Gory put a hand on his arm. “You will make certain the baby comes to no harm, won’t you?”
This is why Julius knew he loved Gory.
She was the oddest mix of fearless and compassionate.
But how was he to protect her when the fearless part of her would have her running straight toward danger?
CHAPTER 14
JULIUS WAS RELIEVED to return to the townhouse he shared with his brothers because he did not think there was any place safer for Gory in all of London. Havers had hopped in the carriage with him and Gory, for the two of them planned to drop Gory back here, and then move on to his solicitor’s office to pick up the betrothal papers.
Julius looked forward to confronting Allendale.
That man needed to be out of Gory’s life forever.
Greeves hurried out as Julius assisted Gory down from the carriage. “Admiral Thorne and Lady Syd have arrived, my lord.”
Gory smiled. “They’re here?”
She ran into the house to greet them.
Julius sighed as he exchanged glances with Havers. “Come in a moment, Havers. I’ll introduce you to my brother and his wife. If you think Lady Gregoria is a handful, just wait until you meet Lady Syd.”
Havers chuckled. “Can’t wait. Obviously, you Thornes are not attracted to docile ladies.”
“Nor do I think you will be when your time comes,” Julius remarked. “It will take someone quite clever and spirited to keep up with you.”
“Was that a compliment, Lord Thorne?”
Julius laughed. “Dear heaven, it might have been. Careful, Havers. Once this investigation is over, I might consider you a friend.”
“I would be honored if you did,” he said with surprising humility, for Havers was not a particularly humble man.
It was not surprising to Julius that Leo and Marigold, Lady Withnall, and Lady Dayne had remained and were present along with his brothers and their wives when he walked into the parlor with Havers. Gory was as happy as he had ever seen her, for she and Syd were the closest among their circle of friends. Adela and Marigold were unquestionably dear to her, but Syd held a special place in Gory’s heart because they had both been raised in troubled homes and understood what the other must have felt growing up unloved.
Julius made quick introductions, although everyone had met Havers by now except for Octavian and Syd.
Once pleasantries were exchanged, Julius took Octavian aside. “Glad you made it home, you big ox.”
His brother laughed. “Syd insisted on heading down here with days to spare in order to ensure our timely arrival. But it seems we needn’t have rushed. I’m told there’s been a slight problem with the wedding.”
Julius nodded. “That is an understatement.”
“So, it is all true? There is to be a switch in bridegrooms?”
Since Octavian was grinning at him, Julius assumed he approved. Octavian was a hulking beast of a man who rarely smiled and generally scared people away. But he was perhaps the softest of the three brothers, and he certainly doted on Syd.
Syd doted on him, as well.
This is what Julius hoped to achieve with Gory, this complete sense of belonging to each other and knowing their union was right and perfect.
“Yes, a bridegroom switch. I hope to marry Gory tomorrow morning.” Julius then turned to address everyone since they probably had been listening in anyway. “You are all invited to our wedding.”
Cheers rang out.
Lady Withnall stamped her cane in approval. “About time, dear boy. I was beginning to despair.”
“Indeed,” Lady Dayne, said with a shake of her head. “We were so worried you were going to allow the wrong bridegroom to claim our lovely Gory.”
