She nodded.
“Do you doubt it now?”
She shook her head.
“Then I’ll find those bullocks and thank them all most warmly.”
She laughed at that.
“Will you kiss me?” he said.
“Won’t it hurt?”
“It’ll hurt more if you don’t.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“The word is charming.”
“The word isabsurd.”
“The problem, Lucy, is that I’m madly in love with you. I’m a Byronic hero; you’ve already said so. I’m allowed to destroy myself for the sake of one kiss. It’sheroic.”
She laughed again, and then, carefully, seriously, the two of them only laughing a little, she leaned over and gently pressed her lips to his—startling backwards at a knock on the door and accidentally elbowing Jack in the ribs.
“I’m so sorry,” she said as he groaned.
“Worth it,” he muttered through a grimace of pain.
Lucy went to the door. She spoke to the maid, who passed her a note. She read it, Jack watching.
“It’s from Caroline.”
“They caught them?”
“Yes. Nora is safe.”
Jack let out a heavy breath of relief.
“Caroline writes… She is taking Captain Sedgewick to their house in Derbyshire. She says it is likely a foreign posting will conveniently come his way soon.”
“Arranged by her, no doubt. I’ve no idea how she manages these things. But I’m very glad of it. Having the man out of the country will be best for everyone.”
Lucy nodded. “And she writes to say that George is, as we speak, escorting Nora back to town. It seems she was glad of the rescue. Her flight…” Lucy hesitated. “Caroline writes her flight was largely prompted by jealousy. She hated that I was getting so much attention after my engagement to you being announced.”
“Stupid girl. But I’m glad she’s unharmed. I hope she’s learnt a lesson, at least. But poor George, having to play chaperone!”
“And I thought that was supposed to bemyjob,” Lucy said innocently, a twinkle in her eyes.
“Never!” claimed Jack, laughing as best he could. “You can’t possibly think that was why Nell invited you—”
She would have thrown a cushion at him, if it hadn’t been for his bruises. Instead, she said, “You horrible boy.”
Epilogue
“Everyone is staring atme!” whispered Lucy.
“Of course they are,” replied Jack. “It’s your engagement ball.Andyou’re dancing a very scandalous waltz.”
