Enticing the Earl

Mia shook her head. “Do you think his wife is involved in this?”

“I doubt it. Tanner said she is already calling herself a widow.”

“How horrible!” But none of this explained his frustration. Once again, he was keeping things from her. “What else did Tanner say?”

“Nothing of importance.”

“Simon, if we are to marry, you must tell me everything. We cannot keep secrets from each other.”

Simon closed his eyes and breathed out deeply. “Mr. Tanner impressed upon me that until this man is caught, it is not safe for you or I to leave this house. If you need to leave the house, it is only to be with me. I am to have a pistol with me.”

Mia’s shoulders sagged. “I am so dreadfully tired of feeling like a prisoner,” she admitted softly. “You have a beautiful house but...”

“A prison is a prison no matter how lovely.”

“Yes.”

“I understand.”

Mia stared at him for a long moment. There was more than understanding in his words. He felt the same way, which made no sense. He had never been a prisoner here as she had for the past fortnight.

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Harris entered the room and looked at Mia. “The duchess is here to see you.”

“I will be there presently.” She rose and straightened out her skirts. “I am sorry but I must speak with Selina.”

“Of course. I will be home before dinner.” He rose and bowed to her.

“You just told me it’s not safe for either of us to leave. Where are you going?”

He smiled. “To speak with the bishop. I would like us married as soon as possible now. If something were to happen to me—”

She placed her finger over his lips. “Do not think it, much less say it. Nothing is going to happen to either of us.” She removed her finger and replaced it with her lips. Kissing him softly, she felt him slowly relax and respond to her kiss. She pulled away and stared up at him. “I must go now.”

“Mia,” he started and then stopped. “Enjoy your company.”

“Thank you.” Selina’s visit meant her friend must have gone into the village and talked to the pawnbroker. Mia would be able to give Simon the money after dinner.

Mia entered the salon with a smile for her friend. Seeing Selina had suddenly brightened her day. “Selina, how are you?”

Selina hugged her friend. “It’s so good to see you in better spirits.”

Mia stared at her friend in awe. Only at Selina’s wedding had she seen her friend in such a beautiful dress. Her blue muslin was a far finer quality than anything Mia had seen made here. With her blond hair upswept, Selina looked like the duchess she was. The reality of Simon’s comment about her wardrobe sank in. He would expect her to dress in fine muslins and silks. How could he ever afford such beautiful things?

She sat down on the sofa and waited for Selina to do the same. “Please tell me you have something for me.”

“I do. But you must let me apologize for this taking a few days. Colin needed to go to London and I went with him. That is where I sold the emerald.”

Mia’s eyes widened. “Does the duke know what you were doing?”

“Of course. We do not keep secrets.”

Mia could only imagine Simon’s anger when he found out the duke knew of his financial position.

“Why do you look so concerned?” Selina asked as she grabbed her reticule.

“I’m quite certain Hart will be upset that the duke knows.”

Selina shook her head. “He already knew about Hart’s finances. He had told Colin himself.”