“His Grace is not at home at the moment.”
Simon’s heart dropped. “Do you know when he might be expected?”
“Within the hour, I should think.” Simon pondered what to do. It was just after four. The guests weren’t due to arrive until seven, and it wouldn’t take too long for him to get ready. “Perhaps I can wait for him in the parlor?”
The butler raised an eyebrow, appeared to consider the matter briefly, and finally stepped aside to grant Simon entry. Simon handed over his hat and gloves and was swiftly shown into the parlor. A tea tray was brought in. Simon lowered himself onto the sofa and hoped it wouldn’t be too long before Guthrie arrived. He eyed the tea service and stood. A nervous kind of energy bubbled inside him. He paced the floor, returned to his seat, poured a cup of tea, and tried to relax. He glanced at the clock. The hands were barely moving. With a sigh he got up again, went to the window, and looked out onto the street.
What the devil was taking Guthrie so long?
Simon turned and was just about to resume his seat once more when he heard a noise – the distinct sound of the front door opening and closing followed by muted voices. And then the parlor door finally opened and Guthrie appeared.
“Fielding.” His voice was even. “What brings you here?”
“Ida is fine,” Simon felt compelled to say since the man looked like he was trying to decide how to treat his visit. “There’s a matter I’d like to discuss with you before tonight’s dinner.”
Guthrie nodded, stepped further into the room, and shut the door. He glanced at the tea tray with a hint of disdain. “Would you rather a brandy?”
“Please.” The fortification would probably serve him well.
Guthrie filled two snifters and handed one to Simon. “So?”
Simon cleared his throat and held Guthrie’s gaze with every intention of proving just how determined he was in his goal. “Since Matthew Strong no longer lives and you’ve taken on something of a paternal role with regard to Ida, I thought I’d come to you. To ask for her hand in marriage.”
He wanted everything to be right this time. He needed to make sure that when he asked her, there would be no impediment to her accepting his proposal. Tonight, he would prove he loved her enough to deserve her – enough for her to put any lingering fears she had to rest – enough for her never to doubt he was making the right decision by choosing her as his wife.
The edge of Guthrie’s mouth slowly lifted until his expression turned into a smile. “I’m pleased. Very pleased indeed. And you have my blessing.”
“I do?” That was it? This was what he’d been dreading?
“As long as you swear to me you’ll make her happy.”
“Of course.”
“Excellent.” Guthrie smirked. “Because if you don’t, I will have to break your legs. A toast?”
Simon nodded and drank while wondering if the duke was serious about potentially causing him harm. Probably, considering the man’s history of violence.
A pause followed and then Guthrie said, “Regarding this business with her father. You should know, based on what I have uncovered so far, there’s a good chance your uncle was involved in the accusations made against him. According to the men I’ve spoken with, he was seen giving money to Harold on at least two occasions.”
A prickly sensation filled Simon with discomfort. While he was gradually reaching the same conclusion, he wasn’t quite ready to stop considering other options. “What about Mr. St. John? Your note suggested some of the testimonies you’d received had prompted you to look into him?”
“One of the men I spoke with said Princhet brought a brand new pocket watch to work with him the day before he broke into your house. It would have taken him months to save up for it with his regular wages, and my source claims he wasn’t the sort of man who put money aside for later. That same day, Princhet and Mr. St. John had a heated argument. It could have been work related, but it might also have had something to do with a lack of discretion on Princhet’s part. I’ve put two informants on it, so I’m hoping I’ll know more tomorrow.” Guthrie eyed Simon with unnerving consideration. “What I’m curious to know is whether or not you’re prepared to press charges against your uncle if it turns out he had a hand in what happened.”
“Yes.” Simon held Guthrie’s gaze. “As you can imagine, I hope it won’t be him, but I am prepared to see him punished if need be.”
“I must say, I don’t misjudge people often, but you are starting to prove yourself a much better man than I’d ever have thought possible.” His eyes glinted with hidden depths of knowledge. “Ida is lucky to have you.”
Simon thanked him and finished his drink, then took his leave.
Excitement buzzed through him, quickening his stride with the need to return home as swiftly as possible so he could prepare for the evening ahead. With Guthrie’s blessing secured, only one thing remained – Ida’s agreement. And she would say yes. Of course she would. How could she not once he told her he loved her in front of everyone who’d thought less of her and those who’d doubted he had the courage to do right by her? He would declare himself in front of the Warwicks, the Huntleys, and the Windhams. He’d ask her to be his wife while the Elmwoods and Kirksdales watched. And he’d do so without caring what they might think because all that mattered was winning her hand.
His heart started pounding with nervous trepidation. Soon. Just a few more hours to go and the world that had been so off balance since she’d told him she wouldn’t be his mistress would once again feel comfortable and right.
Secure in this knowledge, he climbed the steps to his house and was seconds away from placing his key in the lock when the door burst open and Miranda, wide eyed and red faced, almost barreled straight into him.
“My lord,” she gasped. “Thank God you’re here.”
Simon’s heart immediately stumbled. “What is it? What’s happened?”
