Only a Hero Will Do (The Heart of a Hero Book 2) Read online

  “Only the highlights.” Elizabeth confessed with a nervous giggle. Focus on the task at hand. “I understand you have something for me?”

  Captain Alexander took her gloved hand and slipped a folded piece of paper into her palm, then closed her fingers over the small missive. The motion seemed intimate, inappropriate, and all too enticing. A strange inner excitement coursed through her veins.

  “Guard this well. Lord Fynes will be calling on your father first thing in the morning.”

  Captain Alexander did not wait for her response, but disappeared further into the darkness of the drawing room. A cool breeze and another hint of fresh soap and leather drifted through the space, followed by the soft click of a door closing.

  Elizabeth took the folded letter and smoothed it across her chest, tucking it into her dress and nestling it on the outer curve of her breast. The intense beating of her heart was a steady staccato against her hand. She sighed deeply, letting her head fall back against the wall.

  “Elizabeth,” a soft voice questioned from the hall.

  At least she wouldn’t have to pretend to be flustered. Captain Alexander had aided her sufficiently with that unwanted response.

  She edged off the wall, smoothed her hand across her chest, ensuring the missive was securely hidden, and then strolled toward the doorway. “In here, Amelia.”

  Before Elizabeth reached the door Amelia pushed it open, allowing candlelight from the hall to filter into the drawing room, casting eerie distorted shadows across the walls. “What are you doing in here?” She glanced about as if expecting to find someone.

  “I just needed a quiet moment.” After her brief encounter with Captain Alexander, that was the truth.

  “You are missing all the dancing. I promised Lady Atwell I would not let you be a wallflower this evening. You already turned away Mr. Cokinbred. If you don’t make an effort, your mother will not ask me to chaperone again, and then where will you be?”

  Elizabeth had never been a wallflower in her entire life. Her decision not to be social had nothing to do with shyness, but an intense unwillingness to abide by the ton’s rules. But Amelia was right. She had to make an effort, or else risk having her mother at her side at each and every future event of the season until she was married off. A fierce shudder replaced the delightful tingling she’d felt only a moment ago.

  She sucked in her breath and forced her best I’m-enjoying-the-evening smile. She might look the part of a viscount’s daughter, but inside beat the heart of a spy.

  Grant was relieved to be back in the quiet of his room. He found social functions more draining than marching in the rain through ankle-deep mud. Sighing deeply, he enjoyed the silence that afforded him time alone with his thoughts. The evening had not turned out as expected.

  When he’d informed Lord Fynes about the missive he’d recovered and whom he believed had written it, he’d expected his superior to handle it himself. But when Grant received orders that he was to deliver the coded missive to Miss Atwell, he’d expected an old spinster who dabbled in amateur mysteries. However, instead of an elderly woman on the cusp of death, a lady who could bring any man in a room to his knees had greeted him. Not just greeted him, but enticed him in a way no other female had before.

  Sinking into the warm comfort of the leather chair, Grant’s thoughts strayed to Miss Atwell. She had turned down a dance and left her chaperone’s side, all to accept a missive? Her large brown eyes held an intelligence far beyond her youthful years, and then there was her luxurious brown hair that glistened beneath the candlelight, not to mention her voice…her voice was pure heaven. She was the type of woman dreams were made of— entirely perfect, but far out of Grant’s reach. Miss Atwell was the daughter of a viscount, lest he forget that not so minor detail.

  How was it even possible the daughter of a viscount was the Legion’s top decoder? And why hadn’t he known about her previously?

  From Lord Fynes he had learned she was able to decipher codes faster than any man, and also had a knack for puzzles. It was a talent that made her highly valuable to the organization in this game where time was of the essence.

  When he’d pressed Lord Fynes for further details about Miss Atwell’s background and qualifications, he’d been warned that the information was classified. Although Grant understood the need for discretion, he detested all the secrecy. It made it difficult for him to do his job and protect his team when he didn’t have all the facts.

  He swirled the brandy in his glass, watching the liquid slowly ripple to a gentle stop. Lifting the glass to his lips, he inhaled the fragrant aroma before taking a long, slow sip. The fiery liquid burned as it traveled down his throat and settled into his gut. Why would a lady born to privilege want to do such work?

  Grant suspected he could drink all night and still not be rid of the image of the beautiful and intelligent Miss Atwell. He was far too intrigued by her, and not just in the physical sense.

  Chapter Two

  Elizabeth had toiled away half the night trying to decipher the missive Captain Alexander had handed her and was still no closer to figuring out its meaning. She suspected the message wasn’t complete.

  What she did uncover was alarming. Typhon’s allies were growing and they meant to strike again soon. It had been several hours since she’d sent word to Lord Fynes and she still had not received further instruction.

  She paced the length of the parlor for what felt like the hundredth time. The tick tock of the clock and the swish of her skirt with each pass only added to her anxiousness. Keeping quiet was not an option. She’d been pacing so long she half expected to see a rut in the floral rug. Waiting was one of her greatest weaknesses.

  Turning in front of the parlor doors and about to make another pass, Elizabeth practically collided with her exuberant cousin.

  “Oh!” Sophia squealed. “I’m sorry, Lizzie.” She clasped her hand to her heaving chest. “I was hoping to find you here.”

  “Good morning, Sophia.” Elizabeth was almost afraid to ask. “Is there a problem?”

  Ever since Sophia joined their household for her first season in London, there had been one mishap after another. She truly was a sweet girl, but trouble seemed to follow wherever she went.

  “No, nothing bad has happened,” Sophia said with a wide smile, while fidgeting with her hands. “It’s just…I was wondering…if you could teach me how to use a bow and arrow?”

  Elizabeth was relieved by the request. In her current state of being, she didn’t believe she could handle another one of Sophia’s mishaps. The last one had almost ruined Elizabeth’s favorite riding habit and sent her mother’s favorite lap dog into hiding under the bed for a week.

  “My father will be so pleased. He believes outdoor activities are important for everyone’s health.”

  Sophia clasped her hands together. Her broad smile lit up the room. “Thank you! My father has never trusted me with a bow and arrow.” She hugged Elizabeth with an enthusiasm she’d never experienced from any of her other relatives, not even her mother. “I promise I will be most careful.”

  Elizabeth hoped she would not regret the decision.

  The morning mist had given way to bright sunlight and a clear blue sky. But the beautiful day was almost overshadowed by her mother’s persistent disapproval looming from the terrace. For as long as Elizabeth could remember, her mother had disapproved of everything she did. Thankfully, she knew nothing of Elizabeth’s involvement with the Legion. That secret was between father and daughter. Heaven help them both if Mother ever did discover the truth.

  “Must you encourage the girls? Isn’t it bad enough you’ve corrupted our own daughters, but now you have to spoil Sophia as well? My brother will be most displeased.” Mother’s voice rippled across the terrace to the gardens below, but Elizabeth paid no heed.

  Picking up the bow and arrow from the table, without delay she took her stance, focused on the target—a misshapen bale of hay meant to look like a person, she supposed—and re
leased.

  “Excellent, Elizabeth, a perfect shot!” her eldest sister, Alice, exclaimed. “Right in the chest. It is a shame you aren’t a boy.” She rubbed her belly, which was heavy with child, as if the action could influence the sex. It was common knowledge that, after three daughters, Alice and her husband were desperately hoping for a son.

  “Don’t encourage her Alice,” their mother scolded again, this time adding a wag of her finger to emphasize her point.

  “You should be proud my dear. Elizabeth’s skills with a bow and arrow are unparalleled. She is both swift and accurate.” Father’s kind sentiment warmed Elizabeth’s heart. She glanced up to where her parents were standing on the terrace. Her mother’s narrowed gaze and shaking head bode ill for her and her father. A lengthy lecture would be forthcoming.

  Sophia strode up beside Elizabeth, and took her stance. “Stand tall, feet apart,” she began to whisper to herself, a quality Elizabeth found quite endearing. “Relax my grip, don’t forget fingering positioning. Look down the arrow at the target. Don’t forget to breathe.”

  Nervous energy swirled between them as Sophia double-checked her stance, aimed, and then released. The arrow wisped through the air, landing just short of the target.

  “Much better than last time, Sophia,” Elizabeth praised her young cousin.

  “Thank you, Lizzie, this is so much fun.” Sophia’s cheerfulness was contagious. Being the youngest of five sisters, Elizabeth had always been babied. She was enjoying the role reversal of teaching her cousin. The more time they spent together, the more she realized how similar they were.

  In spite of her mother’s pessimism, it was turning out to be a wonderful afternoon. It was a rare treat to have all four of her sisters in residence. Since they had all married, Elizabeth rarely saw any of them, and they were hardly ever together at the same time.

  “That is enough sport for this afternoon,” Mother announced, signaling the end of the afternoon’s festivities. “Refreshments will be served on the terrace.”

  Sophia wrapped her arm around Elizabeth. “I’m so glad I get to spend the season here with you. Papa never lets me have such fun. He has ever so many rules.”

  Elizabeth’s uncle sounded just like Mother. Brother and sister were too much alike, that was for certain. She was glad she would be able to bring some joy and freedom to Sophia’s strict and orderly life. She was all too aware of what it was like to fight for freedom, for one’s dreams.

  “I am too. I have all sorts of outings planned. In fact—.”

  “Elizabeth,” her father called out as he descended from the terrace steps. “This just arrived for you.” He approached with purpose as he handed her the letter.

  “Is it from a secret admirer?” Sophia questioned with the giddy excitement of a young lady in her first season.

  Elizabeth took the letter, instantly recognizing the handwriting. Must be another assignment. Her heart beat faster with the invigorating possibility. No letter from a secret admirer could ever be as thrilling as receiving another instruction or deciphering missives.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I would like to read this in private.”

  “Anything the matter?” Her father’s voice was laced with unease. Although he supported and encouraged Elizabeth’s involvement with the Legion, his concern was always clear and present.

  “It is from a secret admirer!” Sophia interjected before Elizabeth could answer her father.

  Father offered his arm. “Come along, Sophia, let us join the others.”

  Elizabeth waited until her father and cousin disappeared behind a tall cone-shaped topiary, thankful for a moment to herself, before turning her attention to the letter. She adored her cousin, but Sophia’s naivety was a little tiresome at times.

  A thrill shot through her veins as she opened the letter; it was another assignment!

  “Where did the daughter of a viscount acquire such archery skills?”

  Captain Alexander strolled out from behind a large oak, looking far too handsome in a blue coat that seemed to enhance every inch of his muscular physique. Sunlight shimmered through his blond hair.

  Elizabeth glanced around to see if anyone had noticed his arrival. “How long have you been watching?” Heat swirled within her body, settling on her cheeks. Must be from the warmth of the day, she reasoned with herself.

  “Long enough to know your mother disapproves of your prowess with a bow and arrow, and that your cousin should not be trusted with one.”

  Putting a hand on her hip, Elizabeth defended Sophia. “I’ll have you know she’s much improved. And besides, what are you doing here?”

  “We have an assignment this evening.” He walked up beside her and looked down at the letter in her hand. “I see Lord Fynes has already informed you.”

  “I just received the information a few minutes ago.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. Who taught you how to use a bow and arrow with such skill?”

  “My father,” Elizabeth said with pride. “You didn’t answer my question. What are you doing here?”

  His brows creased together as he seemed to struggle for an answer. Birds chirping in the distance marked the passing seconds before he answered her question with another question.

  “Do you have any other hidden skills I should know about?”

  Elizabeth supposed this was an interview of sorts to test her qualifications. She would humor him, for the moment at least.

  “My cousin taught me to fire a pistol. He believes women…” She modified her statement. “Or rather his kin, should be able to defend themselves.”

  Nodding his head as he chuckled, “Makes sense. But didn’t Lord Atwell object to your cousin’s unique tutelage?”

  “Quite the contrary. As he doesn’t have a son, it was something we seemed to bond over. In fact, my father also taught me how to handle a dagger too.” His blue eyes widened as he stared at her in astonishment. “You seem surprised, Captain Alexander.”

  “I suppose a little. Not regarding your father, but…”

  “My mother? She has never approved of me, my life… really of anything and everything that has to do with me.” Before she could stop it, a shaky sigh escaped her lips. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a disappointment to her.”

  “Did you ever try living by her rules?”

  “Briefly, but I discovered her rules, the ton’s rules, did not suit the life I wanted. If it were up to my mother, I would have been disowned years ago. But thankfully my father has a sense of humor and decided to indulge his youngest daughter, allowing me the freedom to have another life.”

  For the second time within a short span, he seemed confused by her comment.

  “I struck a bargain with him,” she offered.

  “What sort of bargain?” The Captain’s words were edged with his continuing puzzlement.

  “He allowed me to work under the command of Lord Fynes, as long as I’m discreet.”

  “And how is that working out for you?” He said with a teasing note in his voice, seemingly knowing full well the numerous situations she’d landed herself in over the past several months.

  “Very well, thank you.”

  He let out a hearty laugh that filled the garden and penetrated straight to her core. It was nice to hear him laugh, to be at ease. Women were not commonplace in this line of work, and Elizabeth wanted nothing more than to be accepted and prove she was committed to this cause regardless of the danger involved.

  “My mother was not exactly pleased with my father, and she doesn’t even realize the entire situation.”

  That same confusion that was present a moment ago filled his eyes once more. He shook his head. “How is that possible?”

  “She is under the impression I volunteer for one of the charities Lord Fynes founded, not that I am part of a secret division within the Home Office. At least she has my four married sisters to drag through the drawing rooms of the ton.”

  “Don’t you miss that lif
e? I mean…I would think the possibility of getting killed would dampen your prospects for the future.”

  A cool breeze startled her senses, sending a shiver down her spine as if reminding her of the reality of Captain Alexander’s words. Ignoring the disquiet rippling through her, Elizabeth picked up her bow and another arrow, and replied, “Not at all. It’s not the life I want.” Without effort, she aimed and released. The arrow streamed through the air with precision, penetrating the bale within an inch of her previous arrow.

  She felt his bold assessing stare. “Your skill is quite extraordinary.”

  “For a woman?”

  “For anyone.” His smile widened in approval, revealing a single dimple on his left cheek. “But don’t you miss attending balls for pleasure, hearing the latest gossip, shopping, sleeping late…or doing whatever it is ladies of the ton do?”

  Elizabeth could not control her laughter. “I can still do all those things you listed, but now I’m free to do something useful. There’s always a danger, but…I think that’s why I find it so exciting. I would not be content with just being someone’s wife and planning grand balls. I want more from life. I want to make a difference.” She lifted her chin and spoke with defiance. “And I don’t intend to change or compromise just because I am a woman.”

  “I certainly hope you don’t.”

  Captain Alexander’s warm gaze reached deep down into her soul. Something electric charged between them, almost as if they’d been struck by lightning.

  He blinked several times before the words rushed from his mouth. “I should let you prepare for this evening.” And without further delay, he took his leave.

  ~~~

  “What’s the status inside?”

  “Miss Atwell arrived about an hour ago, accompanied by Lord and Lady Carteron with one of our men on the box. From what I can gather, dinner was just called.”

  “And the music room?” Timing was everything tonight.

  “Empty.”

  Grant scanned the façade and front windows of the elegant country house, confirming the information. Through a large window on the second floor, he could see more than a dozen couples gathering to line up for dinner. He looked toward the opposite end of the house, waiting for the signal from one of his agents disguised as a footman. Less than a minute later, a faint flicker of candlelight came and went so quickly, if one weren’t looking it would have been missed.