Luke sighed, vaguely noting how the autumn sunlight filtered through the cottage’s small windows, casting warm streaks across the worn wooden floors. From the kitchen came the soft sounds of laughter and the occasional clink of teacups as the ladies busied themselves preparing tea.
Luke felt compelled to provide some sort of explanation. “I arrived here intent on delivering the news, nothing more?—”
Black held up a hand. “I know the kind of man you are, so no explanations are necessary.”
It was a compliment. Luke sat up straight. “I appreciate that.” Later that evening, he would divulge some of what he’dlearned about their childhood friend Gil. Of all the people Luke cared for, Blackheart was the last one he’d want to think poorly of Naomi. “Did you have any trouble?”
“Of course not.” Blackheart scoffed. “But you and Mrs. Gilcrest will want to settle the matter tonight. And you’ll need to reside in your room at the inn tonight. I spoke with Tempest the day before I received your correspondence. Both he and his mother are skeptical of Mrs. Gilcrest, but they fully intend to bring Mrs. Gilcrest into the family’s fold. Lady Tempest is devastated, as you’d expect. She’s consoling herself with the opportunity to have her grandchild raised at Galewick Manor.”
This was precisely what Luke had initially thought would be the best for all involved. Despite Gil’s nefarious behavior, Gil’s mother was Naomi’s child’s grandmother, and Tempest, the child’s uncle.
“And what of their sentiments toward Naomi?”
“As the child’s mother, she’ll have Tempest’s protection indefinitely.”Not indefinitely, but until I return,Luke amended silently. Blackheart lowered his chin. “Tempest insists all is forgiven. But Luke, you’ve no time to dawdle. They are on their way here now.”
Luke’s heart dropped.
Blackheart’s arrival, then, came in the nick of time.
“I have the license.” Blackheart held up a folded document and then withdrew a second one. “And this arrived at Crescent Park three days ago.” He handed both to Luke. The second was, of course, Luke’s deployment.
Breaking the seal, Luke skimmed the details. “I’m to report immediately.” He was to attempt the same mission he’d failed to complete six weeks prior.
“I assumed as much. It’s why I brought the girls along. They were upset that you failed to make visiting them a priority. You’ve missed a great deal.”
Luke felt a stab of guilt at that. Ever since their parents’ deaths, Luke had done his best to be a part of their lives whenever possible. “I am glad you brought them.” He then glanced toward the kitchen, where the ladies’ voices mingled, then back at his brother. "I’m still not over it," he said with a bemused smile. "You, of all people, married."
Blackheart remained quiet.
"Don’t mistake me," Luke continued, shaking his head with mock astonishment. "It’s not that I don’t think you deserve happiness, brother. It’s just…" He trailed off, gesturing vaguely. "You. Marriage. It never seemed like something you’d bother with."
Black’s expression softened slightly, his gaze thoughtful as he looked out the window. "It wasn’t something I planned," he said, his voice quiet but steady. "But life has a way of surprising us, does it not?” The look he shot Luke was all too knowing.
“Touché,” Luke answered.
His brother’s jaw ticked and his gaze held sympathy and a hint of worry. “You are certain this is the answer?” He gestured towards the license.
Luke merely nodded. Two ticks of silence, and his brother changed the subject.
“I read the report of the ambush. Something’s not right there. Already, there’s talk.”
Of course there was.“Speculation based on nothing but rumor.” But Luke didn’t want to relive the details of the ambush this morning, nor was this the time to inform Blackheart of his intention to sell out. The women would return to the parlor any moment and he couldn’t be certain of his brother’s reaction.
“You will ensure they treat her properly until I return?” he asked instead. “Her own parents refuse to have anything to do with her.”
Blackheart watched him with unblinking eyes. “It’s best that she observe proper mourning. You can court her properly when the time is right.”
Luke ran a hand through his hair, which no doubt was already standing on end from his mad dash out of bed.
“Tempest will ensure that she and the child lack for nothing. He’s nothing like his younger brother. You know they’ll be treated well,” Blackheart reassured him.
The trouble was that Luke didn’t simply want her well-treated, he wanted her to be cared for and coddled.And loved, by God.Preferably by himself.
THE DUCHESS AND THE TWINS
Naomi ought to have at least checked outside the window. If she had, she would have realized that her visitors were not any of her neighbors or even one of Ester’s family members coming with a message. Then, at the very least, she might have taken the additional five minutes required to locate a dress that fastened up the front and come to the door fully clothed.
Finding the Duke of Blackheart on her porch before she’d had the chance to dress properly had been startling, to say the least.
