Page 36 of A Stranger’s Gamble

Chapter Twelve

When a light flared to life in Madeline Forsyth’s kitchen. Adam drew back the booted foot he rested on the second of the three steps leading to the kitchen and melted back into the shadows beyond the light. Beatrice—Sophie Shaw—wouldn’t turn on the light. Was the unexpected person who’d turned on the light someone in Madeline’s employ?

Damn it, he wanted to speak with Miss Shaw before letting her father know he wouldn’t marry her if she were the last woman on earth. Lena’s beautiful face flashed in memory. Well, perhaps the second last woman on earth. Women—all women—were faithless.

A large shadow passed in front of the window. The shadow passed again, then the room went dark. Adam waited. Miss Shawn didn’t emerge from the house. He waited another ten minutes, then walked to the back gate. He stepped into the alley, then strode around the block to the street in front of the house. A light shone in the front parlor. Had Madeline Forsyth returned home early? The woman was known for staying out so late she put the youngsters to shame. Two—three—figures passed in front of the window. A man and two women.

What man was Madeline entertaining? Not just Madeline, he realized, but Miss Shaw as well. And who else would they be meeting with but Sophie’s father? That had to be the answer. He would wager Mr. Shaw caught his daughter sneaking out of the house. She would have been wearing Beatrice’s clothes. How Adam would have liked to see the look on her face when she was caught.

Why couldn’t he see that?

Adam left the garden, then strode around the block and to the walkway leading to the door. He knocked. A moment later, the bolt turned, and the door opened.

A young footman peered up at him. “Can I help you, sir?”

“Lord Monthemer here to see Miss Madeline Forsyth,” Adam replied.

The boy glanced over his shoulder, then faced Adam. “If you will wait a moment, sir.”

Adam angled his head in acknowledgement, then waited while the boy closed the door. A moment later, the door opened, and Madeline Forsyth stood in the doorway.

“Lord Monthemer, what an unexpected surprise. Please, do come in.” She stepped aside, and Adam entered. She closed the door and faced him. “To what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

Adam gave her his most charming smile. “Forgive the intrusion, Miss Forsyth. I was hoping we might talk.”

Her brows shot up. “Talk?”

“I’m sure you’re aware that Mr. Shaw and I have been in negotiations for marriage between his daughter Miss Shaw and myself.”

A shadow fell across the hallway behind Madeline, then a man of medium height and portly build emerged from the parlor on the left.

“Indeed, we have,” he said.

Madeline smiled. “My lord, may I present my brother-in-law, Mr. Shaw.”

“My lord.” The man executed a bow worthy of court.

Adam crossed to where Mr. Shaw stood and extended a hand. Mr. Shaw’s brows rose, then he accepted. Adam liked the man’s firm grip.

“Shall we sit down, my lord?” Shaw indicated the parlor.

“Only if you agree to call me Adam.”

Respect appeared in the man’s eyes. “If you will call me Liam.”

“Of course,” Adam replied.

He entered the parlor, Madeline close behind. “I will have tea brought,” she said as she indicated the men should sit.

“I wonder if Adam might prefer a brandy,” Shaw said.

“If Miss Forsyth does not mind,” Adam said.

She laughed. “Not at all. In fact, I will pour.”

Adam and Liam sat on opposite ends of the couch near the hearth. Madeline brought them each a brandy, then poured one for herself and took the chair to Liam’s left.

“I assume you are here to discuss Sophie?” Shaw asked.