“That’s a lever? It looks more like…” He cleared his throat. “Yes, of course. Here I go. Pressing the lever now.”
Itwasa lever, in the sense that, when Stephen pressed it, it moved.
Every other piece of the—machine?—also moved with it. Not in any identifiable pattern, but in absolute chaos. The entire haphazard structure disintegrated before his eyes, clattering to the stone floor in an inelegant heap of broken wood and bent nails.
He didn’t move.
Neither did she.
And neither did the broken machine.
“What was it…supposedto do?” he inquired in a low voice.
She grinned at him. “It delivers a kiss.”
Before he could respond, she wrapped her arms about his neck and kissed him.
Stephen kissed her back for several minutes until the absurdity of her creation overtook him. He burst out laughing despite himself.
She placed a hand to her bosom in faux offense. “You wouldn’t be laughing at my first tinkering attempt, would you?”
“I loved your first tinkering attempt.” He returned his mouth to hers without delay.
They were thus engaged when a knock sounded outside the chamber door.
“Ah.” She broke away with obvious reluctance. “That will be Martha with our evening repast.”
It was indeed Martha, and three other maids besides. They carried in several trays laden with covered dishes and silver pots, as well aslittle tables, which they placed on either side of the sea of pillows and cushions.
“This came, too, ma’am.” Martha handed Elizabeth a missive.
“Thank you. That’ll be all. We’re not to be disturbed unless I ring for you.”
“Understood.” The maids bobbed, then hurried from the room with wide grins. They shut the door behind them.
Elizabeth kicked a path through the detritus of the obliterated machine, and led Stephen to join her in relaxing before the fire.
“I intended to pour our chocolate whilst it was hot, but I recognize Graham’s handwriting on this letter. Do you mind?”
“I’ll pour. You read.”
She broke the seal and skimmed the contents, a smile growing on her face.
“Good news?” he could not help but ask.
“Wonderful news.” She pressed the letter to her chest, her green eyes shining. “My brother has uncovered Densmore’s true whereabouts.”
“Eyewitness confirmation?”
She nodded. “Your cousin was spotted by two different sources disembarking in Ireland. Graham’s men are closing in. They should have the precise location of the earl in a matter of days, at the most.”
The news did not fill Stephen’s chest with as much joy as he might have predicted four months ago. While he was glad to know his cousin was hale and hearty, the return of the Earl of Densmore meant the respective departures of both Elizabeth and Stephen.
“That’s great,” he managed. “Truly splendid.”
“I know.” She bounced a little as she handed him the letter. “Densmore will be a great help. As his mother’s son, he’ll have a better understanding of the clues she left behind. In fact, he may have found the will already and be carrying it with him. This will all be over before you know it.”
“Yes,” Stephen said. “It does sound as though a conclusion is impending.”
