“Kiss her well, boy.”
Steadman’s voice pulled her from Henry’s lips. She found him standing with the duchess on the patio, both of them wearing bemused smiles. She faced them with mild embarrassment before a nagging thought came into focus.
“Steadman. You said you surrendered to Bow Street. How is it that you are here? Did you escape?”
He laughed. “This is where the story twists as a willow in the wind. After I spent three nights in irons, Sir Nathaniel approached me with an intriguing proposition. A reprieve offered by the Crown in exchange for my service.”
“Your service?”
“I could remain free so long as I served the Bow Street magistrate in the role of bringing criminals to justice. He explained that my connections and reputation uniquely qualified me for the job. Furthermore, the Crown wishes to rehabilitate me. You see, rogue sons of noble houses undermine the claim of the ruling class that we are superior to common folk.”
Lucy blinked, stunned by the explanation. “And you accepted the offer?”
“Of course. What other choice did I have? Besides, criminals hail from all classes, even noble ones. I asked only that my first assignment be to clear your name. Sir Nathaniel agreed and gave me the letter proclaiming your innocence. I rode hard to get here in time.”
She stared in amazement. “Then you are not to hang?”
“Not today, anyway. We will see what happens next.”
“I…” she stuttered, “I am pleased. The thought of you in a noose brings me nothing but distress.”
“Do not be distressed, then. I am on the right side of the law for now.” He gently took her hand. “And I am truly sorry.”
She blinked. “Sorry? For what?”
“For everything. For what you lost because of my actions. Your father. Your freedom. Your life.”
The apology surprised her. It was not in Steadman’s nature to admit fault. As she considered his request, she found an odd emotion welling in her breast.
Forgiveness.
She dipped her head to him and squeezed his hand. “I accept your apology. And who knows? If you had not taken me that day, I might have been lost at sea with my father. I thank you for taking responsibility for me, and for loving me enough to make me strong.”
His chin trembled briefly and his eyes grew bright before he withdrew his hand. He cleared his husky throat. “But come now. I am no longer your protector. You take care of yourself now. I come to offer my blessing for your matrimonial bliss.”
“As do I,” said the duchess. “And not a moment too soon.”
Henry swept Lucy into a joyful embrace.
“Did you hear, Lucy?” His whispered question tickled the confines of her ear. “We are to be wed!”
She giggled, unrestrained. “Yes, we are.”
When he set her down, Steadman shook his head and chuckled. “Lucy. Henry. It seems you two are better thieves than I ever was.”
“How so?” she asked.
“I stole gold and silver. You, on the other hand, have very clearly stolen each other’s hearts. With such skill I cannot compete.”
“Did you hear that, Mr. Beaumont?” she said. “You are apparently a master thief.”
“Of course. I learned from the best. And I learned so well that I stole the love of a woman quite above my station.”
“It took you entirely too long to realize that. I was beginning to wonder…”
His lips abruptly and passionately found hers, and she very quickly forgot what she was going to say.
Epilogue
