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She laughed softly. “I was an idiot as well. I pretended to hate you, so I could stop what I was feeling.”
“Well, now that we have established that we have both been fools, there is something I want you to do for me.”
She climbed onto his lap. “Yes?”
“I want you to take the—”
“My Lord!” Webster called, knocking. “Mr. Redman is here.”
Rhys immediately gained his feet and opened the door. “Why did Redman return?”
“I believe the man has been captured, My Lord,” Webster said.
Rhys called Elizabeth, and they hurried down to meet Redman. He smiled when they entered the salon. “My Lord, My Lady, we have caught him.”
“Where is he?” Rhys asked.
“Held in the cottage, My Lord. I am sure you wish to question him.”
“Indeed, I do. I will be out in a moment.”
Redman left Rhys alone with Elizabeth, and he held her tightly. “It will all be over after this. We will know who he is working with and settle everything.” He kissed the top of her head. “I promise to always keep you safe.”
“I promise to keep you safe, too, Rhys.” She gazed up at him. “Now, go and question this man, so I can tell you what I have planned for Myers’ future.”
“Tell me now. The perpetrator is not going anywhere, and if you tell me, I will hurry back to you.”
“You will hurry back to me whether I tell you or not.”
“That is true.”
“I am retiring,” she said.
“No.” His eyes grew wide, and he never thought he would feel disturbed by such news. “You cannot.”
“I have learned a good lesson from our situation. The risk is too great.” She rose onto the tips of her toes and kissed his lips. “Hurry back.”
“I will.” He held her for a little longer before going to meet Redman.
* * *
Elizabeth sat nervously after Rhys had left, but she quickly grew restless and started to pace. When she grew even more aggravated, she left the room to find Brutus and Stella.
They were playing in the conservatory, and when Brutus ran to her, she knelt and hugged him, all the emotions that had circulated through her culminating.
“How are you?” Stella asked, placing a hand on her shoulder. Stella knew what was happening, and Elizabeth was glad she was here with her at this time.
“I am fine, but I will be much better when Rhys returns,” she replied, moving to sit on the fountain ledge. “The man has been captured, and Rhys has gone to question him before having him taken away to face the law for his crimes.”
Stella smiled and sat beside her. “I am glad. I have been so worried about you.”
Elizabeth chuckled sheepishly. “I am safe.”
“I know, but I could not help it.”
Brutus wriggled out of her arms and jumped into the fountain, splashing both her and Stella with water. They laughed, and Elizabeth realized how much she needed that laugh to relieve some of the strain on her nerves.
“Oh, no, you won’t!” She warned Brutus when he tried to climb onto her lap. “You will not ruin my dress.”
