“The old baron converted his fortune to diamonds?”
“Yes.”
“Why would he do that?”
Joshua shrugged. “I can’t give you a good answer. And I can’t tell you what was going on in his head when he buried the entire cache under the headstone he had once laid for his child who had not died. Perhaps he believed that I was still alive and that I would one day find them? Perhaps he simply did not want his brother to inherit the fortune? Guilt and remorse are powerful sentiments.” He touched the ruby at Adeline’s neck. “Of course, it might have simply been delusion. Or just plain insanity.”
Adeline covered his fingers with hers, pressing them against her skin.
“I don’t need the money,” he told her. “But I’d like to see it used for something good. Use it to build your school. Use it to help those around you however you wish.”
“However we wish,” she corrected. “We’re partners in this.”
“We,” he agreed with a smile. “And speaking of partners, I don’t suppose you’d know a vintner who might like to engage in a business venture? My ships coming back across the Channel through Dover are often a little lighter than I’d like. Good French wine is always in demand.”
“I might. If the terms were agreeable.”
“And what would those terms be?”
“Well, to start, you could kiss me.”
Joshua bent his head and did exactly that. Thoroughly, without hesitation, until Adeline was breathless.
“And then?” he asked.
“And then,” she said slowly, pressing her lips to the hollow at his throat, “I think it would not be remiss if you were to spend some time discovering exactly where vintners keep their weapons hidden under their clothes.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Bowen is the award-winning author of the Lords of Worth, Season of Scandal, and Devils of Dover series. She won RITA Awards for A Duke to Remember and Between the Devil and the Duke.
Kelly grew up in Manitoba, Canada, and earned a master of science degree in veterinary physiology and endocrinology from the University of Manitoba.
But it was Kelly’s infatuation with history and a weakness for a good love story that led her down the path of historical romance. When she is not writing, she seizes every opportunity to explore ruins and battlefields.
Currently, Kelly lives in Winnipeg with her husband and two boys, all of whom are wonderfully patient with the writing process. Except, that is, when they need a goalie for street hockey.
You can learn more at:
KellyBowen.net
Twitter @KellyBowen09
Facebook.com/AuthorKellyBowen
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