Despite his roiling tension, he had to smile at her matter-of-factness.
With a breath and a prayer, he slid the key into the lock. He twisted it, and the door swung open…revealing a large wooden chest. Propped against the chest was a note, scripted in his uncle’s hand:
Congratulations, lad! You’ve earned what’s inside.
I’m proud of you, nephew…but then I always was.
In your quest for the jewels, I hope you have found the true treasure: love. You always had it, my boy—your mama’s love…and mine. May you use your wealth wisely, and let it guide the adventures ahead.
Your loving uncle,
Horatio
“He loved you,” Maggie said softly.
“Yes.” His throat swelled. “I wish I’d told him that…I loved him too.”
Thank you, uncle. For everything.
He carefully dragged out the case, which was promisingly heavy, and set it on the floor.
“You do the honors,” he said to Maggie.
With trembling hands, she undid the latch and flipped open the lid. She gasped.
The array of jewels was stunning: diamonds, emeralds, sapphires…a dazzling rainbow of huge, flawless gems nestled in neat rows. Each one of them was a fortune on its own, but together, they were a treasure beyond imagination.
And this was only the top tray of the box.
“This is a king’s ransom,” Maggie breathed.
“And our daughter’s.” Determination roared through him. “Now let’s go get Glory back.”
38
After a quick inventoryof the jewels, Maggie and Rhys decided to leave the treasure in the vault for safekeeping. They returned to Mivart’s; after sending off a note to the Kents, they caught a few hours of sleep. Then, at eight o’clock, they presented themselves at the Kent residence. Tessa and Harry were waiting for them in the drawing room...and they weren’t alone.
The Garritys were also present.
As Rhys and the moneylender eyed one another, the tension in the room grew thicker than a fog on the Dorset coast. Maggie was wondering why on earth Tessa had invited Rhys’s enemy to the meeting when Gabriella Garrity rushed up and surprised her with a hug.
“It’s ever so dreadful what happened to your daughter, Maggie,” Gabby said.
The pain Maggie had been holding at bay broke through, her next breath hitching.
Gabby stepped back, her blue eyes filled with genuine worry. “Oh, that was tactless of me, wasn’t it? I’m ever sosorry. Since Tessa told me about it, I haven’t been able to sleep a wink. When I think of my own children…” Her voice wobbled. “I hope you don’t mind that we’re here. My husband and I want to lend ourunconditionalsupport, don’t we, Mr. Garrity?”
The moneylender’s dark eyes were unreadable. “As you say, Mrs. Garrity.”
“There, you see?” Gabby gave Maggie a reassuring smile. “Mr. Garrity is ever so clever and adroit in sticky situations. With our combined efforts, we will get your Glory back.”
It was then that Maggie understood why Tessa had involved Gabby. The redhead was sweet-natured and tenderhearted…and, most importantly, she held sway over her powerful husband. Maggie didn’t quite understand the match between the cutthroat moneylender and his guileless wife, but undeniable currents flowed between the unlikely pair.
If the Garritys wanted to help secure Glory’s return, Maggie would not look a gift horse in the mouth. She would reciprocate Gabby’s goodwill.
“We’re grateful for your assistance,” Maggie said. “Aren’t we, Ransom?”
Rhys’s gaze remained locked on the usurer. “I wasn’t aware that Mr. Garrity was in the business of helping people. When he throws a rope, it’s usually just enough for one to hang oneself with.”
