She lifts a tear-stained face to look at him, “I'm still the Mouse, Declan. Hiding in the shadows, afraid that I can’t be what you need.”
“No, you’re a warrior, London. I need that part of you to fight for us. We only just found each other. I won’t lose you now!”
Looking into his eyes, he snarls at her, “Say it!” His eyes stare into hers, and all her doubt falls away.
“I love you, Declan, I want to spend my life with you as your partner, friend, lover, wife, and mother of your children,” she is stunned to see tears in his beautiful eyes.
“Our contract is now void, Lady Sheridan. I’m never letting you go,” he kisses her hungrily this time, all doubt worry and fear, fades away, replaced by joy, and a craving for each other. They leave their guests to fend for themselves and stay locked in each other’s embrace until the morning.
Chapter 30
“I’ve hired Jonathan to provide security for you until Tessa Hubbard is arrested,” Matthew announces over lunch in the dining room the next day.
“How long do you think that will be necessary?” Declan asks quietly.
“Honestly, Tessa Hubbard is desperate. Her husband's assets were frozen, which means she has no access to his money. They were in substantial debt, and I imagine the collectors will come calling, if they haven't already.” Jonathan watches London to see how she responds.
“That’s terrible,” she drops her fork and stands up to pace.
All three men stare at each other in surprise. “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, not even my worst enemy.”
“You’re a better person than I am,” Matthew snorts.
“If what you say is true, we could simply inform the sheriff, and he can arrest her when she steps off the train,” Declan suggests.
“No, it’s not that simple. We have no way of knowing where she is or if she’s already here.”
“My wife is not going to be bait, Marshall,” Declan snarls.
London walks over and places a hand on his shoulder. “What do you suggest we do to get this over with. I want to get back to our lives.”
Declan reaches up and takes her hand while they listen to the Marshall. “Dinner at a restaurant, using a carriage that is easily recognizable. If she approaches you, we would have witnesses.”
“When?” Matthew asks.
“As soon as possible,” Jonathan says.
“Fine, we’ll go to the Copper House Tavern tonight. They know us well,” Declan says.
“Perfect. I will ride ahead of you to prepare the staff and talk to the Sheriff,” Jonathan replies and leaves.
London watches him leave and fights back a yawn. “Tired, my love?” Declan asks softly.
She turns and smiles at him. “Yes.”
“Go rest while you can,” he suggests.
“Thank you, I think I will.” London walks slowly from the room. Exhaustion beats at her as she steps into the entry and yawns.
“Tired, my lady? Perhaps a stroll will make you feel better,” an angry voice snarls. London feels the pressure of a gun barrel in her side, and her eyes fly open wide.
“Tessa, we should talk about this,” London says. Tessa stuffs the pistol she stole into London’s side and hisses at her.
“Shut up and walk! I’ve been sleeping in the carriage house for days, watching you! Tell the maid that you and I are going for a walk. Don’t make me shoot her,” Tessa hisses.
Mary is working in the sitting room when she hears them approaching the door. “Lady Sheridan? Is everything alright?”
“Yes, Mary, I’m going for a walk with the new maid. Could you have hot tea ready when I return?”
“Of course,” Mary hurries away.
“Move, Mouse, before I start shooting them all. Do you think the old man would survive a bullet wound?”
“That’s not necessary, Tessa, I’ll go quietly.” She giggles when London hurries down the hall to the back door leading to the garden.
“Of course you will, Mouse.” Her laughter is tainted with fury.
Matthew watches the way Declan's eyes follow London from the room, and he smiles. “You may thank me now,” he teases.
Declan grins and glances back at him, “I could never thank you enough, Grandfather.” His voice grows hoarse, “I can’t let anything happen to her.”
“We won't. It's our turn to protect her,” Matthew declares, and for once, they are in perfect agreement.
“I’m was going to work in my shop, but I don’t feel good being far from London,” Declan says. “Instead we will work in the library, I have so much to tell you, Grandfather.”
They walk together, and order tea brought to the library. Mary brings in the tray and places it on a table.
“Mary, when London wakes, will you inform me. I'd like to spend some time with her before dinner.”
“Wakes?” Mary is confused. “Lady Sheridan went for a walk with the new maid.”
Declan and Matthew jump up at the same time. “I didn’t hire a new maid! Where are they?”
“The back garden, your Lordship,” Mary’s eyes grow big when Declan jerks open the drawer of his desk and grabs his revolver. “Find the Marshall, he should be in the guest house!”
“Yes Sir,” Mary runs from the room, and the men run towards the back garden.
Chapter 31
“I can help you, Tessa,” she pleads.
Tessa shoves London in front of her as they cross the lawn.
“Help me! All of this is your fault!” Tessa strikes her on her collarbone with the pistol butt and laughs when London screams, falling to her knees. Pain rips through her shoulder, sending stars floating in front of her eyes.
“Get up and walk!” Tessa hisses, grabbing her by her hair and jerking her to her feet,
