“The constable and I agreed that it was best if I was responsible for Lord Taylor’s death,” he revealed. “We wanted to save you from the malicious gossip of the ton.”
“That was most thoughtful of you.”
“I also received word this morning that the vicar finally gave up the name of the other person in the smuggling ring.”
“He did?”
He nodded. “It was a footman at Lockhart Manor,” he responded. “He listened in on our conversations, helped transport the smuggled goods, and he was responsible for letting your attacker in.”
“How terrible,” she murmured.
“He’s been arrested and will most likely face deportment. You shall never have to dwell on him again.”
“I am relieved to hear that.”
Oliver brought her hand up to his lips. “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that you have saved me in more ways than one, Emme,” he said as she felt his warm breath on her hand. “You have brought hope back into my life, something that I never thought was possible.”
“I love you,” she murmured.
“And I love you.” He lowered her hand but didn’t release it. “I received my new assignment this morning.”
“You did?”
He nodded as he watched her closely. “There is a radical group just starting to take shape, and my job is to infiltrate it and see if it poses a potential threat to the Crown.”
“I see.”
“It is in the rookeries, and there is a possibility that I won’t be coming home every night.”
“I understand.”
“And when you do see me, I will smell like excrement,” he pressed.
Emmeline scrunched her nose. “That sounds awful.”
“Do not worry,” he replied. “I’ll bathe before I kiss you.”
“That is the least of my concerns.”
He knitted his brow. “It is?”
Leaning closer, she said, “My only concern is that you are safe, and that you will come home to me when the assignment is over.”
“I can promise that.”
“Then nothing else matters.”
The coach came to a stop in front of her aunt’s townhouse, and a footman promptly opened the door. After Oliver exited the coach, he assisted her out onto the pavement.
Emmeline stared up at the three-level townhouse. “Have I properly thanked you for coming with me yet?” she asked.
“You could stand to mention it more,” he teased.
With a side glance at her husband, she said, “My aunt could refuse to see me.”
“Then that is her choice,” he replied as he led her towards the door.
The door to the townhouse opened and the butler acknowledged her with a stiff bow. “Good afternoon, milady.” Drew shifted his gaze towards Oliver. “Milord.”
The butler opened the door wide, granting them entry.
“Is my aunt receiving callers?” Emmeline asked as they stepped into the entry hall.
“If you will kindly wait here, I will go speak to her,” Drew said.
She watched as the butler disappeared into the drawing room, and it was a long moment before he reemerged.
“Lady Taylor will receive you in the drawing room,” Drew announced.
Oliver leaned closer and whispered, “I have two pistols on my person should the need arise.”
A giggle escaped her lips at his unexpected remark. “Duly noted,” she said as she attempted to compose herself.
Her husband led her into the drawing room, and she saw her aunt sitting rigidly on the camelback settee. She was dressed in a black crepe gown, and her eyes narrowed slightly when she saw them.
“I must admit that you have some nerve coming to see me,” Betty declared.
Emmeline went to sit across from her aunt, then said, “I came to see how you were faring.”
“Is that so?” Betty asked, a critical eye sweeping over her.
“It is.”
“I would be faring much better if Lord Oliver hadn’t killed my husband,” Betty spat.
Emmeline glanced over at Oliver before saying, “I’m afraid there was little choice in the matter, since Uncle George intended to kill both of us.”
Her aunt grew quiet as her eyes roamed the room. “George’s title is being passed to a distant cousin, and I am preparing to retire to our country estate while I grieve for my husband.”
“The country is beautiful this time of year,” Emmeline attempted.
Betty brought her gaze back, and she could detect some compassion deep within. “It brought me great pain to know that George was responsible for your parents’ deaths.”
“I was surprised, as well. He deceived all of us.”
“Constable Philmont met with me and explained George’s treachery,” Betty shared. “At first, I didn’t want to believe it, but I suppose there were signs that I neglected over the years. He changed after his brother died, but I never would have thought he was capable of doing something so heinous.”
“Nor I.”
Betty’s face softened. “I believe I owe you an apology,” she said. “You followed your heart, and you were right in doing so.”
“Thank you for that.”
Her aunt’s eyes darted towards Oliver. “Although, it is unfathomable to me that you passed on becoming a duchess to marry a mere second son of a marquess.”
Emmeline smiled over at Oliver. “It is a choice that I will never regret.”
“I’m afraid that I am the latest scandal,” Betty said with a sigh, “and the ton is buzzing with how Lord Oliver saved his wife from a madman.”
“Is that so?” Emmeline asked.
Betty nodded. “It is quite romantic, and you have managed to win over the ton’s admiration because of it.”
“That wasn’t our intention,” Emmeline responded.
“I know, dear, but the ton is a fickle lot,” Betty said. “They pounce on a scandal, at least until something better comes along.”
“I am well aware.”
Betty gave her a sad smile. “I know you are, but your scandal was relatively short-lived. You must be grateful for that,” she remarked. “I doubt the ton will be as forgiving towards me, considering the circumstances.”
Oliver spoke up. “Can we do anything for you?”
Betty turned her gaze towards him. “Let me be frank, Lord Oliver. I do not have a high opinion of you,” she said, “but I truly hope you will be true to my niece. She does not deserve to have her name dragged through the mud.”
“I appreciate your candor, but you need not worry,”
