She feared they were constantly in want of both. Their jackets did not flow smoothly over their torsos, and she suspected pistols, knives, and weapons with which she was not familiar were tucked away.
“What did you need of us, Althea?” Griffith asked, a fissure of irritation in his voice at the inconvenience.
No hug, then, no joyful reunion. He had changed in the months since she’d last seen him, and she suspected he no longer apologized for his actions. His hair was longer. Like Marcus, he was in need of a razor.
“I have something for you.” She picked up the paper-wrapped packet she’d placed on the table earlier when she’d brought in the scotch and extended it to Marcus.
He peered into the package, riffled through the banknotes. “It looks to be about four thousand pounds.” He pinned her with his gaze. “How did you come to have this?”
“I earned most of it tutoring the ladies.” She blushed, not certain why she felt a need to confess the rest, perhaps because she wanted them to know she had changed as well. “A little over a thousand I earned at the gaming tables.”
“You’ve been gambling?” Griffith asked, and for a heartbeat he reminded her of the brother with whom she’d lived for three months and she almost smiled.
“Only once. I thought the money might help you in your quest... or even make it unnecessary.”
“It’s a kind gesture, but you should keep it, Althea. You might have a need of it,” Marcus said.
“I won’t. I’m to marry. An announcement will appear in the papers in a couple of days, but I wanted to tell you before you read about it.”
“I haven’t given you permission to marry.”
The words were so stern, so absolute, that she released a blunt laugh. “I don’t need your permission, Marcus. I’ve lived on my own these few months and I shall do as I wish.”
“Who negotiated the settlement? What are the terms?”
In spite of his callousness, it appeared he still cared about her. “No settlement. I’m not in need of one. I love him, and he loves me. I’ll never be without.”
“You’re marrying Trewlove,” Griffith stated with certainty.
She glanced at him, smiled. “Yes, although as it turns out he’s the son and heir of the Duke of Glasford.”
“Bloody hell.”
Her smile grew. “Yes, I think he might have reacted the same way when he discovered the truth of things.”
She gave her attention back to Marcus. “I know part of the reason behind whatever it is you’re doing was to ensure I have a good match. I’ve acquired that.”On my own.“So if you’re putting yourself in danger on my account, please know there is no need.”
His features softened, his eyes warmed, and she saw a flicker of the brother she’d once known. “There is no honorto be had for Father, but we can restore honor to the family. You’ll want that for your children.”
She took a step toward him. “What I want is for my children to know their uncles.”
“But what have their uncles with no honor?”
Tears pricked her eyes. “I don’t suppose you’ll come to the wedding next month, give me away.”
“I doubt matters will be settled by then. It’s important that we keep to the shadows and not associate with the aristocracy. It might bring you danger to be seen with us. It’s better if those with whom we’re presently... associating believe we’ve cut all ties with our past. But I do wish you every happiness.”
She couldn’t help herself. She flung her arms around his neck, hugged him tightly. “Please be certain that you do nothing that will prevent my children from knowing you someday.”
His arms were sure and strong as he enclosed her in his embrace. “Don’t worry yourself. We’ll be back in your life before you know it.”
She certainly hoped so.
When he released her, Griffith clasped her to his strong, lean body. “Who’d have ever thought I’d miss you?”
Her arms closed securely around him. “Watch his back and yours. I love you both. Please take care not to break my heart.”
He stepped back. “You take care as well. Let Trewlove know if he doesn’t treat you well, he’ll answer to us.”
