“Good. The first thing I would ask is that you stay here so I will not worry about you. I have men searching for Whitton. The man is desperate, and I vow he will regret what he did to your house.”
She bobbed her head in agreement. He paused, expecting her to leave the room, but to his surprise, she stayed where she was. Moments later, Davis entered with two other footmen.
“Perfect timing, Davis. I need you to find John Pelling of the Bow Street Runners. Check the office in Bow Street and his home. Tell him I wish to see him as soon as possible.” Colin looked past Davis at the two footmen who had followed him into the room. “Both of you report to one Amos Woods at this address,” he said, scribbling the address of the orphanage on a piece of paper. “You are to keep the location secure. Although two men work there currently, they need more help. A tall, dark-haired rogue is threatening the children. I believe he means to snatch them to work on the streets. We need to keep them safe.” Behind Colin, his mother sucked in a deep breath at his remarks.
“Does the Countess know of this?” she inquired.
“Not as yet. Nora—Miss Mason—was on her way to speak with her grandmother when I arrived,” he replied.
“I have many questions. However, I stand ready to assist in any way needed,” Bergen declared.
The two men watched in amused astonishment as his mother walked to the brandy decanter and filled a glass before retaking the seat next to Bergen.
“I believe you may afford me a few minutes to tell me about my future daughter-in-law. I would like to be of help—to both of you” she said, sipping her drink. “What manner of celebration will you allow me to plan?”
“Believe it or not, we have not yet discussed it. The activities of the orphanage have occupied us somewhat, and we have not spoken about it beyond my offer and her acceptance. The truth is, I was hoping to learn more about her family from you,” Colin responded. “I can say that the engagement was a surprise to us both. I offered in a fit of pique,” he admitted, standing and walking to the fireplace. He tossed a crumpled-up wad of paper into the low flames and watched it ignite before regarding his friend and his mother. “However, I find I cannot regret it. She gave me an opportunity to withdraw, and yet, I could not. I find her fascinating,” admitted. Was he smitten? No. That takes time, does it not? In truth, he had no idea. Colin had never felt this way about any woman. He glanced at his friend for succor, but the smirk on Bergen’s face told him nothing was forthcoming.
His mother regarded him for a moment before breaking into a smile that seemed almost giddy and clapping her hands.
“Dearest, I cannot wait to meet her. If she is anything like her grandmother or her mother, she will be a delightful and spirited young lady. Her mother has maintained very little involvement with Society and therefore, I do not know her daughter.”
“You lost your temper and offered for her?” Bergen choked out the words within a peal of laughter. “I beg your pardon. I wait with bated breath for the details. I have always known your temper to be your weakness. I never expected it to be your salvation!”
“I cannot explain my actions.” Colin fell silent for a moment. “I ask you both to reserve judgement.” He realized that his protective nature had become fully employed with the woman to whom he was now betrothed. Perhaps that explained the overwhelming need to return to her today. He had promised to make the orphanage more secure.
He gave his mother a quick kiss on the cheek and walked towards the door. “I shall return once I ensure Nora and her charges are safe. The footmen should be able to keep things in hand until I have a Runner in place.”
“I understand, my son. I will send for my maid and clothing, and make myself comfortable,” He could tell she wanted to say more but chose not to. Instead, she took another swallow of her brandy. “Be off with you. Attend to your betrothed,” she urged.
“I will follow you out, Shefford,” Bergen added, also giving Lady Shefford a quick buss on the cheek. “It was good to see you, my lady.”
“Thomas, see that you give Elizabeth and the children my best. I have every intention of gathering us all together before you leave for the country,” she chided softly. “You have always been like another son to me. I cannot wait to see your family again.”
The two men walked quietly to the door and retrieved their coats, hats, and gloves.
“Franklin, will you send for the carriage?”
“It already awaits you, my lord. I expected you would need it.”
Colin looked at his butler and dipped his head. “Thank you. You never cease to astound me.” Turning to Bergen, he continued, “I know you have questions. I can set you down at your town house and we may talk for a few miles, if you care to tie your horse to the back of the carriage.”
“I accept your proposal,” his friend replied buoyantly. He signaled for the footman waiting with his horse to secure her to the back of Colin’s carriage. “Merry will enjoy the respite.” Bergen climbed into the carriage and took the seat opposite Colin.
As the carriage lurched forward, he leaned across. “I am more than ready to hear the rest of this story,” he said with a big grin on his face.
Colin chuckled. His mother was right… Thomas Bergen was like another brother. He had been his best friend for as long as he could remember. Neither had kept a secret from the other in all those years.
“There is no possibility you will wait
