[i]“Treason is treason no matter what his reason may be. Because of him, a number of our countrymen are dying every day. Our military prowess is doubted by the world and most of all we look silly. All of these because our plans and tactics are being compromised, supply routes are cut by the enemy, and they anticipate our every move.”[/i]

Dying? That wasn’t what she wanted at all, and it [i]wasn’t[/i] what her contact had promised. Claire wanted to ask more questions, get more details on what her actions had caused, but doing so would blow her cover for sure.

When the job had first been proposed she had tried to get details on the war from her father, but had been pushed away so easily. “Don’t worry your little head about such things. Such things will never concern you,” she had told him, brushing away her questions. And now, just enough information was being given to tease her, but no more.

[i]“There is always a choice, Claire, but sometimes it is easier to believe that there is none. It’s just a shame that he died before the authorities learned anything useful from him. ”[/i]

Claire met his gaze, his words hitting her hard. There was always a choice… “Yes, it is a shame,” she replied quietly.

[i]“Now, if you open your mouth again to speak of Matthew Hawthorne, I will kiss you on the lips right here where you are sitting, right now in broad daylight, with Thames and all the random passers by as witnesses.”[/i]

It took her a moment to respond, but at least the conversation had accomplished something. She knew Nick was not one to talk about these things with her, and would never understand the reasoning behind her actions. Once again she was stuck feeling very alone and very, very unsure of herself. “Well, I might just have to keep talking if that’s my reward,” she flirted right back, but didn’t lean or make any move to follow through with it. It wasn’t as if he meant it either.

Taking a deep breath Claire closed her eyes, letting the soft breeze that moved the few loose locks of her hair against her neck. “I’m sorry you’re in pain,” she finally commented, looking down before popping another grape into his mouth. He had a beautiful face, especially now that he wasn’t so pale. “Hopefully you’ll feel better soon. I plan on having a ball [i]very[/i] soon. I’ve already written the guest list and am giving it to the house staff to send out invitation today. I’m thinking the upcoming weekend. It will be so uplifting after the terrible news of today, don’t you think? Besides that ballroom is so beautiful! Ooh, we could make it a masquerade, Nicholas! Wouldn’t that be fun? It’s been ages since anyone held one. You won’t have to worry about a thing, of course, I’ll give all the instruction to the staff.” Claire smiled down at him, brushing her fingers, her long nails through his hair to his scalp.

She wanted to talk of normal things, to see the real Nick that wasn’t trying to charm his way through a situation. What did he enjoy talking about? “Then, when the doctor permits you to ride, we can go together if you would like.” No, that wouldn’t do. He enjoyed his horse, but it probably wouldn’t hold his attention long. What else did they have in common? She had no idea. “Tell me about yourself, Nicholas. I know you enjoy work…are you in it just for the money, or do you honestly have a passion for it?” She gave him another grape. “I’ve spoken enough to last an entire day. I want to hear you.”