“But, Leo, surely we cannot—”
“We can and will wed.”
“But we will argue, and both of us are strong-willed.”
“Yes, and we shall have a great deal of fun making up after those arguments. It is my fondest wish that our daughters inherit your beauty and my even temperament.”
“Children,” she said in that way woman sometimes did. It was the same with small animals, almost a sigh. “I had not thought to have children.”
“Well, I insist upon them, so you had better think about them.” Leo kissed her softly.
“Leo, I don’t think—”
“Then don’t think.” He kissed her again. “We will discuss this no more now. Now we must dress before you get cold.”
Surprisingly she did not argue, but he didn’t believe that would last long. Once they were respectable again, he directed the carriage to take her home. Helping her down when it stopped, he then walked Beth to the door.
“I will call for you tomorrow early, Beth. Be ready by nine o’clock. We will go to Night Street and talk to the others. Don’t leave the house until I come for you, and bring the notes you have received so far.” He saw she was about to argue, so added, “Please.”
“I don’t want anyone else hurt because of this, Leo.”
“They won’t be.” He leaned in and kissed her. “Go to bed now, my sweet, and dream of what we did.”
“Leo, I really think we—”
He shut her words off by urging her through the door, and closing it. Walking to her carriage, he asked the driver to take him home. Once there he sent out three missives.
Urgent meeting at Night Street. Be there at 9:00 a.m. Noble.
He then climbed into his bed and lay there thinking about what that bastard had done to Beth, and how he would be made to pay, if it was he who was blackmailing her. If not, then he would still be made to pay. And pay dearly. Leo would not rest until he had hunted Lloyd down, no matter where in this world he was.
She was his now. His life, he could say honestly. Love? Yes, he was certain it was that too. But for now he had to deal with the threat that hung over her, and then they would explore the rest of what lay between them.
Thumping his pillow, he turned on his side and smiled into the dark. He loved Miss Elizabeth Whitlow. Holding that thought close, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
