The Rebel Spy by April London

skirts in her hand. “That sounds nice, I suppose.”
    He cleared his throat. “I would be honored if you would attend with me.”
    Her refusal caught behind her lips.
    “Hi, Mr. General.” Elizabeth waved from where she perched on the edge of the wagon.
    “Hi, Little Bit. Did you give Knowles the what-for this afternoon?”
    Elizabeth giggled and nodded.
    “No.” Tamsym smiled and shook her head. The curls wiggled and tickled her ears. “I must get Elizabeth home. She’s tired after being here all day. And Davis is exhausted.”
    “Tam, I can take Elizabeth home.” Davis ruffled his niece’s red curls.
    “No.” She shook her head again. The infuriating curls tickled again and she recalled why she’d stopped wearing them years ago. “We need to get you settled, Davey.”
    “Tam. Go.” Davis put his hand on top of her own. “Elizabeth will be fine.”
    She sighed. She couldn’t deny her desire to attend. There’d been no fancy dinners after she and Ben moved to Virginia. The last one she’d attended was the small soiree her mother hosted just after her impromptu wedding.
    Mother’s dinner parties were famous.
    “Uncle Davey tells the best stories, Mama!”
    Tamsyn rolled her eyes. Davis’ stories were filled with blood and gore, ghosts and goblins. None of them were appropriate for a five-year-old girl.
    “Show them Yanks how a real lady does it, Tam.” Davis grinned. “None of them have ever seen one.”
    She took a deep breath and kissed the top of Elizabeth’s head. “All right then. Be good for Uncle Davey, sweetheart.”
    ****
    The general slipped his arm around her waist. His hand rested on her hip and guided her into the parlor.
    “That is very improper,” she whispered and risked a glance up. She sucked in a breath. He’s so…handsome.
    He’d managed a proper shave. Without the stubble peppered with gray along his jaw he looked ten years younger. She looked away and moved to push his hand away. “People will think there is something between us.”
    “Let them think so.” Strong fingers looped with her own and her body broke into goosebumps. She shuddered and leaned against him. “Are you cold?” He pressed his lips close to her ear and she fought the next shiver.
    “No.”
    An older man approached them and she offered him a smile. She recognized a host when she saw one.
    “General Steele, so glad you could make it. As always you have managed to have the most beautiful woman in the room on your arm.”
    “Thank you, sir. Your hospitality is most gracious.”
    “The other officers will try their best.” Their host winked at her. “There’s music in the foyer. General Grant requested an early dinner, so it will be served soon.”
    General Steele maneuvered her into the foyer. A few couples took to the center of the room while a small brass band provided music. He led them into a corner of the room, furthest from the band. “Thank you.”
    “For?”
    “For accompanying me tonight,” he whispered. His hand reached up to brush back a curl near her jaw.
    Heat rushed to her face and she nodded.
    “You’re stunning.” His hand slid down her arm.
    “Thank you,” she choked.
    His soft laughter moved like silk over her ears. “Riveting conversation we’re having.”
    “General Steele, so glad you made it tonight.”
    His body went rigid against hers and his arm tighten around her waist.
    Possessive.
    She lifted her face to the voice and fear rippled over her. The soldier who’d tossed her onto the ground the night she’d been caught glared back at her.
    He’s an officer?
    “Waxman.” He offered a stiff nod.
    Waxman bristled and turned his attention on her. His eyes traveled to her cleavage and his lip curled into an ugly smile. “I see the spy has managed to get herself invited.”
    She lifted her chin. “Isn’t that the job of a spy, sir? To infiltrate the enemy even when he thinks he is safe?”
    Waxman grunted in response.
    “If you will excuse us, we were just