After their last lunch, Signy and Ramsay rode into Clanwick. As they stabled Thor and Loki, he said, “I keep looking at the harbor to see if a larger-than-usual ship is sailing in.” He gave her a twisted smile. “Obviously I believe in miracles.”
She took his hand. “We have other miracles in our lives even if there isn’t a financial one.”
He kissed her, murmuring, “You’re my miracle, my darling girl.”
“And you’re mine, but don’t we sound like a pair of chirping seventeen-year-old sweethearts?” she said playfully.
He laughed. “Indeed we do, but that’s not a bad thing.”
Hand in hand, they headed down the high street to the bank, which was situated by the harbor. The bank president escorted them to the upper floor, where there was a spacious gathering room with a splendid view of the harbor through a wide window. “Very impressive,” she remarked.
“Businesses might fail, but banks seldom do,” Ramsay said dryly.
Fergus joined them, and the two men sat down and spread the table with documents. Signy didn’t have anything to do but watch the harbor, which was fine with her. She could watch the water indefinitely.
As a large graceful sailing ship glided into the harbor, she felt a shock of excitement. Hoping to high heaven this was Broc and the Rogues Redeemed, she said, “I’m going out for a short walk. I’ll be back before the fatal hour strikes.”
Ramsay glanced up with a nod of acknowledgment before returning to the documents. Signy knew Fergus was trying to retain everything he could for Ramsay.
As soon as Signy left the room, she raced down the steps at a most unladylike speed and crossed swiftly to the harbor, where the ship was docking. It was theLady Constanceout of London.
Heart hammering, she stood on the dock and waited for the gangway to be let down. Above her she saw Broc in the midst of a crowd of well-dressed people. He waved, his manner buoyant.
As soon as the gangway was in place, he raced down. “Sorry we were delayed. There were sharp squalls in the Channel and some damage to the sails. But we’re in time, aren’t we?”
“Barely.” She saw his travel companions streaming down after him. “And our guests may have to sleep on the ship since Skellig House will not be available.”
“They all need to come with us.” He waved a “follow me” arm and set off toward the bank at a fast pace. “First, I’ve brought Sophie Macleod to spend some time tutoring you. You are going to like each other a great deal.”
Startled, Signy looked over her shoulder and saw a petite redhead a few steps behind. “I’ve brought all sorts of paints,” the young woman called. “For later!”
Broc gave Sophie a fond look, then turned his gaze toward the bank. “Let me explain. . . .”
* * *
Roald swaggered into the bank’s gathering room, a predator moving in for the kill. “I see you have your paperwork. And I have mine.” He dropped a folder of documents on the table. “Shall we begin?”
“It’s not five o’clock yet,” Fergus said firmly.
Roald shrugged and sat down in one of the chairs, snapping his fingers to summon a young bank attendant. “I sent a bottle of champagne over earlier. Bring it to me. Only one glass will be needed because I’m the only one who will be celebrating.”
The attendant gave him the respectful bow owed the richest man in Thorsay before going off in search of the champagne.
Ramsay glanced around. Where was Signy? She said she’d be back, and she wasn’t one to avoid unpleasant scenes.
He heard a thumping sound and after a moment identified it as the sound of people coming up the stairs. Quite a number of people.
The door opened and Broc and Signy entered, followed by a dozen or so others. He recognized all but one of the men, and each man had an attractive female moving in tandem with him. The wives of the Rogues Redeemed, plus his cousin Kendra.
He stood and stared, not sure what was going on. Signy moved to his side, her eyes dancing. Under her breath, she said, “The redhead on the right watching the rest of us is Sophie. Thank you so much for bringing her here!”
“She was the best wedding present I could think of,” he said simply as he nodded at the artist. He owed Broc a bonus.
Captain Gabriel Hawkins Vance stepped to the front of the group. “It’s good to see you again, Ramsay, who used to be Chantry.”
Ramsay had to smile. “It made sense at the time.” His gaze went to the others. Tall and broad Will Masterson, who had turned out to be an army major, standing with a magnificent Amazon as tall as Signy.
Beside the Mastersons was the blond and clever Gordon Audley. The bright-eyed lady on his arm had red-gold hair that was a close match to Signy’s.
