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“Hopefully, in a few years, they can journey to England.” Ella gave him a squeeze.
The boat entered the harbor and they stood together watching the ship dock. A crowd waited and though it took a minute, Matthew found Camille among the greeters, waving to him from the shore. A man stood next to her, his blond hair glinting in the sun, his arm wrapped about her. Two children stood in front of them, beaming up at the boat. Matthew’s chest tightened. She was happy. He could see it from here and the last remnants of his guilt evaporated in that moment.
The boat finally docked and as they made their way down the plank, Camille rushed to his side. “I’ve missed you so.”
As she wrapped her arms about him, he pulled his sister close. The words that had always been so difficult for him came easily now. Ella had taught him that. “I missed you too. I am so glad to be here.”
Then Camille untangled herself and reached for Ella. “Thank you, for saving my brother.”
Ella shook her head. “We saved each other.” Then she beamed. “Now introduce me to these beautiful children.”
Matthew’s gaze met Tom’s as he stood behind her. He was a man that Matthew instantly respected. He could see the man was kind, yet protective, and he knew that Tom was worried that Matthew would hurt Camille again.
He stepped up to the man that had whisked his sister away and given the life she deserved. “I owe you both an apology and a thank you.” He held out his hand to shake the other man’s.
Tom gave a nod. “I likely owe you the same.”
Matthew glanced back at Ella who was hugging their nieces and nephews, her beautiful features alight with happiness. “We are lucky men.”
Tom slapped him on the back. “We are.”
He pulled Ella close once again while the children greeted one another with joy. His father would never have approved of Camille’s husband, but Matthew believed she’d made the perfect choice. “Thank you, my love.” He lowered his chin to the top of Ella’s head.
She smiled against his shoulder. “You were right, back on the boat. It is time for another child.”
Pulling her against him, he kissed her in front of everyone. “We shall have to get started immediately.”
“Come on, everyone.” Camille called. “Let’s collect your things. We’ve much to make up for.”
Matthew shook his head. Ella had brought the light into his life. He couldn’t love her more.
My Earl’s Entrapment
Wicked Lords of London Book 3
Tammy Andresen
Will sat next to the window, his head resting on high wingback chair, watching the moonlight cast shadows on the garden below. Its flowers were in full splendor and the light seemed to dance with the petals of the rose vine that grew up the garden’s wall.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment and tried to remember that last time he’d contemplated light on flowers. He was fairly certain the answer was never.
Forced retirement was wreaking havoc on his mind. He’d found purpose as a spy for the Prince Regent. He’d investigated several criminal operations all without detection. To the rest of society, he’d been seen as a bumbling lord, a man more interested in gambling and women than in helping his country. He’d played his role perfectly and it had allowed him to move unhindered through many social circles and slip back out before anyone suspected espionage was at play.
That was until last month. He’d been investigating the Marquess of Highwater. He’d set up an elaborate rouse to become indebted to the man so that he might fall under the marquess’s employ. The man had been running an elaborate theft ring, stealing jewels and other goods from society’s most elite and selling them to interested buyers.
That was, until the Marquess had kidnapped not one, but two women, both of whom were daughters of the Duke of Waverly. Highwater now sat in Scotland Yard. Unfortunately, he’d dragged Will’s family name down with him and his rash actions had cut Will’s investigation short.
The Marquess had been guilty, of course. But who supplied him with jewels? Who bought them knowing they were stolen from the crown and what was the money financing? These were all questions he’d only begun to answer.
Now he attended house parties in the country. And even that was a stretch because he was connected with a known thief. Some people thought him a thief as well, while others just assumed he was a bumbling idiot.
What a mess.
Fortunately his friends, the Lord Pennwalt and his lovely wife, had included him on the invite list despite his reputation. The ton would allow him to be a gambling penniless rake, but not a thieving one.
He might have simply hidden himself away and waited for the rumors to settle but the Baron of Bridgeton was expected to arrive in two days’ time. Bridgeton had been quietly involved with Highwater. And while the Prince Regent had ordered Will to remove himself from the investigation before it was too late. Will found that he couldn’t let it go.
So he waited.
