Devin eyed him steadily. “No. That money was intended for her. I intend to find proper employment and earn her respect.”
For a moment, Luke just regarded him with narrowed eyes. “Ye’ve definitely changed since ye came back from tha’ island. I can only imagine ’ow ’ard it was for ye. I never did say ’ow sorry I was tha’ I couldn’t free ye.”
Devin walked over and put a hand on the older man’s shoulder. “You had nothing to do with it. Like Mr. Plainview, I made a mistake and had to pay for the consequences of my ignorance.” He clenched his jaw. “I wouldn’t wish the same fate on any man, so if I can spare him the same horrors, I will.”
“Will ye ever tell me wha’ ’appened to ye?” Luke asked quietly.
“And what purpose would that serve but upset both of us?” Devin returned softly. “That part of my life is over, and I will be glad not to ever revisit it ever again.”
Luke finally shook his head. “I still think ye’re mad, but I’ll make th’ necessary arrangements.”
“Thank you, old friend. I’m not sure I ever told you how much I love you.”
Devin saw the glimmer of tears in Luke’s eyes before he straightened. “Bah! Don’t be gettin’ all mushy o’ me. Ye know I can’t abide a waterin’ pot!”
He stalked out of the room, but Devin knew that was his way of saying I love you too.
“Are you sure this is what you want to do?”
Constance hesitated for only a moment when Lady Blessington made her inquiry in her personal parlor that afternoon, before she nodded her head. “Yes. I’m canceling the lease early and going back to Paris. France was where I was the happiest and after dealing with the latest turmoil in London, I realized that my time here has run its course.”
The countess sighed heavily. “I will miss you dreadfully, of course, as will Alfred, but I wish you well. My only stipulation is that you write often and tell me of your adventures. Or, at least, the lastest fashions!”
“You can be assured that is an easy promise to keep.” Constance smiled as she took a sip of her tea.
“What of your special friend? You have failed to mention his part in all of this. Is he eager to leave his country since he’s only recently returned?”
Constance set aside her plate and clasped her hands together in her lap. “I have yet to say anything to Devin about my plans.” In truth, because she had been concerned about that very thing. She wasn’t sure how he would react and the thought of leaving without him caused a gaping hole to form in her chest, but she couldn’t stay in London anymore. Her mental state wouldn’t allow it.
“Are you sure that’s wise?” the countess murmured. “After all the trouble I went through to see that he had the most enchanting dress at the metamorphosis ball, you would simply turn your back on your love for him?”
Her mouth fell agape. “You bought him that gown?”
“Well, of course.” The lady rolled her eyes. “I thought it was obvious that I approved of his suit, even though he employed a rather shady past, but then, haven’t we all at some point or another?”
Constance certainly couldn’t argue with that. “I know you’re right, but I just don’t know how to tell him I want to leave when he has everything here, like Luke…”
“But not you, dear. You told me that he asked to marry you. So why are you hesitating? I should be halfway to Gretna Green by now,” she sniffed. “And don’t try to tell me that you are still reticent about matrimony. I’ve never seen a woman with stars dancing in her eyes more than yours. They practically light up the night sky when you see Mr. Blackmore.”
Constance couldn’t contain the heat from rising into her cheeks, although it had been years since she’d dared to allow herself to give in to the urge to blush. But then, Devin had freed many things inside of her, including her inhibitions. “It’s true. I love him more than anything else in this world.”
The countess crossed her arms. “Then why are you still sitting here with me?” She waved a hand. “Go back to that townhouse and carry him off over the border to Scotland. There’s no rule that says ladies always have to be the ones who are swept off of their feet. Sometimes, certain gentleman are actually worthy of a grand gesture too.”
Constance laughed, feeling the giddiness of her younger days rising up within her. She got to her feet and embraced the other woman. “I will always cherish our time together and I expect you to visit me often in Paris.”
The countess winked. “My dear, you may count upon it.”
The anticipation building in Constance’s veins yearned to burst forth as the hackney drove her back to Marylebone. The eagerness to see Devin and fling herself into his arms was almost overwhelming. She imagined what his reaction would be when she told him what she intended and prayed that he was just as excited about the prospect of France as she was.
And not only that, but she had another surprise she’d been keeping, one that she hadn’t thought was possible. But she was starting to learn that love was able to conquer many obstacles that seemed unsurmountable.
However, when the hackney came to a stop in front of the townhouse, she frowned, as there was another carriage on the street. As she stepped to the ground, a smartly dressed gentleman was shutting the front door and heading down the steps. He was tall and middle-aged and had a large moustache. The instant he glanced up, she recognized him as the investigator she had contacted about her mother.
Her stomach did a nervous flip, but she forced herself to remain calm as she greeted him. “Mr. Lionel. What an unexpected surprise.”
He doffed his hat. “Mrs. Hartford.” His tone was professional, but polite. “I left my card, but I’m glad we were able to connect in person.”
“Indeed.” Her head started to spin. “Does this mean you found out something about my mother?”
