbobs and necklace he'd lent her for the entertainments at Windmill Hill. She had to smile, because that night seemed a lifetime ago, and yet, it was not so long in the past.

She closed her eyes momentarily, her gloved hands moving over the items. "They are paste, but they are the most miraculous gemstones to me."

"Paste, miss?" She shook her head with a laugh. "That was surely a jest."

Leah tilted her head after she had donned the earbobs. "What do you mean?"

The maid took the necklace and clasped it about her neck. "These stones are real."

The blood slowly receded from her reflection. "What?"

"You couldn't tell?" The maid didn't realize her words were so shocking. "But perhaps it's because I'm around all the palace jewels that makes it easier for me to tell the difference. I can tell you there is a certain glimmer to real gemstones that is not present in fake ones."

"But how can that be?" Leah breathed. Immediately, she wondered if some of Harlan's exploits might truly extend to that of robbery, if he had donned the highwayman mask one too many times until it had become real to him.

"Miss? Are you well?"

Leah blinked, dragging her conscience back to the present. She had a very special meeting with one of the most important women in the world, and she couldn't allow thought of Harlan's evening activities to consume her. If he was doing something nefarious on the side, she would have to confront him about it another time.

"Perfectly." She got to her feet and smoothed her dress. "I'm ready for the queen."

The maid opened the door where a footman was waiting to escort her to the royal wing of the palace.

After a brief wait, Leah was allowed to entered the hallowed sanctuary of the monarch. With a curtsy and an honorific, Leah waited until Victoria waved her hand for her to sit. "Dinner shall be served shortly." She lifted a regal brow. "While we wait, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself."

Leah set her hands in her lap and took a restorative breath. "I was born in England, near the Cotswalds. I am my father's second child from his second marriage after his first wife died. I have an elder half-brother, Mr. Henry Lindquist, who is a vicar in the village of Dudley. Once my mother passed, my father found his grief too difficult to bear, so he decided to keep himself distracted by traveling. Henry was on his own by then, so it was just the two of us."

"I should imagine that would make it difficult to retain a proper upbringing," the queen noted.

"At times it was. Certainly, it was hard to make friends when we moved around so much," Leah replied with a slight smile. "For the most part, my father decided that I was best educated by my experiences, although he did employ a governess to ensure I was taught the proper comportment of a lady."

The queen nodded. "It sounds intriguing. Go on."

"My father died three years ago and I was sent to live with my aunt in Paris. I was there until her death just recently. I had returned to English soil, on the way to my brother's house when I…" She stopped herself before she mentioned that Harlan had been masquerading as a highwayman. She wasn't sure how much intrigue the queen was privy to, so she didn't wish to paint Harlan in a poor light. "That's when I met Mr. Mathis."

"I see." Victoria looked at her curiously, but with a direct manner that wouldn't make one forget whom they were addressing. "Wellington speaks very highly of Mr. Mathis. He has been an exceptional asset to this country."

"That is true," Leah concurred. "I know that he will be successful in his endeavor to ensure the crown is kept securely on your head too."

"I am counting on it," she returned matter of fact. "But I'm curious as to your relationship to him. He obviously is very protective of you. Has he made you an offer of marriage?"

Leah laughed lightly. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but we have not known each other long enough to consider such a permanent endeavor to our acquaintance."

"To look at the two of you, it is obvious that there is a strong emotion at play." The queen murmured. "I would have thought it enough to secure a contented future."

"Perhaps," Leah acknowledged. "We will certainly have more time to discuss it after the threat to your palace is diminished."

When dinner arrived by order of three footmen, each carrying a silver covered tray, Victoria smiled. "Ah. Here is our supper. Shall we eat?"

Leah nodded. "I'm famished." In truth, she was just grateful that the topic seemed to have turned, because she wasn't sure how she might pretend as though she wasn't completely besotted with Harlan. And yet, without knowing for certain if he wanted more than a brief affair, she wasn't sure how to respond to the queen's questions. She definitely couldn't say that she might possibly be carrying Harlan's child at this very moment, as it would call both of their characters into question. This woman wasn't yet married and was most assuredly a virgin. She likely wouldn't understand the complexities of the sort of relationship she currently shared with Harlan.

Leah wasn't sure she actually understood it either. All she knew was that when this was all over, she might ask him if he could be persuaded to extend their situation into something more lasting.