She released a laugh, trying not to tear up as his words touched her deeply. “Today taught me a lesson.” She tightened her grip on his hand. “A reminder that each day is a gift, not a given. Danger lurks in the strangest places and cannot be avoided completely, though I would still like you to take care.”
He nodded in agreement, his smile warming her more than the whiskey. “I would ask the same.”
Amelia leaned forward, pleased when he kissed her—a kiss that went beyond comfort and well into passion. Several minutes passed in bliss before they eased apart.
She rested her hand on his chest, loving the feel of his rapidly pounding heart as hers echoed the rhythm.
Henry brushed the pad of his thumb along her cheek. “I love you, Amelia. And I’m grateful to have the chance to tell you again.”
“I love you as well, Henry, and so am I.”
Continuing to hold hands, they reached for their glasses while Master Leopold studiously ignored them both from his place before the fire.
“To us.” Henry clicked his glass with hers.
“To us.” The simple ritual meant so much more this evening.
They chatted about inconsequential things until Fernsby announced dinner was served, and Amelia only realized she was famished when the butler placed a bowl of steaming pea soup before her.
“This looks delicious as always,” Henry murmured before looking at Fernsby. “Please give my regards to Mrs. Appleton.”
“I will, sir,” the butler said before departing the room.
Henry smiled at Amelia. “I confess I wasn’t looking forward to the dinner my landlady was preparing. It didn’t exactly smell appetizing when I returned home to change.”
“I thought you intended to stay longer with your parents.” She would certainly expect his mother had hoped so.
“I decided it best to return to my normal life and schedule as soon as possible.”
The audible reluctance in his tone nearly made her smile.
“I’m pleased to have regained my appetite.” He savored another spoonful of soup. “Isn’t it odd that a head injury can cause nausea? One wouldn’t think the stomach and head so connected.”
“It is odd—something to ask Mr. Taylor when you next see him,” Amelia suggested, hoping her worry wasn’t reflected in her tone. “May I ask how the investigation is proceeding for the man I saw? Is he the same one who left the bomb at the Yard?” She would sleep better knowing.
“Too soon to say, I’m afraid,” Henry answered with a rueful look. “He has yet to admit to anything, says he just left a bundle of rags he’d found by the door that he’d picked it up by accident and left it for whoever owned it to collect.”
Fernsby arrived to clear their soup bowls and serve the main course of chicken cutlets with potato cakes and a light gravy.
“Thank you, Fernsby,” Amelia said with a smile, waiting until he’d poured the wine and departed to respond to Henry’s comment. “Surely he doesn’t expect to be believed.”
“Bits of rag were collected at the scene, and we anticipate finding evidence of explosives on them. I don’t expect he’ll be free any time soon, if ever.” He took a bite of the chicken and nodded in approval.
“That’s a relief to hear.” She wanted all of those involved to be arrested and kept from harming anyone again. London would be safer without them.
Henry sat back in his chair, holding her gaze. “It seems clear there are several people involved in the bombings. It will take time to find them, including the person who built it.”
“I have complete faith in you.” And she did. Henry’s careful thoroughness, his dedication to justice, was why he’d solved several recent cases.
“Thus far, we haven’t been allowed to join in the investigation.” He looked less than pleased by that. “The departmenthandling the Fenians will look into the man’s recent activities and associates, which should hopefully lead them to the others involved.”
Dismay filled Amelia. “But if no one has been arrested for the bomb that injured you, then one must ask whether that department is truly doing its job?”
“Between the two of us and these four walls, there is already discussion about that very possibility.” He stared across the room, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. “I don’t care for the doubt rising between the departments, but this wouldn’t be the first time. In all fairness, the Irish question is a complicated one with strong opinions on both sides.”
Amelia sighed. “True. I only know that I don’t want you, me, or anyone else hurt.”
“On that, we agree.” He lifted his wine, as Amelia did the same. “To peace and prosperity for all.”
