He clenched his jaw and nodded as rage burned through every limb.Had they ever been capable of making the remedy he required?
“Is there any way in which I can help?”he asked, for the sole purpose of showing concern.
Thankfully, Kendrick shook his head, dropped his cheroot, and stomped it out with his shoe.“My Runners and I will see to it that this mess gets cleaned up.”
Satisfied with the answer, Wrengate bid the chief constable goodnight and started back toward his awaiting carriage.Fists balled at his sides, he swore both Ashburry and Mrs.Lester to perdition.He was glad they were dead, his only regret that it wasn’t by his hand.
30
The gentleman smiled in response to the news he’d received from his contact at Bow Street.Once again, Mr.Croft had proved successful, adding weight to the proof that he was a valuable asset.No other possessed his instinct for ferreting out and getting rid of the filth in the City.
Even Kendrick must surely realize by now that whatever success he achieved was gifted to him by Croft.Mrs.Croft, however, might be a problem, for although she’d served her use in ensuring Croft’s freedom, there was some concern she might lead him down the same path as his sister had.
Care and attention would have to be taken to make sure that didn’t happen.For Miss Evelyne Croft’s death to matter, Mrs.Croft could not be allowed to encourage her husband to turn his back on his birthright.Thankfully, this hadn’t yet been an issue, but there was no telling what the future might hold.
What he did know was that they were still in their early stages of marriage.It was only the two of them, both more than capable of facing danger with the kind of ease most people used while taking a leisurely stroll.But what would happen once the Croft family expanded, as families were wont to do?
The birth of a child would surely change their perspective.It might prompt Croft to consider quitting Town once more and relocating to some quiet spot where his greatest concern would be fixing a leaky roof or fetching wood for the fire.
The gentleman frowned on that thought while pouring himself a measure of brandy.There was no way in hell he could let that happen.So he downed the spicy liquid, letting one singular thought settle.
No matter the cost, Croft had to remain in play.
* * *
October 5, 1818
Seated in their private box at the Theatre Royal, Adrian turned to Samantha during the concert’s intermission.“Do you need to use the ladies retiring room?”
“No, and after spotting Harlowe earlier, I’d rather stay here.”
Adrian understood.While she and the man who’d raised her had come to some form of agreement, she had no wish to risk having to engage in conversation with him.“Do you mind if I step out for a moment?”
She arched a brow.“Do you have a choice?”
He chuckled.“Not if I’m to make it through the rest of this with my dignity intact.”
“You’d best heed nature’s call then.”
Rising, he dropped a quick kiss to her brow.“Shall I bring back champagne?”
“Please do.I’m absolutely parched.”
Adrian left the box and headed for the privy, which was located in a courtyard behind the theatre.Once done, he returned inside, climbed the stairs, and strode toward the lounge where the bar was located.
Although Samantha’s malaise had returned once or twice these past two weeks, it hadn’t been as bad as the first time.In fact, she appeared much improved, which did suggest it had merely been a sickness she’d had to work her way through.
Most importantly, Murry’s surgery had been a success.Adrian had prayed with all his might as they’d travelled the distance to St.George’s.He’d cursed every bend in the road slowing them down.And then there had been the surgery itself and what felt like hours of endless waiting.
He’d not been able to stand it.Or the utter relief that had crashed over him when he’d realized Murry would live.He’d nearly been brought to his knees.
It would take a while yet for Murry to make a full recovery, but Mr.Thrudledge, the surgeon on call when Murry arrived, assured Adrian all would be well.And with Ward and Turner also back in London as of yesterday afternoon, everything was finally getting back to normal.
He continued down the hallway, greeting a few acquaintances along the way, was almost at the door to the lounge when his path was intercepted by Wrengate.The duke stood tall, rigid, his brows slightly lowered over a pair of stern eyes.
While others might have cowered before him, Adrian merely shoved his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed as he angled his head in question.“How delightful it is to see you here.I thought you’d left Town already.”
“Not yet.”Wrengate clasped his hands behind his back.“I saw this concert advertised and thought I’d enjoy it before departing.”
