Stark beamed at the comment. “That is a great compliment indeed.”
Animated voices could be heard from the other side of the reception door. Stark shot to his feet as Birdie rushed inside, terror on her face. “Pence said DCI Spark was here. Are you here for me?”
“No, my lady. I am not.” Stark was quick to reassure her.
I held out my hand to Birdie and she took it, a visible quiver to her lower lip. She pretended like the arrest hadn’t been traumatic, but the paleness of her cheeks gave away her fears. “It is all right. Stark is here with good news. Well, good news as far as Brown has been arrested and taken off the streets. He will never be able to hurt another woman.”
She squeezed my hand. “He is a horrible man.”
“I also need to tell you that we have dropped the charges of unlawful impersonation against Lady Moreland.” Stark pulled a small wooden box from his pocket and handed it to her. “I believe this belongs to you.”
“It was a gift from my father.” She held it tight to her chest. “Thank you.”
I wrapped my arms around her waist, drawing her close to my side. “The nightmare is finally behind us.”
“I am very grateful. Thank you for delivering the news to us.” Birdie exhaled a long breath.
Stark nodded and finished his drink and set the glass on the desk. “It is my pleasure. The entire department is in disarray. Ashton, if you can spare a few hours, I need to get some clarification on the Anderson file. I know it isn’t your job anymore, but I want ironclad evidence against Brown.”
“I have a few hours before I catch my boat,” Ash said, gathering his hat and coat from the coat tree.
Birdie rushed up to him and threw her arms around his neck. “Good luck! I can’t wait to meet Suzette.”
Aware of Stark, he merely nodded. “I can’t wait for you to meet her, either. Come on, Stark, we need to hurry. I am going to France and don’t know when I will return.”
The two men left the room, leaving me with Birdie. I pulled her tighter into my embrace, my love for her seeing me through a tough moment. There was no doubt in my mind that Ash would be returning, but I didn’t want his absence to become the new normal.
“He will be back. You needn’t fret.” She glanced up at me, her arms sliding around my neck. “Time has a way of rushing by us.”
I cupped the back of her neck, the silky strands of her hair tickling my hand. “He said you encouraged him to go.”
“I did.” She brushed her lips against mine, the pull of her kiss too hard to resist.
I slanted my lips over hers, gliding my tongue into her mouth. She returned the gesture, her breasts soft against my chest. When I had first seen her, I knew there was something special about her. Elizabeth had pricked my pride. Birdie challenged it at every turn. I drifted my hands down her back, needing to be close to her. In the space of a month, my loneliness evaporated and I renewed my connection with Ash, all because of Birdie.
My business had once been my life. Now it was a part of it, not the entire thing. While a part of me wanted what I once had, what I had now topped it thrice. I soon would have a household of six women of varying ages. Right now it was Birdie and me and there was nowhere I wanted to be other than in her arms.
Epilogue
Lady Bernice, Duchess of Moreland
The past year held many memorable moments, and today would be one of the biggest. It had nothing to do with my marriage, which was very strong. It had nothing to do with being a duchess or living in a modest house in Cheapside. A dream was about to come true for me. I was about to meet a few of my favorite authors.
Every fall, Moran threw a luncheon for authors at the Stratham Hotel. The gathering room boasted arched ceilings and the pervasive smell of savory food reminded me I hadn’t eaten that morning. Although Ash had taken over the day-to-day tasks at the publishing house, I insisted on planning this affair myself.
