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“It would mean his ruin if I stay.” She gestured across the expanse of Pemberley. “More importantly, everyone here, even your own family nearby, would be in mortal danger. That would be an unkind way to repay such benevolence. I will find employment, and that shall dictate where I go.”

At Georgiana’s frown, she smiled. “Do not worry. I shall sort it out. I must.”

When she turned back to truly study the magnificent view, her quiet resolve kept Georgiana from replying.

London

Preston House

“I insist your people go through with this!” Stomping across the room, Cecile Preston poured herself another glass of brandy and turned to confront Wickham again.

“I went to a great deal of trouble having my maid befriend her maid so we would know when she was out of town. There is an enormous amount of money at stake.”

“INSIST! You insist! Who are you to tell me what to do?”

Wickham angrily rose from his chair. “I am not going to say this again. The man we are aligned with does not wish to relieve Lady Waltham of her valuables. He did not explain his reasons to me, and I did not ask. He is not someone you wish to make an enemy, whether you know it or not. Move on to another target.”

“But why? She has many expensive pieces. What reason could he possibly have to object?”

“It is purely speculation on my part, but I assume he had targeted her already for his own reasons. He was doing this sort of thing long before I joined him.”

“Targeted her? How delicious! An international thief involved with Lady Waltham!”

“If it is true—” Wickham interjected, but was quickly interrupted by Cecile.

“That is likely the only rationale that would appease me. I hope he is, and she loses everything!”

“My, my, you sound like a woman scorned! Has Lady Waltham stolen your lover perhaps?” At the look of annoyance on her face, Wickham cackled. “That is it! She stole your lover. Who is he? Some old gentleman with one foot in the grave?” He bent over laughing, as she seethed.

“I will have you know that the men I favour would never give her a second glance. I just do not care for the woman because she had an elevated opinion of herself—she thinks she is so beautiful.”

“She is!” Wickham smirked at Cecile’s glare. “I have seen her about town, and while she may be getting older, she is still a beauty. I would not mind dipping my pen into that.”

Huffing in disgust, Cecile threw her glass into the fire, breaking it. “So, our profits rest on the whims of men whose only concern seems to be getting whores into their beds.”

Wickham scowled and started to the door, turning to impart a warning. “You had better watch what you say about certain people. It could get you into more trouble than you ever imagined.” He stared menacingly for a moment.

“Send for me as soon as you find less dangerous baubles to pilfer.”

Rosewood Manor

The Nursery

Evan peered into the nursery to see Georgiana rocking slowly, her eyes fixed upon the small bed which held their daughter. Quietly, he entered without her notice, leaning down to plant a kiss on her perfumed hair and announcing his presence.

“She finally sleeps?”

She gave him a smile. “Yes. She was exhausted but determined to fight sleep.” Chuckling, she added, “After Elizabeth caught sight of Millie today, I barely got to hold her. It was heart-warming to see her take to Elizabeth so quickly and then squeal with delight at the sight of her doll. Now I know why there were doll clothes in her bag. It seemed to lift Elizabeth’s spirits so much to see Millie and to give her the doll.”

Just then, Mrs. Calvert stepped into the room, and Georgiana rose to vacate the rocking chair. “I shall stay with the little Miss now. You need your rest, Mrs. Ingram,” the nurse whispered, giving Evan a slight smile.

Even before she had taken her seat, Evan was pulling Georgiana towards the door. “Thank you, Mrs. Calvert, you are invaluable to this household,” he pronounced, quitting the room with his wife.

The elderly woman could not suppress a smile. Rosewood Manor had always been a delightful place to work, but now that the Ingrams had their new daughter, the atmosphere had grown even brighter. Children bring such joy!

A few feet down the hall, Georgiana chastised her husband, “Evan! What will Mrs. Calvert think—you practically dragged me from the room?”

He stopped walking and pulled her tightly to his already aroused body. “She will think that the Master of the house needs his wife’s company, and she would be absolutely correct.”