The irony of the situation made her laugh, even though there was little humor to be found in her situation. “Oh, Trevor. You are such a gem. Is it any wonder I love you so much?” She swept her gaze over his handsome face. “There is nothing to forgive. You have been my deliverer all along. I adore you, and I always will.”
From behind Trevor, the prison guard cleared his throat loudly. Inwardly, Louisa cringed. How could she have forgotten they had company?
“My lord, your time is over,” the guard said gruffly.
Trevor pulled her into his arms again and kissed her. Although the kiss was not as passionate as she’d experiencedfrom him before, she still felt all the emotion—and love—he had. In a small way, it comforted her to know he cared so much. And he’d help her.
Grudgingly, she pulled away. “I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you.” Smiling, he stood. “Keep believing good shall overcome all things.”
She nodded. “I will.” But as he walked out of the room and the door was closed and locked, it was hard not to let despair come over her once again. Her life had been one hurdle of disappointment after another, and now that her dream was within reach, she knew it would be hopelessly snatched away from her.
*
Trevor never thoughthe would be able to get in to see Lord and Lady Danvers since Trevor’s brothers and Dominic were not successful earlier today since the Danverses were out. But finally, Trevor was given an appointment to meet with them. Time was not passing fast enough. Each minute that ticked by made his heart cry with anguish. Louisa shouldn’t have to be punished by staying in that flea-infested room, and he would do anything to get her out.Anything.
Being idle was not a good way to pass time, and so after leaving the gaol, Trevor rode through the streets of London searching for something that might assist him in releasing Louisa. He even scoured the area where Macgregor was reported to have been killed. The good Lord must have had His hand in Louisa’s fate, because Trevor had stumbled across something that indeed would help Miss Watson confess. But now he needed to calm himself and not do anything rash in order for his plan to go smoothly.
“It’s time.”
Trey’s voice pulled Trevor from his thoughts as he looked upon his younger brother. Both brothers stood by Lord Hawthorne near the door to Trevor’s study, preparing to leave. All three looked so refined in their best as if they were ready to attend a lavish ball. Instead of the pleasantries that come with Society’s function, this evening their main purpose was to inform the Danverses about their long-lost daughter, and force Miss Watson to tell the truth.
Trevor heaved a heavy sigh, nodded, and hurried outside to his waiting horse.
The men rode in silence, which was a good thing because then Trevor could collect his thoughts, and pray like he’d never prayed before. This had to work. He couldn’t bear thinking of the woman he loved going to the gallows and hanged for a crime she didn’t commit.
They reached the manor, dismounted, and strode up the porch to the door. Trevor knocked and within seconds, the butler answered. Dressed respectfully in burgundy-and-black attire, the butler represented the House of Danvers well.
Trevor acknowledged the servant with a nod. “Good evening. I’m the Duke of Kenbridge, and I am here to see Lord and Lady Danvers, along with my brothers and Lord Hawthorne.”
“Please come in, Your Grace.” The butler bowed. “They are waiting for you in the sitting room.”
When Trevor entered the room, Lord and Lady Danvers stood, as well as their nephew, Lord Wellesely. They all bowed to each other. Trevor was relieved to see Miss Watson absent this time. Then again, how could he get the girl to confess if she wasn’t here?
“Your Grace,” the earl began, “what an honor it is to have you in our home.”
“I thank you, Danvers. It is an honor to be here.”
The earl motioned to the couches. “Please sit and we’ll call for refreshments.”
Trevor situated himself on the chair. “I want to say how disappointed I was that my mother’s dinner party ended so suddenly the other evening. I had hoped to get to know you all better. I trust Miss Watson is feeling better?”
Their hosts nodded, but it was Wellesley who leaned forward on his seat. “She is doing much better, thank you. In fact, her attitude has changed for the better within a day’s time.”
I’m certain it has.Trevor forced himself to smile. “I’m relieved to hear this. I was hoping to see her tonight and express my concern for her welfare.”
“Actually,” Lady Danvers said, “Miss Watson is expected for dinner tonight. She should be arriving soon, I believe.”
Thank you, Lord.Trevor’s smile was not forced this time. “Splendid. I look forward to our visit with her.” His brothers and Hawthorne nodded in agreement. “But until then, I would like to address a very delicate and emotional topic if you don’t mind.”
“What is it?” Lord Danvers asked in a worried tone.
Trevor glanced at his brothers, who gave him a reassuring nod. “The other night at my mother’s dinner party—” Trevor switched his attention to the hosts—“when we were discussing my friend’s memory loss, I believe we might have stumbled across something that affects you all.”
Lady Danvers twisted her hands in her lap. “The young lady whose name is Louisa?”
“Yes, the very same.” Trevor took a deep breath. “This poor lady had been told when she was twelve years of age that her parents were killed in a house fire, then she was immediately taken to Scotland and in the care of her friend’s uncle. From that point, she was sold to a man who hired young children to work for him—as pickpockets.”
