“Who is still doing his best to make up for past blunders.The last thing I need is for others to know I’m struggling.”
“I’m sorry,” she repeated while trying to think up a way in which to right the wrong she’d made.
“I shouldn’t have to provide a detailed outline of what you can and cannot do in this line of work,” Peter said.He scrubbed his face with his hand.“As for me, I didn’t expect my wife to share my shortcomings with others.”
For the first time in her adult life, Gabriella felt like a child.Yes, she admitted she’d made an error in judgement, but getting chastised for it by Peter – the man she loved and admired – made it much worse.
“If it makes any difference,” she tried, “the focus of our conversation was mostly on Croft.”
“So that’s why you want to know if I plan to involve him?So you can reveal my intentions?”
“No, I…” She stopped herself and took a deep breath.“Given the nature of our agreement with him, it is a valid question.”
“Right.”He scratched the back of his head, then sighed.“In future, if anyone who isn’t directly involved in a case wants to know about it, tell them you’re not at liberty to discuss it.Or if for whatever reason you find that difficult, just say you don’t know and then point them in my direction so I can deal with it for you.All right?”
Gabriella nodded.“Yes.”
The truth was she should have known better, but there were certain people in her life – family mostly – with whom she’d always been open and honest.Because she knew she could trust them.
And while they weren’t directly related, her godfather was one such person.He’d always been there for her, ready to offer advice if needed.She had no doubt she could count on him to keep her confidence.
The problem, however, was that in doing so, she’d broken Peter’s confidence in her.So when he came toward her, slowly closing the distance, a knot formed in her throat as emotion took over.She gulped down a breath, the wretchedness that accompanied the awareness of her wrongdoing spiraling though her.
“And if you ever want to just talk a case through,” Peter said while enveloping her in his arms, “I’m here, ready to listen.”
“I feel like such a fool,” she said, hating that this was how he might see her from this moment onward.
“A little careless and inconsiderate perhaps in this instance,” he murmured, “but not a fool.”
He kissed her then, assuring her that despite what she’d done, he forgave her.Most likely because he realized she wouldn’t so easily forgive herself.As such, there was no chance this would ever happen again.
From this moment onward, she would do better.
28
It was nearing five o’clock by the time Adrian returned to Marsdale house after speaking with his associates.As expected, all would stand by his side against Finn O’Leary.He just wished…
With a shake of his head, he produced the key Edward had lent him and unlocked the door to find Bertram, the butler, ready to take his hat and gloves.
“Your wife and daughter are in the parlor together with her ladyship,” Bertram said.“But the earl has asked that you see him first.He’s in his study together with—”
“Murry.”Adrian muttered the name upon seeing his valet, who’d stepped into the hallway.Relief was the first emotion he felt, though this was swiftly crushed and replaced by intense anger.
Adrian’s pulse beat in his ears.A red haze colored his vision.The distance between himself and Murry vanished, and then his fist was connecting with bone and tissue.
“Mr.Croft.”Bertram’s voice was filled with alarm.
Something cracked.Blood and saliva streaked the air.A grunt accompanied the blow and Murry stumbled back, struggling to keep his balance.
“You bloody good for nothing cur,” Adrian seethed, advancing once more, then striking again though Murry made no attempt at defending himself.“Who the hell do you think you are?”
“Good God, man.”Edward was now interfering.“Stop this at once.”
Adrian ignored him and sent his fist flying.Murry’s head spun to one side in response to the punch.Still, he kept his hands down, allowing Adrian to do his worst.
“Where is she, you bastard?”Another hit sent Murry into a sprawl.Other voices entered the fray, both male and female now.All Adrian knew was the bite of betrayal.He dropped to his knees and grabbed Murry by his lapels.“Tell me before I end your miserable—”
“That’s enough,” Edward bellowed while pulling Adrian back, away from the man he wanted to murder.“You will act with decorum in my house.”
