It wasn’t until Samantha and Adrian headed home that she asked him, “What do you think about everything Hutchins told us?”
A hazy glow from recently lit gas lights illuminated the street. It had been a truly long day, especially after all that had happened the day before. She looked forward to climbing into a hot bath and tending to her achy feet.
“I’m inclined to believe him.”
She snorted. “You were also inclined to believe Lawrence, and they can’t both be right about Lady Eleanor’s intentions.”
“Who’s to say she didn’t deceive one of them?” The look he gave her reminded her of how fresh her own deception toward him still was. He hadn’t forgotten, even though he behaved as though it was all behind them.
Uneasy because it made her feel miles apart from him, she reached for his hand. “Adrian, I—”
“There’s more to be discovered here,” he said, denying her the chance to apologize to him again or make further assurances. “I’ll call on Orendel first thing tomorrow. See what he has to say about his lack of disclosure.”
“He’ll probably insist that it doesn’t signify.”
“Then he’d be a fool, for I am certain it signifies a great deal. In fact, I believe the question of who Lady Eleanor intended to marry is exactly what got her killed.”
A letter had arrived for Adrian while he was out. Elks handed it to him as soon as he’d doffed his hat and gloves. “Dinner will be ready in about half an hour. Does that suit or would you like to delay?”
It was fine with Adrian, but he had to remember that he was a married man now and that his wife might like more time to relax before dining. He turned to her. “What say you?”
“Let’s not disrupt the kitchen schedule when we are both here. I’ll take my bath later.”
“Very good.” Elks backed up a step. “I’ll let the kitchen know you’ll be ready at the usual hour.”
Samantha thanked him and Adrian proceeded toward his study. She followed him, shut the door, and immediately removed her blue silk slippers, ridiculous pieces of footwear that did not look the least bit practical. He sent her feet a pointed look and arched an eyebrow.
“I didn’t expect to traverse the entire City on foot when I set off this morning.” She dropped into a chair with a sigh, stretched out her legs, and wriggled her toes.
Adrian chuckled. “Would you care for a glass of brandy to help soothe the ache?”
“I’d love one, though I doubt it will do much for my blisters.” She fell silent while he poured her drink. When he turned to cross the floor, his intention to give her the glass, he caught her watching him with a look of interest. “Men are lucky, in a way. You can be practical with your attire and still look ridiculously good.”
He straightened his back. Keeping his grin at bay proved a futile attempt. He handed her the drink, then brushed his fingers against her cheek and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
A sigh flowed through her, relaxing her posture. She sipped her drink, the crystal edge of the glass pressing gently against her bottom lip as she tilted her head back. The amber liquid flowed over her tongue, and all Adrian could do was watch in mesmerized silence.
He fought the impulse to lift her out of the chair,place her on the edge of his desk, and step between her thighs. Fingers flexing, he sucked air into his lungs and released it.
Elks would soon come to announce that dinner was served, besides which there was the letter for him to consider. With reluctance, he abandoned the fierce temptation of carnal activity for the moment, returned to the sideboard, and poured himself a drink as well before taking a seat in his chair.
Leaning back, he tore the seal on the letter he had received and unfolded the paper.
He read the missive, then glanced at Samantha, who was watching him with curiosity. “Looks like Murdoch has found a building where he believes the children we saved can be comfortably housed and cared for. It’s on Endsleigh Street.
“He writes: ‘A townhouse containing two parlors, a dining room and a study on the ground level with four good sized bedchambers on the first floor, it sits near several squares where I’m sure the children can find much amusement. Having reviewed my roster of eligible personnel seeking work, I’ve put together a list of those who might interest you, along with their expected wages. Please let me know if this is to your liking or if you desire to make any changes.’”
“He’s very expeditious,” Samantha said.
“In the best way possible.” Adrian scanned the list of names Murdoch had enclosed, the accompanying employment titles and salaries, before grabbing a pencil and making a couple of changes. “I daresay no one elsecould have offered up such fine results so quickly. Granted, the property needs inspecting, but Murdoch knows what my standards are. I’m sure he won’t disappoint.”
Elks came to announce dinner and Adrian escorted Samantha to the dining room. They ate in companionable silence, his thoughts on the conversation he meant to have with Orendel tomorrow.
“Do you mind if I go take a bath now?” Samantha asked when they were done with their meal.
“Not at all. I’ll be up shortly.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, then returned to his study, rang for a maid, and asked her to find Murry.
The brawny valet appeared in the doorway soon after. “You wish to speak with me, sir?”
