Proceeding down at a civilized pace, Owen explained, “Safe upstairs.”
“What! And you, walking around without a shirt!” His soon-to-be brother-in-law became flushed with anger.
“At least I found my pants,” Owen quipped but felt petty when he saw the young earl’s face further redden with fury. He shouldn’t tease the man after all he’d been through. Besides, Owen was likely to get pummeled if he wasn’t cautious.
Smythe stalked back and forth across the tiled entry. “When told Adelia was at the Burnley home, I was certain the detective meant at yourparents’house. For it is inconceivable that a gentleman would bring an innocent young lady to his own townhouse where he lives the life of a bachelor and a prurient, lecherous one at that. Absolutely inconceivable! And dastardly, despicable, and unforgivable,” he fumed.
Then he raised his voice louder. “Why, in the name of all that’s good in the world, after learning the truth of my innocence, would you take your revenge by ruining my sister?”
“Hello, Thomas.”
Owen glanced up at the dulcet sound of her voice—her beloved, steadying, calm voice. Smythe growled in anger, and it was plain to see why. Adelia was clad in Owen’s blue robe, which was too big for her, so she’d rolled up the sleeves. Yet, even with it belted as tightly as possible, the neckline gaped. Luckily, he could see she had put on her shift, too.
He wished she’d remained in bed as directed since the earl would now be assured of her utter downfall. And though Owen would make it right in the end, he didn’t like to think of brother and sister having a falling out, nor Smythe thinking badly of her.
Belying her appearance, Adelia calmly said, “No one is ruined.” Lifting the overly long robe, exposing her ankles and bare feet, she hurried down the stairs, right past Owen and into her brother’s arms.
It was good to see how Smythe welcomed her and clasped her soundly.
“Don’t be mad,” she said. “Everything is fine now. Absolutely everything.”
Owen paused as the familiar shard of pain sliced through him, knowing Adelia had inadvertently forgotten, in her happiness, that Sophia was not coming back. Nevertheless, he couldn’t begrudge his betrothed her joy, not for an instant.
When she drew back, she announced, “Lord Burnley and I are to be married.”
Smythe’s expressive face showed surprise, perhaps something akin to happiness.
“Truly?” He looked at Owen, “Are you taking my spinster sister off my hands?”
Owen was ready to punch him for such an off-handedly rude statement, but Adelia laughed, so he supposed she hadn’t minded.
“I am, indeed,” Owen confirmed. “I cannot wait to give my hand, my name, and my future to this delightfulyounglady.”
After hesitating, Smythe said, “That’s beside the point!” The note of censure in his voice continued, “This was blatantly wrong.” He gestured to her appearance. “She shouldn’t be here, and I’m taking her home at once. I assume your staff will be discreet.”
Owen nodded. Hopefully, the detective would also. “Your shouting might have awakened my neighbors. I cannot vouch none of them are peeking out their windows even now, seeing the Smythe carriage waiting outside.”
The earl sighed. “I think you should go get dressed properly before we leave. Oh, Dilly, look at your poor face.”
“A few bruises,” she said, glancing at Owen. “I’m still beautiful, am I not?”
He couldn’t help smiling at her, this confident woman—all his—becoming a saucebox, too! He would make sure she never tried to disappear into the wallpaper again. “More beautiful than ever, my love. I think that shade of purplish-blue suits you.”
With a chuckle, she dashed up the stairs, his robe flying out behind her.
“If you would come into my drawing room,” Owen offered, “we can discuss the marriage settlement now.”
“Very well,” Smythe agreed, following behind. “Since you’ve compromised her, how about no dowry for you, and you provide her with a generous monthly stipend, which she can spend as she likes? Usually, she just buys paper and pens, anyway.”
Owen rolled his eyes. The young earl was going to do fine as a businessman. “I know it’s early, but maybe we need a little brandy while we talk.”
*
Adelia could notlose the feeling she was floating. Her feet simply were not touching the floor. And it had been the same ever since awakening at Owen’s home, soon to be her own.How was it possible to be so happy?And to think, she’d almost missed out on all of it.
Both Owen and Thomas had accompanied her to the detective’s office after lunch to relay the terrifying events of the previous night. Adelia was able to explain what she’d learned about Lady Sophia having overheard something to do with Mr. Beaumont’s plans to take over Smythe Coal. As for any untoward behavior on the part of Owen’s sister, leaving her vulnerable to blackmail, Adelia left that unsaid. It would only cause undue hurt to the Burnleys, and the young woman had paid for her indiscretions with her life.
Thomas, who had slipped back into his regular life with ease, was now on the hunt for a new general manager.
