Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Dawn had already broken over the horizon when Colin trudged up the steps to his front door. They'd captured the spy and with Colin's identification of the man, his days as a threat to England were over. Now all he had to do was try to salvage his marriage.

He went first to his own bedroom to change out of his bedraggled evening clothes and stopped short at the sight of Augusta, curled up and sound asleep in the big wing chair by the dwindling fire. She'd changed into her nightgown and was wrapped in a large tartan shawl, faded and worn. When Colin slumped into the chair across from her, her large brown eyes flew open wide.

"I wasn't sure you were coming home," she said, rubbing her eyes. "You've never been this late before."

"I'm sorry..." he began.

Augusta shrugged. "The children and I are leaving for Scotland tomorrow. I won't stay here and be pitied, Colin. I just wanted you to know that."