Unsurprising, since all the newspapers would have already gone to print by the time they learned of the incident.It would probably be in tomorrow’s papers instead.
“Sleep well?”Edward asked when he showed up nearly an hour later.
Adrian had already finished polishing off a big plate filled with eggs, sausages, and toast by then.
“As well as one might expect after a trauma.”He refilled his coffee cup for the third time and prepared to keep Edward company while he ate.“No fault of yours, I can assure you.The room and bed you’ve provided are exceptionally comfortable.”
“Glad to hear it.”Edward took his seat.“You’re naturally welcome to stay as long as you wish.There’s no rush to leave.”
“Thank you, but you and Melody are still newlywed and in need of spending time alone together, without having to entertain guests.”
“You’re no ordinary guests,” Edward said, pouring himself some tea.“You’re family, and family is never an inconvenience.”
Adrian wondered if Edward knew how much his words meant.After their most recent rift, which had felt like a vast expanse of frozen tundra wedged between them, it pleased him more than he could express to be counted as family.
“Nevertheless, I intend to visit an acquaintance of mine at some point this morning.Murdoch’s his name — has a lot of connections in the service industry.I’ll ask him to put together a list of Mayfair houses available either for rent or purchase.First, however, I’d like to take a look at the damage at Number 5.”
“I’ll accompany you,” Edward said, not leaving the matter up for dispute.
“There’s also the insurance company with whom I really should meet as soon as possible.Perhaps after luncheon.”
“What about the relatives of the maid who died?”Edward asked, his voice appropriately somber.
“Samantha says she’d like to deliver the tragic news herself.Maybe Melody can accompany her?”
“Of course.”Edward started eating the food he’d piled onto his plate — a similar selection to what Adrian had enjoyed, but with kippers instead of sausages.“I trust you’ll add compensation and offer to pay for the funeral?”
“Yes.”No amount of money would replace Susie, but it would, he hoped, help her family cope.
He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to steer his thoughts elsewhere — away from the guilt that gnawed at his conscience.If only he’d had the forethought to have ladders installed outside every window.He’d do so at his next residence.And at Deerhaven Manor, too.Just in case.
“A caller has arrived,” Edward’s butler announced upon entering the room.The man’s eyes slid to Adrian.“He wishes to speak withyou, sir.Introduced himself as Mr.Harlowe.”
* * *
Even though Adrian had plans for a busy day and wanted to get on with business as quickly as possible, he chose to have Harlowe wait.Ten minutes wouldn’t make much difference, but it would send a message about his opinion of the man who’d raised Samantha.
So he took his time with the last of his coffee while finalizing the first task of the day with Edward.“Can you be ready to leave in half an hour?”
“Certainly.But does that give you enough time to speak with Harlowe?”
“I doubt he has anything to share that requires a longer meeting.He’s probably here to check on Samantha, in which case I can provide an update in under five minutes.”
They agreed to reconvene later in the foyer, upon which Adrian strode to the parlor.Jaw clenched, he greeted the man who’d pretended to care for the girls he’d raised, when all he’d been interested in was his own agenda.
“Harlowe.You’re up early today.”A jab that would not go unnoticed.
Instead of apologizing, Harlowe raised his chin.“I thought you might have a busy morning, after the fire last night.Wanted to make sure I caught you before you left the house.”
No point in asking him how he’d known where to find him.Adrian crossed his arms and rocked back on his heels.“For what reason?”
Harlowe produced a small chuckle of incredulity.“To make sure Samantha is all right.That you and the baby are too.”
“Samantha and Alexandra are fine.They’re still sleeping.I, as you can see, am also well, so if that is all…”
“Why must speaking with you be so damned difficult?”
Adrian arched a brow.“Perhaps because I dislike you intensely.On account of the fact that you abused the trust my wife placed in you.”
