The steady patter against the windows sounded almost like a command to stay in bed where it was cozy and warm. Although perhaps that was due more to Nate’s presence in her bed than to the rain. He hadn’t left last night, but still slept behind her, one arm draped over her waist. Without opening her eyes Angelique sighed in bliss and relaxed into him. Let the world go hang, for one morning at least. The door creaked as Lisette opened it, coming in to stir the fire and lay out her clothes for the day. Normally Angelique would already be awake and dressed by now, ready to do her exercises. Today she should be especially awake and alert, planning their next step. They had a strong clue where to find Jacob Dixon, and it would be best to act on it as soon as possible. If she or Nate had slipped and left any sign that they’d read Dixon’s letters, Hurst might hasten to warn the man, and Dixon could vanish again. If she had any sense at all, Angelique would roust Nate from her bed at once and tell him to be ready to leave for the Pulteney in half an hour.
