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“For the woman I love,” Braden said harshly. “I cannot stand here and do nothing. What if someone tried to hurt her when she left town?”
“Then I believe her sister would have heard something by now. Hart would have sent a note to me.”
Braden knew his friend was right, but hated feeling helpless. “Very well, what do I do now?”
“Unfortunately, you wait.” Adams poured two snifters of brandy and handed one to Braden. “Whoever is heir is taking their time. I heard a solicitor was asking questions of Nelson.”
“To what end?”
Adams sipped his brandy. “About the night of your supposed death. Was it normal for the three of you to go play cards outside of the house, etc.”
Braden returned to his seat and sipped the brandy. This was the stuff they served to the high-end clients who could afford it.
“If this man has to prove his legal right to inherit, it might take even longer.” Braden lowered his voice so Jonathon and Alistair would not hear them from their bedrooms.
Adams dropped into a chair. “I wish there was something I could do for you.”
“Just letting us stay here is enough. I cannot thank you enough for that.”
A knock hammered the door at the top of the stairs. “Mr. Adams,” a booming voice sounded. “We need you downstairs immediately. There is a woman attempting to gain entrance. She said she will not go away until she speaks to you.”
“Damned women. When will a mistress learn she has no right to a man’s time unless he decides to give it,” Adams grumbled. “I will be right down to speak with her.”
“Bring up more of the good brandy when you return,” Braden said. “I think it might be the only way I am going to sleep tonight.”
Adams laughed. “I will. And I might just join you in a glass or two.”
“Please do. I am rather tired of the company I have to keep right now.” At least all this time together had proved to him that Jonathon was no longer eating opium.
Adams walked away chuckling.
Braden went back to his worrying. A few minutes later, a commotion near the stairs forced him to look up. A flash of red entered the hall.
“This way,” Adams said in an angry tone. “Do you have any idea of the danger you put yourself in, not to mention him?”
“He is here, isn’t he?”
Braden’s heart melted hearing her voice. She was safe. “Tia?” he shouted, not caring if he woke his brother and cousin.
The flash of red raced into the room and threw herself in his arms. “Braden,” she exclaimed.
“What are you doing here? And how did you figure out I was here?” A million questions entered his mind, but those were the first out of his mouth.
She pulled away and cupped his cheeks before kissing him passionately. Her tongue brushed against his, sending desire spiraling through his body. Slowly, she broke away with a shy smile. “I know who it is.”
“How can you possibly know? Did the man pay you a visit?”
“No, her solicitor did.”
“Her? That makes no sense, Tia.”
Her smile widened, showing her small white teeth. She yanked a book out of the valise she’d been carrying. “Yes, it does, if you read this.”
“Go get some mor
e brandy, Adams.”
“I’ll bring it up, but do not start this story until I return.” Adams ran down the stairs.
