The sound of a man clearing his throat brought Oliver’s head up, and he saw the constable walking towards them.
“Do you want to explain why there are two dead bodies on the beach?” Constable Philmont asked as he reached them and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Only one is dead.” Oliver turned to face the constable but remained close to Emmeline. “The vicar is just unconscious.”
“Why?” Constable Philmont pressed.
“Lord Taylor and Mr. Lawson tried to kill us to keep their smuggling operation a secret,” Oliver explained.
The constable lifted his brow. “Are you saying that you were able to overpower two armed men who intended to kill you?”
“Yes, but I did receive some help from my wife,” he admitted proudly.
Constable Philmont let out an irritated huff. “It is a good thing I heard the shots from Lockhart Manor and came to investigate.” He glanced up at the footpath leading to the top of the cliffs. “It is going to be rather difficult to remove Lord Taylor’s body from the beach.”
“I would be happy to assist you, but allow me to escort my wife to Lockhart Manor first,” Oliver said.
“Of course,” Constable Philmont replied. “I will remain here and guard Mr. Lawson.”
As Oliver escorted Emmeline away from the beach, he asked, “How are you faring?”
“Much better than expected,” she replied.
“That pleases me,” he said. “I want you to have a nice long soak while I deal with this with the constable.”
“Thank you.”
Oliver stopped at the bottom of the footpath and leaned in to brush his lips over hers. “I don’t think I will ever tire of kissing you,” he admitted as he remained close.
“I find it is rather an enjoyable pastime,” she murmured with a coy smile.
He returned her smile. “I believe this is a wonderful way to begin our marriage anew.”
Constable Philmont’s voice bellowed from further down the beach. “Lord Oliver!” he exclaimed. “I am waiting!”
Oliver chuckled. “I’d better escort you to Lockhart Manor before we make the constable even more cross than he already is.”
Chapter Nineteen
With his arm draped over Emmeline’s shoulders, Oliver sat in the coach as they neared Hawthorne House. He was content, and it all had to do with his wife. They had spent an additional week at Lockhart Manor rather than returning to London right away. It felt wonderful to be truly married, and he especially enjoyed kissing his wife.
Emmeline’s voice broke through his musings. “You appear to be deep in thought.”
“I was thinking how truly happy you make me.”
“That is kind of you to say.”
“There is nothing kind about it,” he replied. “It is the truth.”
She shifted to look up at him. “I want to be a good wife to you.”
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then said, “And I want to be a good husband to you.”
“I am in earnest, Oliver.”
“As am I.”
“I know we haven’t spoken of it since that day on the beach, but I will support your decision if you decide to go to the peninsula.”
“You will?”
She nodded. “I may have unwittingly married a spy, but that doesn’t mean I will stand in the way of your duty to this country.”
“I could be gone for months, or even years.”
“I am well aware.”
“But you would still allow me to go?”
Emmeline offered him a tender smile. “I trust you completely,” she said, “and I would do anything to ensure your happiness.”
He stared at her in amazement. “What did I do to deserve you?” he asked.
“I believe you married me and saved me from a loveless marriage,” she teased.
“That was the best decision I have ever made.”
The coach came to a stop in front of Hawthorne House, and it was only a moment before the footman opened the door.
After he stepped out, Oliver reached back to assist Emmeline out of the coach. Then, he took her hand and pulled it into the crook of his arm.
They walked towards the door, which was promptly opened by the butler.
“Good afternoon, milord,” Pratt greeted as he stepped back to allow them entry.
When they stepped into the entry hall, Oliver said, “My wife would like a bath after our long journey.”
Pratt tipped his head. “I shall see to it.”
“Thank you, Pratt,” he acknowledged.
“That was rather thoughtful of you, Husband,” Emmeline said as the butler walked off.
Before he could respond, Jane’s voice echoed off the high ceiling. “Emmeline!” she exclaimed as she hurried down the stairs.
Jane approached Emmeline and embraced her. “You have finally returned!”
“I told you that I would,” Emmeline replied.
“I must admit that I had my doubts,” Jane said as she stepped back.
“Why was that?”
Jane glanced at Oliver. “Because my brother can be a dunderhead sometimes.”
Emmeline giggled. “That is terrible of you to say.”
Oliver spoke up. “For once, I agree with Jane,” he said. “I shouldn’t have let you go in the first place, at least not without a fight.”
“I think it worked out for the best,” Emmeline commented.
“That it did.” Oliver smiled. “I realized how deeply and utterly in love I am with you.”
Emmeline returned his smile. “I love you, as well.”
They stood there for a moment until Jane said, “I see that a lot has transpired between you two.”
“I was almost killed, twice,” Emmeline shared. “But Oliver saved me each time.”
“And Emmeline saved me from being shot.”
Jane glanced between them with wide, disbelieving eyes. “It sounds like you two had quite the adventure.”
“We did,” Emmeline replied.
“I can’t wait to hear about it,” Jane said.
The sound of the butler’s heels on the polished marble could be heard as he approached them. “The bath is being prepared as we speak, and Lady Oliver’s lady’s maid is ready to attend to her.”
Jane looped her arm through Emmeline’s. “I will take Emmeline to her bedchamber,” she said. “There is much for us to discuss.”
Oliver leaned in and kissed his wife’s cheek. “I will see you shortly, then.”
He watched as Jane led Emmeline away, and he found he already missed her. He had rather enjoyed
