“It sounds as if you don’t trust him to do so.”
“Would you? Then again, you don’t seem to trust anyone.”
“What makes you say that?”
Daniel stared nonplussed at his brother. “Do I truly need to explain?” At Richard’s continued blank look, Daniel added, “Your own brother didn’t know you were a spy for England, or that you were almost killed, let alone that the rest of your life was a lie built around your mission.”
Richard shifted in his chair. “Those were unusual circumstances that are now behind me. You must know that I trust you implicitly.”
“Hmm.” Daniel didn’t believe him.
“Daniel.” Richard stood, placed both hands on the desk, and leaned across to look Daniel in the eye. “I would trust you with my life, with Caroline’s, and that of our soon-to-arrive child.”
Shock left Daniel speechless.
“You have always been there for me,” Richard continued. “Even when I wasn’t always there for you. Your steadfastness, as well as your willingness to reach out, even though I didn’t always do so, has meant the world to me. My apologies if I haven’t made that clear.” He straightened, his gaze shifting across the room as if his thoughts were elsewhere. “I was so caught up in my quest for revenge against the French spy who murdered my friend that little else held my notice.”
An unexpected warmth rose within Daniel as he tried to digest his brother’s words. “Thank you for telling me. I must say I believed otherwise.”
“You’re one of the few people I do trust. There’s no one I’d rather have at my side.” Richard raised a brow. “Now then, what’s your plan to capture Finch? Wait for Hurdy to do so or take matters into your own hands?”
Resoluteness filled him. “I’m done waiting.”
Richard nodded. “Excellent. I agree. Hurdy had his chance. Obviously, something else is afoot with the Runner based on his reluctance to find Finch. How can I assist you?”
“Caroline would have my head if she thought I asked you for help.”
“She’s a little overprotective at the moment.” Richard’s smile suggested he thought it amusing. “I must say I feel the same way about her. But have no doubt that I would be pleased to lend a hand and would take great care, as should you.”
“I’m still formalizing a plan. We have yet to find Finch. Pierre is watching his house now.” Daniel preferred to avoid involving Richard. If anything went wrong, he’d never forgive himself.
While he appreciated his brother’s vote of confidence, he was still mulling over what he was capable of and how best to proceed. Did he search for him at one of the other two brothels he owned? Did he attempt to catch him at his house, or did he try to lure him to a location of his choosing?
“While it’s well and good to have a plan, don’t overthink it,” Richard advised. “The end goal should remain foremost in your mind and your actions. Criminals rarely cooperate with the plans we make.”
“Somehow that information is less than reassuring.” Daniel offered a wry grin.
“You are the key to the plan. As long as you are prepared, which I know you are, that is all that matters.”
Was he truly ready? Daniel didn’t know for certain. He was only a man with determination and justice on his side. He hoped that would be enough when he finally confronted Finch.
“HOW IS MISS RAMSEY?” Caroline asked as Beatrice joined her in the drawing room that afternoon.
“Tired and confused, though that’s to be expected.” Beatrice sat on the settee beside Caroline where she worked on the geese embroidery piece for the nursery. “I still feel so terrible that she had to endure what I did.”
“You advised her not to follow your path. I’m not sure how you could’ve been any clearer.”
“Sarah does tend to be rather headstrong.” The realization had her feeling slightly less guilty about all that had occurred.
Caroline set aside her needlework. “May I ask if something is bothering you? You don’t seem yourself today.”
Beatrice closed her eyes briefly as a wave of despair swept over her. “I thought I was hiding it better.”
“What’s wrong?” Caroline placed her hand on Beatrice’s arm, the concern in her eyes tempting.
“I have to wonder if Daniel has changed his mind about our betrothal.”
Caroline’s eyes went wide with shock. “What makes you think that?”
“All was going well until we began to suspect that Sarah had been taken. Since then, he hardly looks at me. I assume that means he’s having second thoughts.”
“I don’t think that’s possible. He truly cares about you.”
“Perhaps he’s decided he doesn’t want a ruined wife.”
“Beatrice, you can’t allow the past to define who you are today. Especially when those circumstances were beyond your control. You were the victim of an unfortunate situation. But don’t allow that cloud to follow you all of your days. Not when you have a chance for happiness.”
Beatrice pondered her words for several moments as she thought over the past few days, especially Daniel’s behavior toward her. The beautiful flowers he’d sent. The night of the ball and their heated kiss in the alcove. His eagerness to spend time with her that had brought him over for breakfast. They’d shared many happy, delightful moments before it had all gone wrong. But had it truly gone wrong or had they just taken a misstep?
Was happiness in her grasp if she only reached for it? If she could convince him that they should reach for it, together?
“You may be right. Daniel was very upset that Finch wasn’t at the brothel. Maybe that was the reason he was so distant.” Beatrice shook her head. “And based on what Daniel said at breakfast yesterday, he seems convinced I don’t know what I want.”
“But you do?” Caroline asked.
She bit her lip. Dare she admit it to someone? “Yes. I want Daniel. My affection for him overwhelms me.” She pressed a hand against her heart as love swelled within her, refusing to be suppressed.
Caroline clapped
