Page 58 of The Marquess of Secrets

Harrison stopped arranging his clothing and frowned. “I cannot say I have been altogether impressed by his actions regarding this situation.”

“William fired the lad who had been followed,” Sam interjected. “A stupid mistake of which William is heartily sorry.”

“So he said.”

“Well, I’m not sorry I recommended him. He is skilled, and I’ve no doubt he will redeem his agency by bringing this situation to a swift and quiet close. The lady will be free of her burden, wait and see.”

“One of his men will be traveling with us, Taylor and possibly one other. Robins and the rest will be staying behind and pursuing Huntsford here in the city. He’s gone to ground. But from what Lydia has told me of him, I doubt the wayward surgeon will stay hidden for long. He’s desperate and will make a move. He’s also become reckless.” Harrison pulled a revolver from his drawer. “And I will be ready.”

Sam’s eyes widened. “Since when did you become so fierce?”

“Since the woman I’m falling in love with has been threatened. I will do all in my power to see her safe. Once Huntsford is arrested, she will heal and move on with her life. And accept my heart. One thing at a time, however.”

“Love? Things are moving at a rapid pace for both of us. I’m surmising the aristo-marriage alliance idea has come to an end?”

Harrison nodded. “It has. I can be a stubborn and misguided sod.”

Sam snorted. “No comment from me.”

“Upon meeting Lydia, what is your impression? Be truthful. You’re accomplished at sizing up people at first contact.”

Sam tapped his chin thoughtfully. “She’s attractive despite the lingering effects of her illness and homeless state. I saw a genuine warmth in her eyes but also wariness. I don’t believe she is cold at heart, but it’s obvious she’s damaged inside. Will she ever be able to trust again?”

Harrison had told Sam of her background, not all that she revealed, but generalities.

How astute. Therein was the crux of it all.

Would Lydia ever trust him fully and open her heart? Love him completely?

He would settle for no less.

All thoughts of an aristocratic alliance had dissipated into smoke. Another of his hare-brained ideas. My God, what an idiot he’d been on many subjects. He had been too obstinate and self-centered by far. Yes, he did good deeds, but all he appeared to be concerned with was how it would reflect on him.

No, not entirely true.

Harrison was protecting his family. That motive was genuine at the very least. What blunders he had made. But it was time to own his missteps. Confess it all. And move on to the next phase of his life.

He wanted to share it all with Lydia. If she would have him.

“I think you’ve hit on it. I will give Lydia all the time she needs.” He paused, looking toward the closed door. “How much do you think the servants are aware of?”

Sam chuckled. “More than you think. Why not ask them? If you’re intent on coming out of the shadows, why not begin with your household staff?”

Why not, indeed?

Harrison strode to the door, opened it, and found Gillis and Youngston conversing farther along the hall.

“Could you both come in here a moment?”

Harrison motioned for Youngston to close the door. “I have a question to ask you. How much do you know about my night activities?”

The two men exchanged looks. “We know everything, my lord,” Youngston replied. “Though not at first. When you took up permanent residence here five years past, you were more careful. Then you started to wear the white garments home. Your exhaustion was far deeper than a man engaging in excessive carnal activity.”

“I see,” Harrison stated. He glanced at Sam, who smiled with amusement.

“Servants talk, my lord,” Gillis interjected. “With decided frequency. We were concerned about you, so one night—I followed you. I watched you for two hours, offering medical care to those who needed it most. Well, my lord, naturally, I came back here and reported my findings.”

“Naturally,” Harrison responded drolly.