The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(84)

“Are you suggesting William or a member of my staff is stealing from me?” The fire hissed as if it found his question unbelievable.

Such an incredulous thought made his insides twist in a knot that he doubted would ever untangle. These people had been with him, if not for all, then for the majority of his life. The staff at McCalpin House had served him and his uncle faithfully for years. William’s dishonesty was not something worth considering.

“Of course not,” she answered with assurance, then wrinkled her nose in the adorable way that always reminded him of how they first met in his study.

“Wouldn’t the annual audit find the discrepancies?”

“I can’t answer that as I don’t know how your staff manages such a task,” she answered. “I could certainly ask William what he suggests.”

“Excellent idea.” He nodded in agreement and tugged her tighter to him.

With a yawn, she didn’t resist and leaned her head against his shoulder.

“We’ll finish our discussion tomorrow. Let’s go to bed,” he whispered. He took the book from her hands and placed it on the sofa.

She stood. Together hand in hand, they made their way back to his bedchamber where he made love to her again. In the dawn, he lay with her warm lush body nestled next to his. He realized he’d never have enough of her in his days, his nights, his bed, and most importantly, his life.

Luck had a strange way of turning an obstacle into good fortune. Who would have thought that his beautiful embezzler would be such a wonderful ally and a strong partner for him? Someday he’d thank her for forging his signature.





Chapter Twenty

In record time, the coach made it back to London. As soon as Michael saw her safely inside, he returned to McCalpin House. They’d agreed that tonight they’d share their plans to marry first with his parents, then with her siblings. Afterward, they’d privately discuss their findings in the account books with William. March headed for the upstairs living quarters. No doubt, her sisters and brother were beside themselves with worry.

As soon as she walked into her bedroom, all three siblings descended.

“March! Thank heavens you’re home.” Julia rushed into her arms.

March squeezed in return and kissed her sister on her cheek.

Faith was the next to join in the hug, followed by Bennett. All four clutching one another as if the missing pieces of their hearts were once again reunited.

March was the first to break away. “Come and sit on the bed with me. I have much to tell.”

All her siblings were solemn as they joined her on the massive bed. She said a quick prayer that she’d get through the story without falling apart.

“I met with the vicar in Chelmsford.” She glanced at her sibling’s dear faces. The pain and worry presented itself so differently on each precious face. Julia’s eyes told of her torment, while Faith appeared ready to cry out in pain, her mouth pinched. However, it was Bennett’s face that almost brought her to her knees. Stoic and proud, he fought to keep the glistening tears from trailing down his face.

She loved them and wanted to make this right so they didn’t suffer her humiliation. They did nothing wrong and shouldn’t have to pay for her new circumstance in life.

She forced herself to continue. “What Rupert said was true. I saw the register with my own eyes.”

“Oh, March,” Faith whispered.

Julia’s hand flew to her lips as if to keep her shock inside. Bennett turned away and discreetly brushed his fingers under his eye. That small movement burned through her chest like hot iron. Her own tears started to gather, but she drew in a deep breath and held it until she could finish.

“What shall we do?” Julia whispered.

Indeed, that thought had consumed her on the way back from McCalpin Manor. She wouldn’t tell her siblings about marrying until she and Michael could tell them together.

“I think it best if you and Faith continue to have Lord McCalpin escort you to social events. The duke and duchess will ensure that your reputations are protected.” She turned to Bennett who had learned quickly how to master his emotions. “You should stay and continue your studies with Mr. Tatum. I’m very happy with the progress you’ve made in all your subjects. I think it best that for the time being I return to Lawson Court.”

Bennett vehemently shook his head. “Not without me, you aren’t.”

The defiance in his words was something she hadn’t expected. “Bennett—”

“No, March. I’m head of the family. You’re my sister. I’ll not allow you to go back there alone.” His emerald eyes flashed in warning.

Bennett stood before her almost unrecognizable. A boy, but a boy whose behavior over the short time he’d stayed at Langham Hall hinted at the man he would become. His staunch proclamation he would protect her caused a slew of errant tears to make an unwanted appearance again. Her baby brother, the one she raised from infancy, would soon be an adult. It had to be Michael and his family’s influence. The unguarded love and affection they showered on her and her siblings were nothing short of a miracle.

“Bennett, perhaps you and I should talk with Lord McCalpin. Would you be agreeable to that?” Their father would be so proud if he could see his son today.

“Agreed,” Bennett said.