He glanced around. “Over there, by that table. They haven’t put the food out yet, so we may have a few minutes to ourselves.”
Quietly the two of them made their way through the throng, smiling, nodding, greeting people—that was Verity, and trying not to scowl at anyone—that was Lucas.
“Right.” They found their corner, and he dragged two chairs over so that they could sit for a moment or two.
“Lucas,” began Verity. “I found something else.” She looked at him, raising one eyebrow slightly.
“That’s odd,” he murmured. “So did I. But you go first.”
Her eyes widened, and she leaned toward him, quietly telling him of the discrepancy on the bank statement, that she’d discovered.
He listened intently, knowing she would not make a story out of it, but give him the unvarnished facts. And when she was done, he frowned.
“Hmm,” he leaned closer. “I pulled some information through my mirror engine. It was off. Definitely off.”
She shook her head. “I don’t understand. How could it be so cleverly handled for so long, and yet all of a sudden, we’re seeing obvious evidence of it?”
He thought about that. “The only thing I can think of is that now, we’relookingfor it. We know what to watch for, Verity. I’ll wager that if we hadn’t taken those steps in the last few days, and if it hadn’t been all of us together? We probably still wouldn’t know.”
She bit her lip. “You may be right. That makes sense.” She glanced around at the crowd. “They’re going to be heading this way shortly. We should wander.”
He nodded, rose, and held out his hand. “You don’t mind us being seen together?”
She took his hand and stood. But instead of releasing it she tucked their arms together. “I amproudto be seen with you, Sir Lucas Ashcombe. It’s an honour, and bedamned to anyone who thinks otherwise.”
He had to take a moment to get control of his emotions. It hadn’t been easy for him to return. It hadn’t been easy to face Silas again, to see Alastair, and Julian. Coming back to Arcvale hadn’t really seemed like coming home, until...until Verity.
“Let’s go.”
“I have to talk to Tabby first. She’s going to deposit the proceeds from the pre-art sale for me. She has all the account information with her, and I...” she waved her tiny reticule, “I didn’t have room for it.”
“So another hour or so, then?” sighed Lucas.
“I’m afraid so.” She shrugged. “But on the positive side, there is food. And I’m hungry.”
“So am I,” he gazed at her lips. “But not for cogstick biscuits, slices of Arcvale blue cheese, or weak tea.”
She blushed, and he grinned. He never realised she could blush quite like that, and he enjoyed it immensely.
“All right. I feel that way as well. As soon as I’ve discharged all my duties, and squared away everything with Tabby, we’ll leave.”
“And go to my cottage.” He squeezed her hand.
“Yes please.”
Chapter Twenty
“That’s all that I have for you at this time, Tabby.” Verity quietly passed a bulging envelope to her friend. “Are you sure you don’t mind doing this?”
“Of course not. I need the exercise, it’s on my way home, and I’d just as soon have it safely stowed away.” She smiled. “We made out quite nicely, didn’t we?”
Verity nodded. “I’m surprised, actually.”
Lucas, who had been watching the exchange, chuckled. “I’m shocked. But...if people are going to throw their money away on some really awful things, then I’m happy to know it won’t go to waste.”
Tabby nodded, eyeing him carefully. “I agree, my Lord.”
Rolling her eyes, Verity was about to scold her for using his title, but then again...she had to be cautious at this point. So she kept her comments to herself and nodded. “You will let me know if there are any problems, won’t you? I rather wish we could have someone go with you. Beatrice even suggested it.”
