A grateful Newton had vowed to work off the sum despite Rhys’s assurances that the money had been a gift. With his diligence, loyalty, and gentlemanly comportment, Newton had made an excellent man-of-business. He’d given good counsel when Rhys’s fortunes had turned…and stuck by even when Rhys ignored said counsel. When things had gone from bad to worse and all of Rhys’s so-called friends had jumped ship, Newton had stayed on.
Thus, Rhys thought of him not only as an employee but as a friend, which made him doubly furious that Newton had been assaulted because of him.
“The beating wasn’t that bad. They went easy on me since I didn’t fight back.” Newton’s grin was even more lopsided than usual due to his swollen face. “Being a pacifist has its rewards.”
“You should not have taken that beating for me,” Rhys said tautly.
“And you should not have paid off my debts for me, Your Grace. But that is neither here nor there.” Newton adjusted his spectacles, his expression solemn. “I came because the situation has come to a head. Garrity is willing to wait no longer—and the same goes for Sweeney. As your man-of-business, I’m advising you to make your decision about marriage now. The Sharpes are willing to sign a contract: delay no longer.”
It would have been simple to take the easy way out. A part of Rhys considered it.
It was another part of him that spoke. “There is another option.”
He gave a summary of all that had transpired since his arrival in Dorset. He didn’t hide his personal interest in Maggie because he trusted Newton…and also because he would need the other to make arrangements for her on his behalf. Despite his uncertainty about his future, he did know one thing: he would provide for Maggie and Glory.
He shared the plans that had been taking shape in his head. He would transfer Horatio’s estate to Maggie’s name. It wasn’t much, but at least she and Glory would always have a place to live. Once he sold the diamond, he would provide her with an annuity so that she never had to worry about money again.
To Newton’s credit, he took the instructions in stride.
“You’ve been busy, Your Grace.” The man-of-business finished jotting down notes. “And you believe you are making headway on this treasure hunt?”
Rhys withdrew the diamond from his pocket. “This is proof of it.”
“Crikey, that’s a sparkler, ain’t it?” Newton gave a low whistle. “I’d wager a gem of that size would fetch close to ten thousand pounds.”
“My estimate as well. I want you to take it back to London and sell it.”
Newton nodded. “Will you use the proceeds to make a deposit to Garrity and Sweeney?”
“At this point, they won’t be appeased by a few thousand pounds. They want to be paid in full. I’m better off using the money to fund the treasure hunt. Speaking of which, here’s the next riddle.” Rhys showed Newton the note that had accompanied the diamond. “Any ideas what ‘deathless vein’ could refer to?”
The solicitor scratched his head. “Haven’t a clue. No pun intended.”
“I’m meeting at Mrs. Foley’s cottage tomorrow to take a crack at solving it,” Rhys said. “Her sister-in-law is a bluestocking who apparently excels at puzzles.”
“If you like, I’ll come along,” Newton said amiably. “I’ll return to London the day after.”
“I won’t turn down the help.”
The time for pride was over. Rhys would do whatever it took to claim his inheritance. To earn his freedom…and make Maggie his.
19
“You didn’t tellme she was beautiful,” Newton said in hushed tones.
Rhys frowned. He and Newton were standing by the window of Maggie’s parlor, bright afternoon sun streaming through the panes. After introductions, Maggie and Hypatia had gone to the kitchen to fetch refreshments. Glory was at a friend’s house, where she would be conveniently staying the night.
While Rhys couldn’t fault Newton for noticing Maggie’s beauty—he knew as well as anybody that her attractions were impossible to ignore—he did blame the man for lacking tact. Especially since he had made clear his personal interest in her.
His newfound possessiveness surprised him. Although he’d never been a man to share, this primal urge to mark a woman as his own was new. Then again, Maggie wasn’t just any woman; she was going to be his duchess.
“Mrs. Foley is off limits,” he said brusquely.
“Mrs. Foley?” Newton gave him a blank look before adjusting his ever-slipping spectacles. “Oh, I wasn’t talking about her. It isMissFoley who holds my admiration.”
“Hypatia?” Rhys felt his brows rise.
“Her intellect is astounding. Do you know she has translated works of Ancient Greek?”
