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They stood there for a moment until Jane said, “I see that a lot has transpired between you two.”
“I was almost killed, twice,” Emmeline shared. “But Oliver saved me each time.”
“And Emmeline saved me from being shot.”
Jane glanced between them with wide, disbelieving eyes. “It sounds like you two had quite the adventure.”
“We did,” Emmeline replied.
“I can’t wait to hear about it,” Jane said.
The sound of the butler’s heels on the polished marble could be heard as he approached them. “The bath is being prepared as we speak, and Lady Oliver’s lady’s maid is ready to attend to her.”
Jane looped her arm through Emmeline’s. “I will take Emmeline to her bedchamber,” she said. “There is much for us to discuss.”
Oliver leaned in and kissed his wife’s cheek. “I will see you shortly, then.”
He watched as Jane led Emmeline away, and he found he already missed her. He had rather enjoyed being with her at Lockhart Manor and not having to compete with anyone for her attention.
Turning towards the butler, he asked, “Is my brother home?”
“Yes, milord,” Pratt replied. “He is in his study with Lord Evan.”
“Excellent.”
Oliver headed towards the study, knowing this was going to be a most difficult conversation. But he was ready. He finally knew what he wanted.
He stepped into the study and saw Baldwin and Corbyn sitting on opposite settees, conversing politely.
“I thought you had an agency to run?” Oliver joked as he closed the door.
Corbyn chuckled. “I do, but it would appear one of my top agents went on a holiday.”
“Welcome home, Brother,” Baldwin said, raising his glass. “We have missed you.”
“You have?”
Baldwin smirked. “I had to convince Jane, on multiple occasions, not to go retrieve Emmeline from Lockhart Manor.”
“Why was that?”
“She was adamant that Emmeline would never return to Hawthorne House because you botched it.”
Oliver walked over to the drink cart and picked up the decanter. “I see that our dear sister has great faith in me.”
“Did your wife return with you?” Corbyn asked.
“She did,” he confirmed as he poured himself a drink.
“That is wonderful news,” Corbyn praised.
Oliver put the decanter down and picked up his glass. “We had quite the adventure while we were at Lockhart Manor.”
“You did?” Baldwin asked.
“It turns out that Lord Taylor was involved with a band of smugglers, and he was using the beach near Lockhart Manor to receive the goods,” Oliver revealed.
Corbyn leaned forward in his seat. “How did you discover that fact?”
