Page 146 of Honor Requires

She rose in acknowledgment, her composure returning in part, though her heart beat more quickly at the knowledge of what must follow.

Before either could speak further, the housekeeper appeared at the door. “Lady Bramley,” she said, “if you would be so good as to come with me. There is a matter in the nursery that requires your attention.”

Jane rose at once. “Of course.” She glanced between them, her expression thoughtful but untroubled. “You will excuse me.”

Elizabeth inclined her head. “Certainly.”

Jane departed, leaving them alone.

The moment the door closed, Richard turned fully toward Elizabeth.

“Well?” he said.

Elizabeth did not hesitate. “The Count has been here,” she said.

His brows lifted. “Indeed?”

“He has just left.”

Richard’s expression sharpened. “And?”

Elizabeth drew a breath, then leaned closer, lowering her voice. “He told me everything.” The words came in a whisper. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she spoke them, the memory of the garden pressing close once more.

Richard’s face broke into a broad, unmistakably pleased grin. “Did he?” he said.

Elizabeth could not help but return the smallest of smiles. “He did.”

Richard let out a breath that might almost have been a laugh. “I had thought as much. The man could not maintain a disguise where you were concerned. His feelings were written on his face when I confronted him.”

Elizabeth looked down briefly, her fingers once again finding the shell at her throat. He tried. He truly did. But how could he think I would not know him?

“I am very happy for you,” Richard said, his tone sincere.

She looked up at him, her expression warm, though touched still with the impact of all that had been revealed. “And I for you,” she replied gently. “You have been a constant friend to him, even when he could not claim you.” Even when we thought he was gone forever.

Richard's countenance altered, a subtle indication of underlying emotion crossing his features. “He did not lose me,” he said. “He merely replaced me for a time. His ‘brother,’ Lucien makes an adequate substitute.”

Elizabeth smiled faintly. They fell silent, the initial warmth of the exchange giving way to a more serious consideration.

“It is not resolved,” Elizabeth said.

“No,” Richard agreed.

“He told me what he intends,” she related. “Or rather, what he has already set in motion.”

Richard nodded. “Then you know as much as I do.”

Elizabeth studied him. “You called upon him yesterday.”

“I did.”

“And?”

Richard exhaled slowly, his earlier ease giving way to more restraint. “He has agreed, in part, to stand aside.”

Elizabeth’s brows drew together. “In part?”

“Hargrave and Langford,” Richard said. “He will not interfere further in their downfall. The Home Office has finally gathered what it needs. Thanks to our friend’s investigation, their activities are well documented, their alliances exposed. It is only a matter of time before they are apprehended.”