The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Heart of Enquiry Book 6)(47)

“It’s not the babe,” she said quickly.

“Do you wish to talk about it?”

It still amazed her how he could read her so easily. And she loved him for being understanding, especially when it was clear that he had other plans. His massive erection pressed into her belly, but his gaze patiently searched hers.

“I’m worried about Rosie,” she blurted.

Heaving a sigh, he rolled onto his side. “Tell me what happened.”

Gratefully, she did, concluding, “I think Rosie’s in love with Mr. Corbett, even though she won’t admit it. I’ve never heard her talk about any gentleman with such emotion. Such longing.”

“I thought your sister set her sights on gentlemen rather regularly,” Sinjin said, his tone dry.

“Not in this way. Not with her heart involved,” Polly said. “She may seem flighty, but when it comes down to it, she has a loyal and loving heart. I wish she would trust her own instincts.”

“And her instincts are correct in leading her to Corbett?”

“After the way he’s protected her? Of course.” Polly slid a look at her husband. “There’s also what you’ve told me about him.”

Before their marriage, Sinjin had been accused of beating a prostitute named Nicoletta at Mr. Corbett’s club. Mr. Corbett had been relentless in his pursuit of justice for his employee, making life difficult for Sinjin. When the truth had come to light, clearing Sinjin of the blame, the pimp had wasted no time in making amends, providing information that had led to the eventual capture of the true villain.

“Despite our initial differences, I respect Corbett,” Sinjin said slowly. “He acted in what he believed to be the best interests of his employee. That’s more than one can say for most pimps, I’d wager. And he apologized when he was wrong—which is more than one can say for most men. But, given his background, are you certain he is a suitable husband for your sister?”

“When it comes to marriage, you know that I don’t hold strongly to conventions—”

“That’s for certain.” Sinjin ran his knuckles along her jaw. “You married me, after all.”

“You’re a rich earl. Not to mention an honorable and ridiculously attractive man,” she said, casting her gaze heavenward. “I don’t think I did too badly.”

“But that’s not all that I am. And you accept all of me.”

Seeing his shadows emerge, she framed his hard, beautiful face in her palms. “Just as you accept me. I love you as you are, darling. You’ve made me so happy.”

“Not half as happy as you’ve made me.”

He kissed her hungrily, and she kissed him back with all the love in her heart. Passion blazed, and before it raged out of control, she broke away to gasp, “Do you think I did the right thing, advising Rosie to follow her heart?”

“That strategy worked well for us. Let’s hope it’ll do the same for her,” Sinjin murmured. “Either way, we’ll be there for her, kitten.”

“Yes, I—” Her words melted into a moan. “I can’t think when you do that, Sinjin!”

“Thinking is overrated. Isn’t this much better… or this?”

It was… and he was right. No matter what, she’d be there for Rosie. She let go of her worries and, with a sigh of bliss, surrendered to her husband’s loving.





Chapter Nineteen


“Chin up, poppet,” Papa murmured. “This’ll be over soon.”

They were in the waiting room outside the office of Arthur Mayhew, Daltry’s executor. Daltry’s family members were present as well. The greetings from Mrs. Antonia James and Miss Eloisa Fossey had been decidedly cool, but the warmer ones from Lady Charlotte and Miss Sybil had given Rosie hope.

As for the gentlemen, Mr. Peter Theale, Daltry’s ginger-haired heir, had been his usual amiable self and Mr. Alastair James, Mrs. James’ stepson, a trifle too friendly. A blond rakish sort, Mr. James had a rather high opinion of himself and seemed to believe that everyone shared in the delusion. Even now, he was smirking at her as he strutted about like a puffed-up peacock.

Rosie turned to her father. Somberly attired, his unruly hair neatly combed, he exuded dignity.

“Thank you for accompanying me, Papa,” she said, ever grateful for his presence.

His amber eyes studied her. “Mama wanted to come too, you know.”

With so much going on, she’d put off setting things right with her mother. “I’ll speak to her soon, I promise,” she said guiltily.

Papa looked as if he might say something, then the door to Mr. Mayhew’s office opened, and everyone was ushered inside.

The dark paneling, drab green upholstery, and shuttered windows gave the solicitor’s inner sanctum a gloomy feel. A heavy desk dominated the room, a semi-circle of chairs facing it. After everyone found seats, Mr. Mayhew, a stout fellow whose heavy jowls and wide-set eyes reminded Rosie of a bullfrog, addressed them from behind his desk.

“I’d like to begin by offering my sincere apologies for the delay,” he said in deep, resonant tones. “It was unfortunate that I was detained abroad when Lord Daltry passed.”

“Quite an inconvenience,” Mrs. James said.

“My stepmama doesn’t like waiting.” Sprawled languidly in the chair next to Mrs. James, Alastair James added snidely, “Especially on the help.”