Either she was unaware of the spectacle she was making or didn’t care. I held her tightly for a long moment before sliding my hands up her arms and pulling out of her embrace.
“Then you know?” I asked, the knowledge still surreal and most unwelcome.
Her smile fell and she nodded. “Yes, Mr. Humphrey mistook me for you wife and let the information slip. It would seem he was your uncle’s solicitor, and now he is yours.”
A man was dragged in, screaming and fighting the officers. A woman followed, sobbing for the officer not to hurt her son.
“Let us leave this place. I need a bath.” I had the luxury of leaving. He didn’t. Jaw clenched, I held out my arm to Birdie. She slipped her hand into the crook of my arm.
Humphrey trailed behind us.
“Mr. Humphrey has a carriage.” Birdie leaned against me in a familiar manner, her expression upbeat. The smile she continued to wear warmed my heart.
“Excellent. I wish to get home posthaste and bathe. Will you join me?”
“Yes, it would be my pleasure.” She glanced at me as we exited, the weak sunlight a welcome feeling, along with the crispness of fresh air—well, as fresh as it could be in London. “But I am afraid I can’t stay long. My sisters will worry.”
“Of course. Where is Ash?” I was afraid of the answer but had to ask.
Birdie steered me toward a polished carriage and two handsome horses waiting on the street. It didn’t bear a ducal crest, which was a relief. I didn’t wish to draw attention to the title I had no intention of keeping.
“He is working.” Her voice turned grave and she bit her lip, not looking at me.
“He’s furious. Isn’t he?” My stomach sank and I willed my feet to keep moving.
The driver opened the door, and I assisted Birdie inside the luxurious interior.
She sat on the bench and adjusted her skirts. Dark circles rimmed her eyes, speaking of exhaustion. “He is. I, well, I don’t know what to say. We are all in shock over the events that have unfolded. I am afraid the office doesn’t look good.”
“And the manuscripts for Golden?” I had left her a clue in the note.
“Yes, they never found the floor safe.” She squeezed my wrist before dropping it.
Humphrey entered and sat down, huffing out a long breath. He offered me a quizzical smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you at last, Your Grace.”
I balked at the title. “It’s Moran.”
The man stared at me, uncertainty in his gaze. “I... I have some papers for you to sign and—”
“Let me stop you right there.” I held up my hand, needing to get home and bathe. The stench on my person was nauseating. I couldn’t imagine how Birdie and Humphrey could stand the smell. “I don’t wish for the title. Find someone else to inherit it.”
Birdie startled at the pronouncement, glancing between me and Humphrey.
“I, you, don’t want the title?” Humphrey fidgeted with the handle of his cane. “I don’t think that is possible. It, well, you are the only heir.”
“Then the title will die with Nigel.” I stared outside, wishing I hadn’t agreed to ride in the carriage. We weren’t far from my home and restlessness dogged me. Soon I would be home and could put this nightmare behind me. I had to explain things to Ash and pray he forgave me. I was glad that Birdie seemed to be on my side. I wasn’t sure what I would do without her.
There hadn’t been a dull moment since she entered my life. She was the most honest person I knew and I valued her opinions. If things were different, and she wished to marry, I would make her my wife. Except she had other ideas.
