“Mother, the ball last night overtaxed Tabbie. She needs to rest.” Tricia stood. “Luke, why don’t you escort her upstairs to lie down? I’ll see that a tray of food gets brought up.”
Tabbie looked at her gratefully and Tricia realized, that somewhere along the way, she had stopped looking to Tabbie for answers and had begun to protect her sister as Tabbie had always done for her. And now she was to marry, start a family of her own, and do the work she’d always wanted to do. Her father was better, Fenton safely returned and tucked into a hospital. Ryker had brought more joy to her life then she had ever imagined possible.
Chapter Eleven
Ryker returned home to change before he made his way to Tabbie’s family home. It would be important to make a good impression this evening.
The day had gone far better than he’d ever expected. While he questioned his former solicitor, the Prince Regent had taken it upon himself to capture the marquess for his crimes. Ryker still wasn’t sure how he’d been able to act so quickly. But he’d find out. He had an audience with his liege first thing in the morning to discuss the details, but tonight, he would turn his attention exclusively to his bride-to-be.
The family had already assembled in the salon before dinner, and he knew the moment he entered that the mood was jolly.
Tricia rose as he was announced, her smile glowing.
Luke gave him a nod and a wink that told him his new friend had made all the arrangements with the duchess.
Taking Tricia’s hand he tucked it into his elbow. “Thank you for having me.”
The duchess gave him a nod. “As family, you are welcome anytime.”
“Most kind,” he returned. “If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. I know His Grace has been ill. Is there work I can perhaps help with?” He’d be lying if he didn’t say there was an added bonus to offering his help. Nearly unlimited access to Tricia. Except, of course, the nights. He was going to have to figure something else out. Because two weeks until their wedding seemed like a dreadfully long time.
The duchess blinked, but then she smiled. “How wonderful. We’d like that very much.”
“I’ve a meeting first thing in the morning but then I will begin. Perhaps Teddie would like to join me? It’s a terrible bore but important nonetheless.”
Teddie nodded eagerly as Luke slapped the young man on the back. They would become his family in a way he’d never had before.
The rest of the evening passed in contented bliss. He enjoyed Tricia’s mother and brother as much as he did Luke and Tabbie.
But as it grew late, Ryker glanced at Tricia. He didn’t want to leave her. A wild plan to attempt to sneak into a duke’s home was forming in his mind when Tabbie interrupted the conversation.
“Mother, would you mind terribly if Tricia stayed with us again this evening? Unless you need her help with Father?” Tabbie leaned back in her chair. “She has been such a help and I have been feeling dreadful the past few days.”
“Tabbie, we shouldn’t discuss such things,” her mother waved her hand. “But of course your sister can stay with you.”
Tricia looked mildly confused but Luke gave him a wink. Ryker did not raise his eyebrows though his curiosity had been piqued.
A valise was packed for Tricia and then both carriages were brought to the front of the house. Tricia climbed in with her sister and brother-in-law and Ryker waved goodbye.
As his carriage began rumbling down the cobbled streets he was contemplating whether he’d have to wait outside Luke and Tabbie’s home to make sure that Tricia did not attempt to sneak to his. Though if she did, a wolfish smile turned up the corners of his lips, he’d simply have to make sure he gave her a proper escort.
But all at once, his carriage came to a halt.
He peered out the window to see what was happening when the door snapped open. Ryker grabbed at the pistol on his waist but it was only Luke’s grinning face. “Don’t shoot,” he held up his hands.
“Bloody hell,” he grumbled as he stashed the pistol away. “What do you want, scaring me like that?”
But instead of answering, he
stepped aside and handed Tricia up into the carriage. “I thought after today you two would need some time together, as much as Tabbie and I did.”
Tricia gave him a glowing smile. “If you think I am bad, you should see the schemes these two come up with.”
Ryker was too happy to answer and then Luke was gone, snapping the door closed as Tricia launched herself into his arms. He held her tightly as he kissed every inch of her face and then devoured her lips.
“How did they get my driver to stop?” Ryker asked between kisses.
“Who knows,” she replied with a smile. “I’m just glad to be here.”