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“Women like to be sure about this sort of thing. More so for themselves. I am sure she had reason to delay telling you.”

“You are right. I never thought being married would be so adventurous.”

Tony laughed. “Things will settle down. It is unfortunate that the mess Stafford put you in has followed you here.”

“How do we make it clear that the formula is gone? Otherwise, none of us will be able to relax. I do not want to live my life looking over my shoulder or afraid to leave Elena’s side.”

“I agree. As I’ve said, we have started rumors but without a witness to the destruction of the ring it may take some time for those interested to give up on it.”

“All this has helped me make a decision.”

“What decision is that?’

“I’m sorry Tony, but I am going to get my wife and take her home to Milford. I’m done with espionage. I want to be Thomas Markham, gentleman farmer from now on.”

Tony nodded. “I understand. I want to thank you for your service to the king and to the country.”

Thomas shook Tony’s hand. Now it all felt final. The relief was like a stone hanging around his neck finally dropping to the ground.

*

When the morning came, the fog was still lingering. A maid came in with Elena’s dress and redid her hair. She then led the way to the breakfast room. Inside was Lady Marianne Ashton, who stood and greeted her warmly and then introduced her to the older lady sitting at the table.

“Mrs. Markham, may I introduce you to my mother, the Dowager Duchess of Warrington.”

Elena curtseyed.

“Well, I was thrilled to hear that the captain was alive and now here you are, my dear. I welcome you, but I do not understand why you are here.”

“Mother, Mrs. Markham had a harrowing night. I am sure she does not wish to relive it.”

The duchess lifted her cup, studying Elena for a moment. “Fine. Well, I am glad you are unharmed in any case, my dear.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Marianne smiled at her and then took her hand and led her to a seat. Tea was poured and breakfast was served. Elena was poking at an egg when the butler came into the room.

“Your Grace, Captain Markham has arrived.”

Elena’s head shot up, and her stomach flip-flopped in a combination of happiness and apprehension. Would he still be angry?

“Thank you,” the duchess said. “Mrs. Markham, you are excused.”

Elena looked to Marianne, who translated. “Thank you, Your Grace.” She put down her spoon and stood, curtseyed again, and left the room.

“This way, my lady,” the butler said, indicating with his arm towards the room across the hall.

Elena nodded, but she was scrunching her dress in her fists. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears. The door opened, and she saw her handsome, tall husband standing with his back to her, and when he turned around, she could see the worry on his face. She stepped into the room, and the butler closed the door behind her.

They both stood looking at each other. And then, like a moth is drawn to a flame, despite the fact both of them could go up in flames, they ran into each other’s arms.

“Oh my God, Elena.” He placed a kiss on her lips. “Please do not ever do that to me again.”

“I’m sorry, Tomas. I’m sorry for everything,” she cried into his chest.

“No. It is I who need to apologize. I handled everything badly. I should never have yelled at you in front of Lucinda and Tony.”

“I was embarrassed and knew I had done wrong by not showing you the papers sooner. I always intended to but then…I forgot about them.”