Page 77 of The Detective and the Baroness

“You will no longer be a dowager baroness, but you are permitted to use the honorary ‘lady.’ As in ‘Lady Corrine Simpson.’ I believe Baron Addington would agree.”

The baron nodded. “I do.”

“I will allow the baron to address the loan shortly. The residence on Carol Street is not entailed, and the baron and his wife do not need it. He wishes to offer the property to you, with all the furnishings for—”

The baron held up his hand to silence the solicitor. “For nothing. We agreed on a low figure, but after hearing about what you have endured, allow me to gift the property to you. Mr. Dobson said it had not belonged to Travis Addington for very long. He paid the mortgage in full less than two years ago. Mr. Dobson tells me it is well-appointed and respectable. If you would rather sell it and live elsewhere, you can. Regardless, the house is yours, along with the contents.”

Corrine and Mitchell exchanged astonished looks.

“We accept,” Mr. Chambers said quickly.

“Will you live at Wimpole Street, my lord?” Corrine asked.

“No. I will not bring my bride to a house where a murder took place. Mr. Dobson says I can lease it until I manage to remove the property from the entailment. The case must appear before the Court of Chancery, which may take some time. Meanwhile, I will locate and purchase another residence within London. I imagine we will also stay at the country estate in Aldershot.”

“Thank you, my lord, for the residence. We truly appreciate it,” Corrine smiled. It was more than generous. It was thoughtful and kind. Would they live there? That was a discussion for another time.

“As to the loan,” the baron stated. “Return the money from the safe, and I will forgive the remainder of the credit. Whatever your brother recovers, he may keep to boost the viscountcy’s finances. Mr. Dobson will craft the legal papers and confer with Mr. Chambers. I would politely suggest your brother invest that money and build the coffers. Mr. Dobson has some ideas on further adding to one’s financial legacy. You may wish to consider it as well, my lady. If I am not overstepping the bounds.”

“Not at all. I will inform Jeffery. Thank you again, my lord.”

“I believe that is all we must deliberate over for now. Is that correct, Mr. Dobson?” the baron stated.

“It is. Mr. Chambers and I will work together to craft the legal papers needed as soon as possible.”

“I will stay for a while,” Mr. Chambers said. “No time like the present to get started.”

The baron stood, as did Corrine and Mitchell. Mitchell held out his hand. “Thank you, my lord, for your kind and just consideration.”

“Well met,” the baron replied, shaking Mitchell’s hand. “And Lady Corrine, when my wife arrives, will you visit us, along with Sergeant Simpson? I know no one in London and would like us all to become acquainted.”

“We are going on a month-long honeymoon journey to the south coast, but yes, when we return, I would be pleased for us to become acquainted. I will contact Mr. Dobson once we are back in London.”

Once outside the office, Corrine exhaled shakily. “I cannot believe what just happened.”

“Nor can I,” Mitchell replied. “The late baron’s house? Have you ever been inside it?”

“No. Can we live there? We have the next month to discuss it.”

“In bed, of course. I’m hoping we are snowed in for the duration.”

Corrine laughed, then slipped her arm through Mitchell’s as they headed toward the Hornsby carriage. “I said all would work out.”

“That you did, Lady Corrine. It appears the Addington barony is in good hands. At last.”

After assisting each other into the carriage, Corrine settled into Mitchell’s warm embrace. It was over. And wherever she settled with Mitchell, she’d be home.

Epilogue

And finally, on New Year’s Eve morning…

Mitchell and Corrine stood before Reverend Wilton on a bright wintery morning at the Bow Church. Nearby were Drew and Jeffery Edgeworth.

They had invited Corrine’s brother over after meeting the solicitors and the baron. To say he was relieved about the loan would be an understatement. Edgeworth had collected all but eight hundred pounds from his viscount father and agreed that prudent investments would be wise. He promised he would consult with Mr. Dobson and Mr. Chambers.

As for Corrine’s father, the viscount had grudgingly agreed to sit on the board of The Strand Bank, and while it had taken some convincing, Mrs. Robson had decided to marry him. They would be moving into the Baker Street viscount residence sometime in January. Edgeworth was considering finding other lodgings.

Corrine was still not sure she could ever forgive the viscount for his thoughtless actions through the years, and especially for not warning her about Danaher. The wounds were still too fresh. Jeffery had told them their father was scared—Danaher had threatened him and his family. Regardless, it still hurt Corrine, and that cut Mitchell to the bone. Mitchell thought the man was unworthy of Corrine’s concern and affection, but ultimately, it was her decision whether she wanted her father in her life.

He would do anything to protect her from any more strife. And so he’d suggested they stay at the cottage for two months instead of one. Corrine had readily agreed. They would need that time to rest. And to be alone. Mitchell had much to consider, like his future with the Metropolitan Police. He wanted to return to work, but when? And doing what? He also needed to come to terms with finding out about the man who’d fathered him and what that entailed in the future. Yes, they both needed time to reflect—and revel in each other’s company, physically and emotionally.

When they returned from the honeymoon trip, Corrine agreed to meet Mrs. Robson and her son, James. Corrine was also eager to reestablish her girlhood friendships with Celia, Countess Winterwood, and Selena, the Duchess of Barnsdale. She had already written them letters, as she hoped that come spring, Celia could make a trip to London and stay either with the duchess or with them. Mitchell agreed to the visit, for he would do anything to see Corrine smile.

Mitchell only wanted to focus on Corrine—his lady. She looked lovely, wearing a white-gold gown and holding a bouquet of snowdrops and primroses. Mitchell had been alone and lonely for more years than he cared to count. Corrine had changed all that. First, with her tender and compassionate care while he recovered from his injury, and then by asking him to take on her case. He’d loved her the moment he laid eyes on her. And that was even before he’d seen her courage, generosity and goodness. She deserved to be happy, free from stress. And so did he.

They exchanged rings, the solemn words reverberating in his mind. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you.”

For all the days of his life.