Baron of Bad (Lords of Scandal 5)

She squeezed his arm. “You don’t think we missed them, do you?”

He shook his head. “I heard them in what seemed to be the middle of the night. My guess is they’re still in bed.” Then he paused. “When we do find them, perhaps you shouldn’t tell them that we already knew they were here. That might lead to questions.”

Grace pressed her lips together. That was an excellent point. He escorted her to an empty table where a pot of tea was set in the middle. “What if they don’t get up for hours? Do we continue to London as though we didn’t know they were here?” she asked as she sat down. Had she managed to keep the hopeful note out of her voice?

“They’re searching for you. I doubt they’ll be much longer.” He rubbed his chin.

She tapped the table. “Why didn’t we run into Vice and Ada? You did say they were following you to my rescue.”

His eyes widened. “That’s an excellent question. We’ve been so busy, I forgot all about them.”

They had been busy. A blush infused her cheeks. And tonight, whether they made it to London or were just travelling with her family, they’d have to sleep apart. She swallowed down a lump.

It wasn’t just the fear. Though that most decidedly was a factor. It was also the feel of him. His muscles, his heat, the way he made her feel inside. She didn’t want to be without him. “Do you think we’ll reach London today?”

He shrugged. “Most likely.”

She took a large sip of her tea then carefully set the cup down. “Where do you live in the city?”

He cocked his head to the side. “On Bradbury Street. Why?”

Her shoulders slumped. She didn’t know it. “Where is that?” She wanted to know in case…well, in case she just couldn’t be without him.

He cocked his eyebrows. “You know that you can’t come traipsing to my house.”

“I can if we’re engaged,” she sniffed. “Which we are.”

He sat back in his chair. “It’s your choice. I told you that. But don’t make it too hastily. I don’t want fear to be the reason you choose me.”

She frowned. That was understandable. But she knew it wasn’t why. “I am afraid but it’s more than that.”

“Well, I’ll be,” a man’s voice boomed from the doorway. “We’ve found you after all.” Lord Darlington crossed the room.

“Grace,” her cousin, Minnie, squeaked behind him. “Thank goodness you’re all right!”

Grace stood and embraced Minnie. A mixture of delight and regret assaulted her senses. While she was so glad to be reunited with her family, she’d miss her time alone with Ben. “I am. Thanks to Lord Baderness. He staged a very daring rescue.”

“And Abernath?” Darlington asked.

Ben looked away. “Dead, I’m afraid.”

Darlington gave a sharp nod. “I don’t know if I should be happy or sad.”

Grace shook her head. “She was sick in body and mind. I’ve seen it before. Pox all over her hands.”

Minnie winced, hugging Grace again. “You poor thing.”

Darlington put his arm around his wife. “And Crusher?”

“Also dead.” Ben had moved closer and his hand came to Grace’s back.

Daring stared at the two of them, missing nothing. “Did you see all of this transpire?”

She gave a tentative nod and Daring’s face spasmed with regret. Ben let her go and leaned over to Daring. “She’s having trouble sleeping.”

That wasn’t true. She would have trouble sleeping, except a certain man had kept her wrapped tight in his embrace. “I’ll be all right.”

“Grace,” Diana called from the doorway rushing toward the group. “Thank the Lord.” She threw her arms about Grace, who nearly fell back, but Ben caught her, propping them both back up.