Page 91 of The Duke's Only Desire

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Shay stood infront of the drawing room window at Granville House and gazed out at the late morning sunshine falling across the side garden. Even with a thin layer of snow still covering the ground, he could see evidence of a summer’s bounty of plants of all kinds, all certainly planted there by Sophie. She would do the same to every spare inch of the park at Ravenscroft Manor, too, if he let her.

If he let her?A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He would let her do whatever she wanted, now and for the rest of his life.

He lifted the cup of American coffee to his lips, the same coffee that had already been reheated three times since he’d entered the room. He’d lingered here over a breakfast that should have ended hours ago simply because he hoped Sophie would join him. But yesterday’s excitement had exhausted her, Cora, and Ruby, and all three were still safely ensconced upstairs in their warm beds, clinging to the last lingering drowsiness of well-earned sleep. Sophie needed her rest, although he’d certainly considered sneaking into her room last night instead of remaining in his, the guestroom Granville had gratefully offered for bringing his daughter safely home—that is, after he’d explained all the events of the past few weeks to his father-in-law.

No, not explanation. Interrogation. Her father had been on the verge of throttling him when he’d appeared on his doorstep after nightfall with a bloodied and battered Sophie on his arm, and Shay hadn’t blamed him.

But Granville also understood the love and devotion Shay felt toward Sophie, and he had been willing to forgive him. If grudgingly.

Yet her father had also helped by taking the two other rescued children back to the hospital after letting them spend the night here. The house had been full of life and noise, and Granville had simply glowed from it. Providing a safe and welcoming home for all of them had most likely done the old man more good than all the physicians who’d ever tended to him. One day, Shay knew, he would make a wonderful grandfather.

A soft knock rapped at the door, and Shay spun around, only to find Saunders, the Granville butler. Shay didn’t let his disappointment show. But if his wife didn’t appear soon, he planned on charging upstairs into her room, locking the door behind him, and not letting her out for at least a sennight. Propriety be damned.

“Yes, Saunders?” Shay asked.

“You have a visitor, Your Grace.”

Before Saunders could announce him, Chase Maddox strode into the room and went straight to the chafing dishes on the sideboard to help himself to breakfast. He didn’t bother to toss the butler his hat or coat—or for that matter, to even use a plate—and paused only to peel off his gloves before reaching for several pieces of bacon.

“By all means,” Shay drawled, “join me for breakfast.”

Chase focused his attention on the chafing dishes. “I’ve been a bit busy since we stopped your uncle’s carriage yesterday and haven’t had the chance to eat before now.”

The good-natured teasing that had been present moments before vanished, and Shay tensed. “And?”

He popped the bacon into his mouth and muttered around bites, “Your uncle will no longer be a threat to you or Sophie.”

Thank God.The relief that pulsed through Shay was palpable.

“That is,” Chase clarified as he reached for a cinnamon bun, “if Miss White upholds her end of the agreement.”

“She will.” Sophie would make certain of it.

With a nod, Chase crossed to the table and poured himself a cup of coffee. “I spent the night ensuring that Lord Malcolm will be safely—and quickly—delivered back to Halston House by Lucien, where Pearson will be waiting to give your uncle all the help he needs to vacate the property.” He took a soft slurp of coffee. “After all, Halston is owned by the Duke of Malvern, and the duke would never want to stand in the way of his uncle’s long-expected—if rather sudden and permanent—departure for the continent.”

“He’s agreed to our terms, then?” Shay didn’t dare let himself be hopeful that his uncle was gone from his life forever. Not yet.

Chase nodded. “He will withdraw all allegations he’s made against you, leave England, and never bother you again.” He popped a piece of sausage into his mouth as if punctuating his point. “And in return, you won’t have him hanged for the kidnapping and intended murder of a duchess and child.”

Shay finally let a grin of relief twist his lips. “Sounds like a fair trade to me.”

“Devlin sent along news for you, too. He and Lucien leveled a preemptive strike yesterday by speaking to the Committee on Privileges on your behalf.”

His grin turned into a grimace. “They shouldn’t have done that.”

“Oh yes, they should have,” Chase countered. “Sophie asked us to intervene, and we were more than happy to help you, the same way you’ve always helped us.”

The last thing Shay had wanted was for his friends to be publicly caught up in his problems. Yet he couldn’t fault Sophie for asking for their help. Or stop the swell of gratitude in his chest that they had.

“What did the Committee say?” he asked.

“They agreed that Malcolm’s allegations were unfounded,” Chase continued, “and they have no intention of taking any action against you. As far as they’re concerned, the title and all its properties has been settled upon its rightful heir.” Chase’s face softened. “Dartmoor and Crewe did the right thing in helping, Shay. They care about you as if you were a brother—we all do. It’s time you accept that and stop hiding from the world.”

A knot tightened in Shay’s throat. Chase was right. It was time he allowed himself to acknowledge their bond, just as he’d acknowledged his love for Sophie.

So he reached out a hand and laid it on Chase’s shoulder. The brief gesture spoke in volumes all that he could never adequately put to words.