Charming a Spy by Elizabeth Chance

he’d embraced her proved that his attentions were otherwise directed. Apparently his affection and desires were not the same thing and that just might give her the edge she needed.
    Kat could trade her favors for Geoff’s support and resources in finding Luke. Surely he would be willing to go to great lengths if she gave herself to him freely. She would be discreet, of course, so he could go on courting whomever it was he wanted (even if it ended up being the horrendous Jessica Grier). They could meet again in libraries or she could think of a way to sneak away at night so they wouldn’t be found out. She would be the secret dalliance he wanted.
    Bollocks. It was scandalous of course, beyond the pale of what she’d ever imagined she would do, but she couldn’t think of any other options. If Kat wanted to see her brother again, she needed help and the only person she could turn to was the Duke of Bloody Stamwell.
    How far would she be forced to take the affair? Stolen kisses might suffice for some information, but Geoff would not be easily put off. A man like him, born with a title, a body the size of a mountain, and looks which turned her stomach inside out, was used to getting his way. If she proposed a seduction, he would expect more than kisses. She might even have to give up more for his agreement. Was she willing to take it that far?
    Kat knew the answer before she even asked herself the question. She would do anything. The loss of her innocence wasn’t significant in comparison to her brother’s life. If Geoff helped her, he could have anything. Any part of her, any act. Lord, it was making her blush thinking about it.
    Kat sat in the drawing room, devising a plan to see the duke again, when one invented itself.
    “Ms. Maribel Chaplin to see you, Ms. Dubois,” the butler announced.
    “Maribel. What a wonderful surprise. I could use a good distraction right about now,” Kat said.
    “Is everything all right?” Maribel asked, frowning with her concern over her friend’s state.
    “I think it will be,” Kat said. “Now sit down and give me the latest.” Kat poured her friend a cup of tea.
    “I have the most wonderful news. Duke Stamwell has decided to hold a party in his country house. Mother heard from Mrs. Musgrave that he’s having the reception to try and whittle down his marriage candidates.”
    “How exciting,” Kat said, feigning delight. She’d been looking for an excuse to get the blasted duke alone, only to find out he was going out of town and she wasn’t invited.
    “Let’s start planning what we are going to wear each day.”
    “We? I wasn’t invited,” Kat swallowed. “In fact, I don’t think I will be.” Obviously, she wasn’t going to receive an invitation. She was good enough for kissing, but not for marriage.
    Maribel paused for a second. Realizing the error of her words, she brightened. “Impossible. I’m certain you’re on the short list. Ask your butler if the post has arrived yet. Maybe you received an invitation. And if not, well, then I will beg mama to let me bring you as my guest.” Maribel was the perfect friend. She was selfless until the end. But Kat could not go to the duke’s house party uninvited. Even she was not that brazen.
    Unless… perhaps he was going to deliver the invitation himself as he did for the ball. She still didn’t know why he’d come in person the first time, but maybe her house was on the way to one of his clubs and it was just as easy to drop it off. She caught herself straightening her skirts unconsciously, preparing for his arrival. Merely the thought of Geoff made her do ridiculous things.
    “Royston,” Maribel summoned over the butler herself since Kat had not yet done so.
    “At your service, milady,” he responded. Kat sometimes wondered if Royston might actually be a ghost. He had a way of materializing out of thin air when he had been nowhere in sight a few moments prior.
    “Has the post arrived yet?” Kat