Page 80 of The Not So Perfect Duke

“And you will never guess who was waiting at Clarendon Place after I left you several days ago,” Damon added.

Through the salad and partway into the beef course, Damon told Althea of Evercreech and Donaldson coming to see him. He held up his hand to show her the ring Mitchell had brought.

“Perhaps they will stay in touch,” Althea offered hopefully.

“Not Donaldson. Perhaps Evercreech. Time will tell. And I have other interesting news. As you are aware, extensive renovations are underway at the duke town house. You will never guess what was found when tearing down the walls in my father’s bed chamber?”

“A secret room for deviant doings of the physical nature?” Althea replied sweetly.

“I do love your dark turn of mind. A good guess and not out of the realm of possibility. The workers found a strong box hidden in a cache. Thankfully, they are honest men and brought it straight to Kingsley. I thought I would have to contact your cracksman Cleves, but we managed to open it. There were over six hundred pounds in the box. Obviously, my father’s secret stash, which his solicitor knew nothing about.”

“The late duke was devious to his core,” Althea replied. “He had that money and ignored Mrs. Seddon’s letters for financial help? Left them to stave? What an evil man.”

“That he was. His devious doings were fueled by his hubris and egomaniac behavior. I suppose I came by it honestly.”

“Perhaps a healthy ego, but not the rest. Not even close. There is decency in you. Your father had none at all. What will you do with the money?” Althea asked as she sipped her wine.

“First, I gave the workers a small token of gratitude. Next, I will pay my father’s outstanding debts. The rest? Sink it into the renovations at the town house and Chellenhome. It will be put to good use.”

“It was a lucky find. What if you hadn’t been doing such renovations?”

Damon shrugged as he cut his asparagus. “Then I suppose some future owner of this property would have found it decades from now. Lucky find, indeed.”

“I have something to tell you. I had the biopsy days ago.”

Damon stopped mid-bite. He swallowed hard. “I wondered how Doctor Stevenson had the results. Everyone was so happy and relieved there were no questions. Why didn’t you send for me?” Yes, damn it, he was hurt.

“It came about so fast I had no time to tell anyone. Doctor Stevenson had a late cancellation. Don’t be angry. I wanted it over with.”

“I am not angry. A little annoyed, for I wanted to be there for you.” There was no use brooding over it, as satisfactory results have already been revealed. Perhaps his former peevish self would sulk moodily. But not now. Not ever again.

Althea reached across the table and took his hand. “You were there with me, in my heart.”

“How can you be falling for me? I cannot fathom it. You will be taking on a decidedly arrogant, not-all-that-wealthy duke with a brood of half-siblings and extended family to boot. My new steward, Willis Mason, will find my mother, stepfather, and half-brother a place to live.” He explained the details of his mother’s letter.

Althea clasped her hands together. “Oh, what exciting news! When will they arrive?”

“Soon, I expect. I have invited my family to stay at Clarendon Place until they find a town house or large flat to suit them. So, it is good you are coming back with me tonight, for I do not know when we will have any privacy again.”

Althea smiled. “Then we should forgo dessert and head to your place immediately.”

Damon threw down his napkin and snapped his fingers to gain the waiter’s attention. “I cannot agree more.”

After paying the bill, they stepped outside.

“We will have to walk to the next street to the carriage. Are you able?” Damon asked worriedly.

Althea slipped her arm through his. “As long as I am with you.”

Damon could not resist. With a quick move, he gently swung Althea around until they were hidden in the shadows at the head of an alley. He removed his hat and then quickly captured her lips with his, kissing her deeply and meticulously.

With a gasping moan, Althea looped her arms around his neck and stood on the toes of her shoes to return the searing kiss, all but devouring him. Her passion sparked his to unknown levels, arousing him. She grabbed fistfuls of his hair as he pulled her close, right against that hard part of him. The part that ached to join with her.

“Bloody hell. You two are a pair. Never could keep your hands off the ladies or the lads. Eh, Brookton? Like your immoral father. Right, it’s Chellenham now. I nearly forgot,” a voice rumbled with mockery.

They broke apart and turned toward the voice.

It was Silas Browning, and he held a revolver on them.