My Lady, My Spy (Secrets and Seduction Book 4) by Sheridan Jeane Page B

mourning and I’ve moved on with my life. Now I enjoy much more freedom than I did when I was having my season. I wouldn’t give it up for just anyone.”
    Elizabeth glanced over at where Tristan was in conversation with young Mr. Easterly. “Lord Temple and Mr. Easterly have an extremely close friendship. Does that trouble you?”
    Josephine glanced at her sharply. Surely someone as young as Lady Elizabeth couldn’t guess at the sort of relationship the two men shared. “Certainly not. Mr. Easterly is quite pleasant.”
    Elizabeth focused on Josephine, appraising her. “Are you aware that Lord Temple has no interest in marrying or creating any heirs? He’s already designated his nephew as next in line for his title.”
    Josephine couldn’t suppress her smile. Obviously Elizabeth was aware of Tristan’s lack of interest in women. “You’re much more well-informed than I would have guessed from someone with such an overprotective mother.”
    Elizabeth smirked. “What do you think drove her to become so overprotective? I’ve always been extremely curious about the people I meet.” She glanced at Tristan again. “Are you using him to keep other men at bay?”
    “It’s a mutually agreed upon arrangement.”
    “And where does that leave Mr. Woolsy?”
    Josephine pressed her lips together. “That’s the question, isn’t it? Or the better one might be, does Mr. Woolsy know where he wants to be?”
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
     
    After his confrontation with Josephine and Lord Temple, Frederick realized he wasn’t behaving rationally. Not only had he dragged her away to a secluded room to seduce her, but he’d also given in to a fit of jealous rage and confronted Lord Temple in the hallway. Both those actions were completely out of character. He planned. He considered. He did not rush into any situation without first weighing his options and considering the consequences.
    The thought of losing his composure at a social event was abhorrent, but he simply couldn’t trust himself. Not tonight. Not around Josephine. If he stayed, he might do something reckless again.
    He decided to walk from Lord Aldridge’s home to the Ambridge Club. The brisk activity helped soothe his anger, and by the time he trotted up the building’s front steps and passed his coat and hat to one of the footmen, he’d regained his composure. All it had taken was banishing Josephine from his thoughts.
    It was only half-past ten when he settled into one of a pair of leather chairs in a secluded corner of the club. The supple leather carried the faint scents of beeswax and almond oil.
    On the far side of the room, an enormous glowing fireplace large enough for a man to stand in provided plenty of heat. Near it, Lord Larchmont held court, surrounded by his sycophants. He was a man who bore watching. He portrayed himself as a patriot, but Frederick knew him too well. If Lord Larchmont believed he wouldn’t be caught, he’d be more than willing to betray his country— for the right price. With that man, everything had a price. Even his own daughters. He’d actually married off his eldest to a violent man in exchange for political favors. Despicable.
    Tonight, Frederick watched the group closely, but he detected nothing unusual taking place. That didn’t allay his suspicions. He observed, noting the shifting friendships and alliances among the man’s followers. Each person in Lord Larchmont’s circle had influence, which was why he’d chosen each one to add to his collection. Something of interest always took place when these men gathered together. All he had to do was watch.
    Over the years, Frederick had learned the art of surveillance. It had become second nature to him. If something unusual occurred, no matter how small or subtle, he’d notice.
    Perhaps his habit explained why he’d been achingly aware of Lord Temple’s attraction to Josephine. Every glance, every gesture, every word the man uttered had been