Suddenly, Cordelia murmured something and her eyes flickered open.
“Conserve your energy, my love. How are you feeling?”
“Matthew… Where is he? Where is my son?” she cried out.
Bastian crouched down next to her. “He is fine, my love. I shall have Beatrice bring him in shortly. He has been quite fussy, and I do not want to overwhelm you with more excitement.”
The butler knocked at the door before entering with a companion. “What is the meaning of this, Duncan? The countess is not receiving guests.”
“My lord, pardon the intrusion, but this man refused to return another time.”
Bastian scowled as his muscles tensed. Rising from his haunches, he approached the familiar man. “What is it that you want, Hugh? I did not realize that you still ran with Bow Street.”
“I guess after my last misunderstanding, they decided to give me one last chance. I am here about the countess. A letter was given to me by way of Newgate prison, the women’s wing. It is accusing the countess of murdering her late husband in his cell.”
The earl laughed hysterically. “Not that you have ever been known to do your job, but if you had sought the guard on duty, you would have known that the countess was never alone with the Richard. Leave now, or you will find yourself without employment by morning. Now, if we are quite done, I have my wife to return my attention to.”
“Who said anything about my being done?”
“Honestly, Hugh. If you do not leave now, I will let your captain know about that shady business of yours out of Martine’s establishment.”
The runner scoffed. “You would not dare.”
“Are you certain about that, Hugh? Imagine the headlines—‘Runner has an addiction to smoke houses.’ I daresay, it would make an excellent read.”
Bastian glared at Nathaniel’s servant, who had remained present. “Duncan, see this man out. He is not welcome, and I am positive your master will not want to see his face here again.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Shouting could be heard throughout the house and all the way to the courtyard as Hugh was removed from the property.
“Is he gone yet, my love?” Cordelia queried, coming out of another daze.
“He is. You sound rasp. Let me offer you some water. You must be parched.”
She nodded.
He tipped the glass to her dry, cracked lips. The sooner she recovered from this ordeal, the quicker they could resume living their lives in peace. Now that he had his countess, all was right in the world.
“Bastian, tell me, what ever happened to that woman, the one who shot me.”
He groaned loud enough for all the house to hear. “Must I, dear? Truth be told, I’d love nothing more than to put that wretched wench out of my mind, once and for all.” Yet, he could not bring himself to keep her from the truth. Cordelia deserved to learn what had transpired after she lost had consciousness, and preferably by him.
“Well, after you collapsed, she threw herself out of the window. Her intent was probably to end her life, however, the good Lord sought to bring her to justice. The idiot landed in a cart with some market wares, trapping her under some crates of fruit, and she was apprehended. The last I heard, she was being held at Newgate, and was bound for Sydney Cove on the next ship.”
“What do you mean, Sydney Cove? They really mean to exile her with other criminals?”
Bastian snorted in contempt. “Do not tell me you are sympathetic to her cause.”
“No.” Cordelia winced and blew out a long, tired breath. “I am just surprised.”
“Do not be. She is deserving of her punishment. Now, allow me to bring in our son. I am certain you will be pleased to see him.”
Bastian rose from the bed, walked to the bell, and rang for assistance. A moment later Duncan arrived. “Sir, how may I assist?”
“Please have Beatrice bring Matthew in. His mama wishes to see him.”
The servant nodded and departed with haste. A few moments later, the sound of a waling baby approached. The second the door opened and the child came into view, Cordelia raised her arms. Beatrice gently placed the baby into them, and he began to coo.
“Look how happy he is to be finally reunited with his mama. I couldn’t have asked for a finer moment. How do you feel, my dear?”
“Incandescently happy, and glad for this drama to have ended. What news do we have from Leicester?”
“Your ancestral home is now ready for us. Matthew and some of the marquess’ servants went ahead to prepare the home for our arrival. They have even cleared out a few rooms for any additions to our family unit in the future, and I thought of creating a room just for ourselves. For our particular use of entertainment when we are alone. What say you?”
Despite wincing from discomfort, she managed a smile and stifled a giggle with the baby kicking up a fuss in her arms. “I cannot wait to see what surprises you have in store for me, my lord.”
Bastian chuckled. She knew his style too well. He was, after all, her deviant lord.
*THE END*
About the Author
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.
Other Books by Layna
A Gift from Fate
Hardened Desire
Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies 1)
A Sinful Education (Pleasure Garden Follies 2)
Secret Cravings Publishing
www.secretcravingspublishing.com
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