Page 67 of A Stranger’s Gamble

Adam hesitated, and her heart fell. She’d had some small hope there was a good explanation for his actions.

“As I told you last night, I am working for the Crown,” he said.

That was too on the nose. “I am not so gullible as to believe that.”

He shrugged. “It is the truth. But you are to keep that to yourself. If word reaches Balfour, we are both dead.”

“A fine way to keep me from asking questions,” she retorted. “I shall begin annulment proceedings immediately.”

“That will get us both killed.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Besides, your father will never allow it.”

She tossed her head. “He cannot stop me.”

“I feel certain he can.”

“You just want my money.”

“Your father’s money. Yes, there is that,” he said in a thoughtful voice. “But please keep in mind it was you who followed me to Balfour’s, which is what facilitated the current circumstances.”

She stomped her foot. “You lied to me.”

“Just as you lied to me.”

“Yes, but I did that to protect myself. You lied to use me.”

“Not at first,” he said.

Sophie frowned. “You are talking in circles.”

“You may recall I met you while you were riding—and wearing breeches. That was enough to tell me what a hoyden you are.”

She scoffed. “You care little for any of that. You only care for my money.”

“Your father’s money,” he said, again.

“I will come into my money in two years—which, by the by, you may not have.”

He angled his head in ascent. “I wouldn’t dream of touching your money.”

They road in silence and when they neared her aunt’s townhouse, Sophie wished mightily she were anywhere else but here. It was too much to hope that her father would be away. The carriage halted, and Adam opened the door as her aunt’s front door burst open, and Aunt Maddie hurried down the four front steps, Sophie’s father close behind.

Adam took Sophie’s hand and helped her from the carriage as Aunt Maddie arrived. She pulled Sophie into a hug Sophie thought would strangle her.

“Oh, we were so worried,” her aunt said. “If you and marquess decided to elope, why did you not at least send a note?” Sophie opened her mouth to reply, but Maddie cut her off. “It is not as if your father would have tried to stop you.”

“We—”

“Do not ever do that again,” Maddie scolded.

This time, Sophie waited to see if her aunt intended to continue her scolding.

“I assume you have a good reason for whisking my daughter away without so much as a by your leave?” Sophie’s father asked Adam.

“I do, sir. Though the reason may not be quite what you expect.”

“Sophie!” her aunt exclaimed. “Never say you let him ravish you without getting married.”

Sophie flushed.

“Oh Lord.” Maddie shook her head. She whirled on Adam. “Do not think that because she isn’t a virgin that you will get away with not marrying her.”

Adam threw up his hands, palms out. “Never fear, ma’am. We are married.”

“But not for long,” Sophie said.