Jenny Blackheath and her men were bound, and Lord Ryder and Mr. Hetherington would stay until the magistrate arrived and watch over them.
“Your face will be a pretty color soon.”
Daniel released Abby as her brothers surrounded her and grabbed Oliver in a hug.
“As will yours. Thank you for coming, Oliver.”
“I would do anything for you, Daniel. I would hope you know that by now.” His brother’s clothes were torn, and his lip bloodied and bruised. “I’m just sorry for what you suffered when I left our home all those years ago. I would never have left had I thought you would pay for what I did.”
“I know, and I was wrong to hold on to that anger.”
“No, you were wrong in not telling me.”
“And yet now you know.”
“And you have Lady Abigail, so all is now right in your world… or it will be with rest, some salve for those bruises, and food.”
“Exactly so. Thea will not be pleased when she sees you, Oliver.”
His brother smiled, then winced as his split lip pulled. “She will fuss over me for days, and I will pretend to loathe it.”
“Dillinger.” The Earl of Raine spoke, and they both turned. “That one.” He pointed to Daniel. Oliver stayed where he was, at Daniel’s side. “I owe you an apology.” The earl didn’t look happy about issuing it, however.
“Just the one?” Oliver drawled.
“That will do, brother,” Daniel said.
“I am sorry for what I did and the lies I spoke. I see now I was wrong to believe that because you carried no title you were not good enough for Abby.”
“I accept your apology, my lord.”
The earl looked at his sister and sighed. “My hope had been for a prince, but it seems you will have to do, Dillinger. Welcome to the family.” He held out his hand.
“Thank you.” He shook the hand.
The nobleman then looked at the Dillinger brothers, his eyes taking in the torn clothing and bruised and bloodied faces.
“At least I know you’ll keep her safe.”
Chapter 34
The concert was to take place in the great hall in Oliver’s townhouse, as it was the only room big enough to seat all of their family and friends. Daniel was at present attempting to stay calm, when in fact his knees were shaking at the prospect of what he had agreed to.
“Hello.”
Abby had found him in the small room off the one the other musicians were practicing in. She wore deep blue that brought out the color in her lovely eyes, and the smile on her face was just for him.
“Hello, wife.” He held out a hand, and she took it, moving to his side to wrap both arms around his waist. His closed around her as they always did.
His love, his life.
They’d married in a small service at her brother’s estate, with only close friends and family in attendance. He’d battled with Gabe, as he now called him, over her dowry and the fact he wanted no part of it. They’d come to an agreement of sorts. The money would go to their children.
He rubbed along well enough with the Deville brothers, but not for one moment did he think they would not beat him senseless were he to hurt Abby in any way. He’d rather hurt himself than her, however.
“Why are you hiding in this room?”
“I’m scared.” She’d changed him in the short weeks they’d been married. With relentless but gentle questions, she’d eventually pulled all the dark thoughts from his head, and now he felt lighter inside. He’d even talked to Oliver about the scar he carried and how it had happened.
“That is perfectly natural, my love. Your first performance is the most terrifying. After this it will be easier.”
“There will be no ‘after this’ madam.” He pulled her around in front of him and kissed her thoroughly. “This is a once-only performance, and only because it is Oliver’s birthday.”
She reached up to cup his face, her eyes smiling at him.
“Have I told you today that I love you?”
“No, and I had begun to wonder why.”
“I have been busy, but let me redress the matter right now. I love you, Daniel. So very much. Mainly because you can control my brothers. That is a huge benefit for me, as now I can leave the house without footmen, maids, and companions watching my every move.”
He had spoken strong words with her brothers. Acknowledged that he knew they loved her, but she was now his to protect, and he would be doing so without their support. They hadn’t liked it, and he wasn’t sure they’d ever fully grasp the concept, but he managed to keep them in hand where he could.
“So I have uses. That pleases me.” Daniel nuzzled the side of her neck.
“Many uses,” she sighed. “But we must now go next door and prepare for the concert.”
“I’m not sure why I let you talk me into this.”
“Because you love me.”
“There is that.” She took his hand and led him from the room and into the next, which was filled with people. The progeny of family and friends mostly, with a sibling or two thrown into the group.
“Are we ready?” Daniel asked.
“Yes, everyone is ready to begin,” Dimity said. She was overseeing the performance and ensuring everyone knew what they had to do.
“I feel ill,” Zachriel Deville said. He was playing the violin.
“And I,” Will and Olivia Ryder’s eldest child, Henry, said. At the age of twelve, he had the look of his father. He was to play the guitar.
Lord and Lady Levermarch’s eldest child, Amanda, was to sing along with Hannah, his niece, who had a surprisingly sweet voice at five. However, he did not hold out a great deal of hope she would stay on the stage for long.
Hannah Hetherington’s sister Bridgette was to play the guitar, and Abby the piano, and of course he the flute.
Abby had decided that this would be an excellent gift for his brother’s birthday, and then set about collecting
