“No, sir. They are at the Earl of Rawlings’s residence. I overheard him speaking privately with Lord Bellamy last night. Rawlings is in a tight spot with his debts and wants to sell the pieces immediately. Bellamy said that they would call unwanted attention to themselves if they sell too soon.”
The admiral’s mustache twitched as he absorbed the news. “Bellamy is in on it, huh? I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked. He would have the inside knowledge needed to take the items. All that squawking was for show. What a pompous arse.”
Malcolm nodded in agreement.
“Good job. This does make it more a delicate situation.” He tapped his fingers on the desk as he contemplated outcomes. Then he looked up at Malcolm. “Excellent work, Commander. Your job is done. Let me handle the political fallout. I will expect your discretion until the matter is dealt with, and a commendation will be added to your file for your help in this matter. I see a promotion in your future.”
Malcolm stood. “Sir, I have one request. I would like to take additional leave. You see, I am getting married.”
Admiral Daniels’s eyebrows rose high. “Killing two birds with one stone. Good to hear. Who is the lucky lady?”
“I’d rather not say. She hasn’t said yes yet. I am still making plans for a proposal.”
“Good, good. I am happy to have given you the encouragement you needed to find yourself a marchioness. How much time do you need?”
Malcolm quickly calculated how long he would need to woo Adeline properly. “A month? Enough time for a short honeymoon.”
“Granted. Congratulations, Lord Kingsbury.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Dismissed. Go get your lady.”
Chapter Fifteen
Adeline climbed backinto the house and headed down the hallway to her mother’s wing. Louise sat in her habitual spot, an oversized stuffed chair by the fireplace, with her knitting in her lap. The older woman looked up as Adeline walked into her mother’s bedroom. “Hello, Miss Adeline. She is taking a lie-down in the bed after the shock this morning.” Louise tilted her head to the large bed at the other end of the room.
Adeline sighed. It was absolutely what she had expected. Whenever things became emotionally overwhelming, her mother, like a turtle, withdrew into her shell, or in this case into her canopied bed. At this moment, Adeline was inclined to agree with the strategy. She hitched up her skirts, climbed into the bed, and lay down beside her mother.
“Hello, dear.” Her mother slipped a hand in hers as they lay next to each other, staring at the sky-blue canopy.
“I know this morning was hard, but George will recover,” Adeline said.
“I don’t understand what happened. Has crime in the city gotten so out of hand? Your father was so upset, distraught even. I think maybe it is his fault.”
“Why would you say that?” Adeline asked, surprised that her mother had sensed the truth immediately.
“Your father has many faults. I am not blind to them. Perhaps staying home is the best course of action. I don’t want you to leave the house unless you go by carriage and are accompanied by your father. No more walking to your friends’ homes with only your maid.”
“Yes, Mother.” Adeline squeezed her hand.
This was the other part of her mother’s illness. This fear of leaving the house. As a child, Adeline had spent chunks of time relegated to the house when her mother felt it necessary. She knew now the best course of action was to agree; it wouldn’t do to upset her. Hopefully, this episode would pass quickly once things settled and George recovered.
They lay there quietly for a bit. Then her mother sighed. Her hand slipped from Adeline’s and she rolled onto her side to bury her face in the pillow.
Adeline sat up with a sigh of her own. “I will let you rest. Will you come down for supper later? I have rosemary chicken on the menu tonight.”
“No, I don’t think I will be feeling up to it. Perhaps tomorrow.”
“All right.” Adeline ran her hand over her mother’s hair and leaned over to kiss her cheek. She slid off the bed and crossed back to Louise. “See if you can rouse her for supper.”
“I will try my best, Miss Adeline. But it is hard to move her from that spot when she gets like this.”
Adeline nodded. “You always take good care of her, Louise.”
“And what about you, miss? Who is taking care of you?”
“What do you mean?”
