Three days later,Maggie was returning to Mivart’s in Tessa’s carriage. The two of them had been keeping vigil with Gabby. For in the victory against Sweeney—who was now in the custody of Tessa’s grandfather and awaiting underworld justice—there had been a casualty.
During the battle, Adam Garrity had taken a bullet.
As the physician had explained, the shot had gone cleanly through, not injuring any essential organs. Garrity would have healed without issue…had the shot not knocked him off his feet. He’d hit his head on the dock before tumbling into the water.
Luckily, his head guard, a fellow by the name of Wickham, had witnessed the accident and dove in after him. According to the physician, the brave action had saved Garrity’s life: a minute later and the moneylender might have perished.
Nonetheless, his recuperation would not be an easy one.
Maggie and Rhys had visited the Garritys every day. Garrity had been injured fighting on their behalf, and it was a debt they would never forget. Moreover, Maggie had become fond of Gabby, and she was determined to support her new friend through whatever challenges lay ahead.
“Mr. Garrity looked better today, don’t you think?” she asked quietly.
“He didn’t look any worse.” Tessa sighed. “I do hope he recovers quickly. For his sake as well as Gabby’s. The poor dear is keeping up a cheerful front but…”
She didn’t have to finish. Anyone who spent a second in Gabby’s company knew how utterly devoted she was to her husband.
“Perhaps I should bring Glory tomorrow,” Maggie said. “She might hit it off with the Garritys’ children. At the very least, she could bring F. F. to entertain them.”
Glory and the ferret were inseparable. Given that Ferdinand had protected Glory from Sweeney, even Rhys had taken a liking to the creature. Yesterday, Maggie had caught him sneaking the ferret a morsel under the table.
“I knew F. F. would be the perfect gift,” Tessa said smugly.
Maggie gave the other a wry look. “Gift…or revenge?”
Mischief danced in Tessa’s eyes. “Speaking of gifts, when is the wedding? I need time to prepare something special for you and Ransom.”
“Please, there’s no need for gifts,” Maggie said sincerely. “We already owe you more than we can ever repay. Besides, the wedding is going to be a small, quiet affair.”
Discussing the matter with Rhys, she’d suggested that a no-fuss ceremony with a few simple refreshments would be the most practical plan, and he had agreed.
“That’s why Ransom had to leave early from the Garritys today,” she added. “He had to see about a special license.”
“A small wedding? But you’re to become a duchess,” Tessa protested. “You deserve some grand society affair.”
Maggie smiled. “I’m to become Rhys’s wife. That’s enough for me.”
“Hold up. How small is this wedding going to be? Harry and I are invited, aren’t we?”
She laughed at Tessa’s stricken expression. Perhaps it had been the intensity of the events that had bonded them, but she’d become inordinately fond of this roguish duchess of the underworld.
She leaned forward, squeezing the other’s hand. “Of course you are.”
They arrived at Mivart’s, and Tessa invited herself up to tea. They stepped into the lobby—and Maggie stopped short. There were roses.Everywhere.
Red, pink, white, and every blushing shade in between. Massive, exquisite bouquets covered the counters and tables, lush garlands winding up the sweeping stairwell and festooned from the ceiling. A trellised arch sat at the foot of the stairs, bursting with hothouse blooms.
Fellow hotel guests were exclaiming over the extraordinary display. A lush, floral scent filled the air. It was joined by the lilting strains of violins.
“What on earth…?” Maggie murmured.
Her breath caught as Rhys appeared on the top landing of the stairs. He was dressed in formal elegance, so dazzling and princely that several of the female guests sighed aloud. He descended the steps, his pirate’s eyes never leaving Maggie.
Her heart beat like a bird’s wings.
He stopped beneath the trellis…and held a gloved hand out to her.
“Go to him.” Grinning, Tessa nudged her forward. “Before one of these other ladies does.”
