Because it was Richard. And because he was a man who would always do what he said he was going to do.
She could trust him, she knew. She could rely on him to keep his word. And that, to her, was a virtue that could not be overlooked. In her eyes, Richard was a good man, and his actions were proving the validity of her belief.
So, tucked up and warm on a snowy winter’s night, Miss Holly Trease made a monumental decision.
She was going to marry Mr Richard Hawkesbury, because she was now convinced, deep in her heart, she’d never find a man who would suit her better in every way there was.
And, being a young woman of strong determination and considerable intelligence, she rapidly concluded that the easiest thing to do—instead of waiting around for heaven knew how long until he realised the same thing—was forherto askhim.
Shocking indeed, but after further consideration, she discovered she rather liked the idea.
Chapter Twelve
In Which Christmas Eve Sneaks Quietly Up on the Guests at Forest Grange
Richard had lost track of time, but guessed it had to be nearly or past midnight.
The snow continued to fall, piling up now on the trees, bending the branches and turning everything into a barely visible world of white lumps.
But at last, he was able to sit back, stretch, and give his completed project a final review.
In the hours that had passed since Holly had offered her desk and supplies, he had managed to duplicate the document he’d carried with him—the one that had been so brutally stolen. How long ago that seemed now, and how much had happened in the interim.
Wondering if he should call Holly in, he decided to keep his results to himself for the moment. The ink was barely dry on the simple map he had used as a basis, and the design signifying the crest on the stamp of Durnford and Hutchins—an intertwined D and H—still shone a little. It would need a wee bit more time before it was fully dry.
But he would wager any sum that he had accurately recalled the position of the River Ban. That feature was the pivot on which this entire matter hinged, and had done since his office had first become involved. The details were clear and ingrained in his mind. Yes, he’d definitely got them right.
He had used some of the paints to add a slightly worn look to the paper; a smudge here and there, a slight mark, a crinkle, and a tiny tear in one corner. Stepping back, he felt a tiny dart ofpride…this really had turned out even better than he could have anticipated.
Was he forging a document? The thought had troubled him a little. But looking at the finished result, the answer was no. He had recreated, as faithfully as possible, a map of some estate boundaries. There were no changes, no falsifications, all was identical to the original.
It was a copy, not a forgery, and it was accurate, not altered at all from the one produced by the original artist.
And it wasdone.
A sound from the other room told him Holly was awake, and sure enough she appeared, yawning, in the doorway.
“How is it coming along?” She tugged something thick and woolly around her shoulders.
“Come and see for yourself.” He held out his hand, pleased when she took it without hesitation, and allowed him to draw her to his side.
“Oh, Richard…” she breathed, leaning over the desk. “This is…astounding. Amazing. I cannot believe…” she shook her head. “You haveeverythinghere. Even the stamp, the way you’ve made it look aged…”
He heaved a sigh of relief. “Then you think it will pass Blackstone’s scrutiny?”
She nodded. “I’m sure of it. Absolutely sure of it.”
A tap on the door made them both jump, and it opened to reveal the Viscount. His lips might have twitched at the sight of them holding hands, but he offered no comment, just walked to the desk and observed Richard’s work.
Holly cleared her throat. “Well, Papa. You must agree with me…his work is quite exemplary.”
Lord Hawthorn studied the document carefully, and the silence was nothing if not unnerving.
At last he looked at Richard, who stood silent by the desk. “I am in awe of your abilities, Mr Hawkesbury. And in your debt too, I believe. With this document, I’m fairly sure we can rout the nefarious schemes proposed by Blackstone, and save Sir Duncan from any embarrassment.” He held out his hand. “You have my thanks, lad. And those of my neighbours, should they ever happen to find out about this.”
Richard swallowed and shook the proffered hand. “I’m…uhh, thank you, my Lord.” He glanced back at the paper. “I believe all we need to do now is carefully roll this up. It should have that faint curve to it when presented to Blackstone.” He paused. “Will you be doing that soon, do you think?”
“At the earliest possible moment,” replied the Viscount. “Probably in the morning after breakfast. I want that man out of my house as soon as we can arrange it. Can’t relax with him lurking in the shadows.” He glanced at Holly. “You stay away from him, my dear.”
