Havers nodded. “She was sincerely bereaved to learn of his passing. Seems fitting, for we all should have one person in the world who cares if we live or die.”
Once the two investigators had departed, Julius returned to his bedchamber.
Gory regarded him eagerly when he entered. “Did they say anything more to you?”
“Havers found out the name of the lady with whom your uncle was dallying. Although I would not call it dallying, for I think the two sincerely cared for each other.”
“They did?”
Julius nodded. “Who knows? Your uncle might have turned out decent had he married this lady instead of the dragon he chose.”
“Unfortunately, he didn’t,” Gory said in a whisper, no doubt thinking of her own situation with Allendale.
Yes, he was stopping that wedding.
There was no way in blazes he would allow Gory to commit herself to a life of unhappiness.
He cleared his throat. “I told Havers and Barrow to call on me at any time of the day or night if they learn anything new. Meanwhile, Mr. Barrow’s men are guarding the property and I am going to stay beside you again tonight to guard you. I’ll remain with you for as long as it takes until the killer is caught.”
“Adela and Ambrose are scheduled to return tonight. They might not be so keen on having us share your quarters.”
“Adela will understand the need and support me. Ambrose might make token protest, but he would do no less for Adela. He won’t interfere. But I do not really care what anyone thinks. You ran to me for help and that makes you mine to care for.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Yours?”
He nodded. “That’s right. Mine, and mine alone.”
She cast him an achingly sweet smile. “Do all men have this protect-the-little-lady instinct? Even Havers was treading delicately around me toward the end of his visit, and he is one of the most indelicate men I have ever met.”
Julius laughed. “Yes, he’s quite abrasive. But I think it is a necessary trait in his line of work, a requirement if he is to get anything accomplished.”
“Yes, I suppose. What time is it now, Julius? The hour is getting late and Adela and Ambrose should have arrived by now.”
“Are you going to fret about them, too? I expect they are close to London by now. One of the carriage horses might have thrown a shoe and delayed their return. They’ll be here first thing in the morning, if not tonight.”
He settled in the chair Mr. Barrow had vacated moments earlier. “Do you mind terribly being alone with me for another night?”
She shook her head and laughed lightly. “Oh, it is far too late for me to have any regrets. No, of course not. You are the only one I trust to keep me safe. Julius, I am so grateful to you for all you have done for me. You’ve never once complained about my imposing on you.”
“Because you are not an imposition at all. I would be mad with worry if you were anywhere else or with anyone else.”
She leaned against the pillows piled high at her back and closed her eyes a moment. “The woman who wins your heart is going to be the luckiest woman in the world. I do not know how I am ever going to repay your kindness.”
“No repayment necessary. Can I get you anything, Gory?”
“Yes, I would love a betrothed who does not cheat on me.” She sighed. “Only jesting.”
He leaned forward and gave her cheek a light caress. “You deserve better than Allendale. You know you will have my full support if you choose to end the betrothal.”
She nodded. “Yes, yours and that of all my friends. Adela, Syd, and Marigold were not pleased when they learned I had accepted Allendale. Nor were Lady Dayne and Lady Withnall who were sponsoring me for the purpose of getting me married off. In truth, I was more than a little surprised when they claimed I would never be happy if I were to wed Allendale and urged me to hold out for a love match.”
“But you didn’t. Why did you give up on love, Gory?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
He shook his head. “No, not to me.”
“Oh, Julius. No one is ever going to love me,” she said, her lips now trembling.
