“Until such time as my brother can again take up the reins of our family’s company, I think it best if you and Mr. Arnold handle whatever may arise. You, of course, will continue to manage the day-to-day activities,” she hesitated, as she didn’t really know what he did, “and Mr. Arnold can handle the financial affairs. I assume he is the one who receives and makes payments.”
Mr. Beaumont looked aghast. “We cannot have the accountant who is in sole charge of interpreting the ledgers also be the one to handle the accounts payable and receivable. Most improper. He could far too easily write himself a large note of withdrawal.”
Adelia considered the notion of such larceny. “You don’t trust our accountant?”
Mr. Beaumont looked slightly uncomfortable. “I didn’t mean to imply such a thing. Unquestionably, he is an honest man, but it is simply not done. As your general manager, I usually oversee anything to do with operationsandfinances, too. Our office clerk is our bookkeeper, meaning he enters all the figures into the ledgers, and he writes bank checks when instructed by me or your brother. Quarterly, the ledgers go to Mr. Arnold to discern our company’s health, so to speak. And I bring to your brother whatever he needs to sign or make decisions upon. Perhaps you wish to make those decisions in his stead.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think I should.”
After a pause, he stroked his chin. “I suppose I could do it,” he offered. “I could meet with you as I previously did with Lord Smythe, and with your approval, I can run the company until his lordship returns.”
She liked his suggestion, especially as he seemed to think Thomas would return. As long as Mr. Beaumont didn’t show any interest in her personally, she didn’t mind meeting with him.
“Very well, I believe that arrangement will work, and I can only hope my brother will be set free soon.”
Mr. Beaumont stood up and bowed low. “I shall keep him in my prayers, Lady Adelia. A charge of murder is serious, but not insurmountable to the truly innocent. If I can be a witness to his character or help in any way, please let me know.”
“Thank you. I am—” The sound of Mr. Lockley giving entrance to another visitor interrupted her. Cocking her good ear toward the door, she heard Owen’s distinctive tenor.
Her pulse began to race.How could this man who put her brother in jail continue to cause this strong reaction in her?She ought to hate him, but she most certainly did not.
“I bid you good day, Lady Adelia,” Mr. Beaumont said, reclaiming her attention.
She nodded and watched him leave, knowing her butler would show him out and show Owen in.
A moment after Mr. Beaumont disappeared from her sight, Owen filled the open doorway. He glanced over his shoulder as if studying the engineer.
“Hm,” he said, turning back to her. “I have seen him somewhere before. Who is he?”
Owen behaved as if he had every right to question her visitors. It was outrageous, and she didn’t answer directly at first.
“Perhaps you have met him wherever you mining company owners congregate.”
His head tilted with amusement, and he smiled at her. “Like a pack of wild dogs?’
She lifted her shoulder. “I know not of such things.”
“So, he also owns a mine?” Owen asked.
“No, that is Mr. Beaumont, our manager and engineer. I believe I mentioned him to you. He worked for my father, as well.”
“Hm,” he said again. “Now I am intrigued. His name sparks some memory I cannot quite recall. And now, his face seems familiar, too.” He came closer, took her hand, and held it, looking into her eyes. “I feared he was a rival suitor.”
Rival?“That implies you still wish to court me.”
“Would you allow me if I did?” Owen asked.
While Thomas was in Newgate!“It is entirely inappropriate for me to be out gallivanting with you. My brother languishes in jail becauseyouthink him a murderer! Besides, why would you wish to be associated with me?”
He shook his head slightly, as if he didn’t understand it himself. They were equally confounded. She could scarcely believe Owen had dragged Thomas to the police station and turned him in. What’s more, she ought not to want to keep company with the man. It was a conundrum.
Owen released her hand, and she sighed.How had he got over her lying about the handkerchief? And why?
In the next instant, Adelia had her answer. The viscount drew her into his arms—his familiar, delectable embrace—making her heart gallop like a horse on a racetrack. She said nothing, relishing the rightness of being held by Owen. As she melted against him, she watched his expression change from questioning and waiting for permission to one of satisfaction. When he looked down at her, she saw only…tenderness before he kissed her.
As their lips touched, her body ignited, beginning to tingle from her swiftly hardening nipples to the soft place between her legs, which now throbbed with heat. All rational thoughts fled. While his tongue ravaged her mouth, she snaked her arms up and locked her fingers behind his neck.
He groaned, or she did. Adelia couldn’t tell. He moved his leg so his thigh pressed against her most sensitive area, and she rubbed the cotton bodice of her gown against his chest.
