Chapter ELEVEN
When Collin Hunt came strolling into Derek’s study, Derek immediately saw the hint of a smile on the younger man’s face.
“Your Grace,” he intoned, bowing.
Derek stood, rolling his eyes. “Enough of that.”
“What, did you think I wouldn’t show the proper respect due your new illustrious title?” Collin laughed.
Derek took two long strides over to him and clapped his brother on the shoulder. “For someone who used to share a tiny bedchamber with me and another person, I think we can leave off with the formalities.”
Collin’s grin widened. “If you say so, Your Grace.”
Derek shook his head. “I do.”
Derek offered him a seat, and Collin made his way over to the leather chairs in front of the desk and sat down. His face turned sober. “I have some bad news, Derek.”
Derek returned to his seat behind the desk. His gaze snapped to his brother’s face. “What is it?”
“It’s Adam.”
Derek folded his hands on the desk in front of him. “What about him?”
“He was with them, Derek.”
Derek narrowed his eyes. “With them?”
“Yes, on the mission. It was his first.”
Derek slammed his fist against the desk. “Who the hell authorized that?”
“Apparently, General Markham thought it was a fine idea. Thought Rafe and Swifdon needed backup.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“I can’t say I disagree, but you know how persuasive Adam can be.”
Yes, they both knew how persuasive their youngest brother could be. Adam had never taken no for an answer in his life. He’d been training to become a spy, but in Derek’s well-known opinion, he hadn’t been ready yet to be tested in the field. Apparently, Markham had believed otherwise, or had been convinced of it by Adam.
“They’re all missing. All three of them? Is that it?” Derek asked.
“Yes. They had orders to spy on Napoleon’s base. They haven’t been seen since before the battle. I’m leaving tomorrow to search for them.”
Derek clenched his jaw and nodded. “I cannot tell you how much I want to go with you.”
Collin nodded back. “I know you do, Derek. But you have your orders.”
“I bloody well nearly begged Wellington to let me go.”
“I don’t think he wants our entire family in danger. You know it would crush Mother.”
Derek nodded solemnly. “Take care of yourself, Collin.”
“I intend to, and I intend to bring Adam back with me. For Mother.”
“Thank you,” Derek said softly.
Collin shook his head and changed the subject. “Speaking of Mother, seems you’re about to make her a very happy woman indeed. What’s this I hear about you courting a lady? Marriage and children in your future?”
Derek laughed a humorless laugh and turned to face the windows. “Ah, yes, my courtship. It’s going about as well as the search for Swifdon and Rafe, I’m afraid.”
Collin arched a brow. “Really? Courtship is not your strong suit, Your Grace?”
Derek gave his brother a warning look. “Don’t call me that.”
Collin barked a laugh. “I’d have thought that gaining such an illustrious title might have helped you attract a bride.”
Derek pushed back in his seat and breathed a long sigh. “I’d have thought the same thing … until I met Lady Lucy.”
“Lucy? I thought her name was Cassandra, something.”
“Oh, the lady I’m courting is named Cassandra. The lady who’s causing me no end of trouble over it is named Lucy.”
Collin poked his tongue into his cheek. “Lucy, eh? Careful, Your Grace, you sound as if you just might be enjoying the trouble.”