but how can we be sure without exposing ourselves?”
“We dance.”
Lucy managed an anxious smile as she pulled Bryce to the dance floor. Left no choice but to move with her, he joined in. As he changed partners, he struggled with his awkward attire. Ladies grunted as he accidently bumped them and moved away as quickly as the dance allowed. Apologies rolled off his tongue but were ignored by those in his path. When his arms finally wrapped around Lucy he was relieved.
Finding a comfortable position, they moved in unison across the floor. Their arms locked as their hearts intertwined. The dance called for a change in partners but the two of them ignored the call and continued their dance.
The light shimmered off her brown hair. He wrapped one curl around his finger and brought it close. He closed his eyes and inhaled her fresh scent. The world around seemed to stop, leaving only the two of them.
In the middle of the room, couples giggled and cavorted. And in the magic of that moment it felt as if they stopped moving. Bryce tilted her chin upward. She parted her lips and sighed. His reaction was immediate. His pulse quickened as his head dipped and their lips touched. The outfits they wore made deepening the kiss impossible, but Bryce did try. The ruffle around her neck bent; a piece of whalebone poked him. But he didn’t end the kiss, enjoying the soft feel of her lips. As he contemplated pulling away to catch his breath, she was whisked away from his grasp.
In his arms rested a new body. The woman expertly guided him off the floor and into a hidden corner. Potted plants shielded them from prying eyes. Above his new partner’s head, he saw Lucy twirling in the opposite direction on the arms of a familiar man.
“Look at me, please,” came a tiny female voice from far below.
With great effort Bryce complied, ripping his gaze away from someone he’d come to care for more than he should.
“Mein Herr, you do the lady a great disservice. The attention drawn to your escapades defeats her mission.”
He struggled to keep his naturally expressive face neutral.
“I see you pretend to be unfazed by my comments. For you this is good. You are an unknown, but I fear not so for your lady love. Aye, do not look at me thus. It is evident to anyone who wishes to look. But this is not of my concern. You do remember me, don’t you?”
“Aye. Ye are the lady from the carriage yesterday.”
“Correct. And before you ask, I knew nothing of the plans for Fraulein Lombard’s home. The pursuit of her is for one reason. She attended the showing where Mr. Spalding died. I pray you did not give them another reason.”
“What?”
“Never mind. Although others have their doubts as to L.L.’s identity, I’m fairly certain I know the truth. That is why we are speaking now. Since I know L.L. would trust no one to deliver the message save herself, I will give you the clue you need to do just that.
“You will find all the answers you seek in a place dear to your heart.”
After the utterance of those cryptic words, the musicians started a new tune and the strange woman led him back to the floor. Half the night passed before he spoke with Lucy.
Lack of privacy caused him to hold his speech about what he’d learned. They talked only of frivolous things. As the hour approached for the unveiling, Lucy feigned a headache. Bryce took the hint and ordered the hackney brought around. They returned to the Townsend home.
Chapter Forty-Three
“You did what!” yelled Max.
“I—“
“Olga, how could you! We don’t know if she is the one we seek. And even if she is L.L., how could you just give away the code like that? I can’t believe it.”
Maximilian raved for over an hour, while Gustav remained eerily silent.
Confidence in her decision wavered as Max’s voice increased. He stomped around the room, clenching and unclenching his fists, shaking them toward the ceiling. Olga hadn’t expected such anger.
“Gustav, have you nothing to say? Olga has shared vital information and you sit there. I know she is your sister, but still you must say something.”
Olga waited. Gustav was not one to mince words. She had gone over everyone’s heads by sharing the information with Bryce. Doing so could lead not only to her death, but many others as well. The burden of causing such a catastrophe rested heavily on