Laugh about it. As any proper adventurers would.
A reluctant warmth stirred in his chest, unfamiliar and unwelcome.He folded the letter carefully, slipping it inside his coat.
“Redmond,” he said, his voice quieter now, “send word to Bow Street. Inform them the questioning set for today afternoon is postponed.”
“At once, Your Grace,” Redmond replied.
Theo considered what he had just said then added,“Until I send them word.”
The butler bowed and left him in the hall. Theo lingered for a moment, his thoughts on Lady April. He had not expected her invitation this soon, given how outraged she had been about his lack of tears at the opera.
Ridiculous woman!
He must honor her invitation, for his future depended on it. On her.
Seven
“There is my spring flower,” her father said as April entered the bedchamber, his smile cutting through the pallor of his face.
April crossed swiftly to him and pressed a kiss to his forehead, her heart twisting as she took his hand.
“How is your Season progressing, my girl?” he asked, adjusting his pillows with a wry look.
April tucked her skirts beneath her as she sat. “Full of gentlemen who are very good at speaking and very poor at interesting me,” she said, smoothing the fabric of her dress.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Running from boredom as you always do.”
“I do not deny it,” she confirmed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.
He tilted his head, studying her closely, but she forestalled any deeper inquiry by rising and reaching for a book.
“Shall I read to you?”
“Please.”
Selecting a familiar volume from the nightstand, she opened it and began to read aloud.
A few pages in, the door creaked open. May and June tiptoed in, their faces alight with mischief.
“There you are,” May said, settling herself on the bed with a flourish.
June followed, smoothing her skirts carefully. “You would not believe the latest scandal, Papa,” she said. “Lady Danforth’s dog chased the Bishop’s horse halfway down St. James’s.”
Their father let out a soft laugh, his eyes brightening.
“London sounds more exciting than I remember,” he observed, his mouth curving into a smile.
“Only because you are not there to restore order,” May replied, nudging him gently.
They lingered, trading tales and soft laughter, until their father’s eyelids began to flutter shut.
One by one, they kissed his forehead—April lingering, brushing his hand lightly before she rose.
In the hallway, May caught April’s arm.
“Ready for chaos?” she whispered, her eyes sparkling.
April grinned, tugging her hand free. “More than ready.”
