While her comment was pointed, it held more humor than heat. In the early days of their marriage, Lottie had been prone to letting her resentment simmer. For his part, Jack had been sensitive to criticism, his temper flaring like a match. No wonder they’d fought like cats and dogs.
Some things hadn’t changed; if stubbornness was an inherited trait, then God help them if they had children (he felt a fierce and unexpected pulse of longing). Yet they had also both matured. The fact that she could make light of his stupidity, and he could feel amused rather than threatened, boded well for their future.
Of course, he hadn’t told her everything yet. But his confidence was growing that she might accept him when he eventually did.
“Love can make even a clever man addle-pated,” he said mildly.
She sniffed, but he could tell she was as pleased by their banter as he was.
“I ought to talk to Quinton myself,” he said. “And Miss Loveday. They might know how Tony became involved with the First Flame. Now that he is gone, they won’t have to fear betraying him. In fact, they may want to help us bring his killers to justice.”
Lottie nodded, then bit her lip.
He cocked his head. “Is there a problem?”
“It won’t be a problem as long as we are a united front.” She drew a breath. “How am I going to introduce you to the Quintons? I don’t wish to lie to my friends. Moreover, last night you told Devlin that you are my husband. How are we going to manage the situation?”
We’ll tell them it’s true. You’re mine. It doesn’t matter if your surname is Courtenay or Granger because you’re my Lottie and always will be.
Because he wasn’t an idiot, he said, “How do you wish to manage it?”
“I told you I needed time to think on this.” She looked perturbed. “I don’t wish to be rushed when contemplating something as important as our future.”
At least she’d said “our” future. That had to mean something.
“You could introduce me as Jack Granger,” he suggested. “Say that I am an old friend.”
She arched a brow. “A friend who shows up in my home unannounced in the middle of the night and acts like a buck defending his mate?”
“The bastard had his hands on you. Was about to kiss you.” Jack grew incensed again. “What did you expect me to do?”
“Not break into my home, perhaps? Or at the very least stay hidden when you do?”
His withering look conveyed exactly what he thought of those options.
“Old friend, it is.” Under her breath, Lottie added, “But no one is going to believe me.”
Shortly thereafter, Charlie and Jack—since she was to introduce him by that name, she might as well train herself to think of him that way—arrived at the Quintons’ tidy residence in St. John’s Wood. She’d sent a note ahead, and Amara and Gilbert were waiting. They stood close together, both dressed in mourning.
After introductions were made and condolences given, the four of them sat down to tea.
“I must begin by thanking you, my dear,” Amara said. “Had it not been for your intervention, who knows how long this dangerous charade would have gone on?”
“I said I was sorry, love.” Gilbert sat on the settee next to her, shoulders hunched, expression imploring. “I knew how you felt about Tony, but I couldn’t leave him in the lurch. He might be a ne’er-do-well, but he’s still blood. Or he…he was, rather.”
At the snag in his voice, Amara’s demeanor softened.
“My feelings about Tony aside, I understand that he’s your kin. Your loyalty to those you love is one of your finest traits. I would have supported you if you had confided in me.”
“What I did was stupid,” Gilbert said hoarsely. “I swear on our daughter’s life that I’ll never lie to you again.”
Amara’s lips formed a tight seam. Then, with a sigh, she held out a hand, and her husband grabbed onto her like a drowning man to a raft. Slowly, they leaned toward one another, their foreheads touching, and Charlie felt a surge of gladness.
My friends are going to be all right. Whatever problems they have, they will work through them. Because of the love they share.
She darted a glance at Jack. The embers of hope in his eyes made her heart thump against her ribs. Everything faded, and it was just the two of them, the way they’d been from the very beginning. Drawn together by some inexplicable and transcendent force. It made her believe that they could overcome their past and find happiness, true and lasting, this time around.
“Ahem.”
