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“I will marry him, and you can gain control of his businesses. I have learned that some of them are very yielding.”
Crawford grinned. “I knew my patience would be rewarded. I have already commenced making his businesses mine, but with you, it will be smooth-sailing from here on out.”
“You have?” Diana asked, taking hold of the advantage she had just gained. Matthew had said that Crawford was not very clever, and she could see it now in the manner in which he spoke about his plans in the home of the man whose fortune he was after.
“Oh, yes!” he chuckled, lowering his voice. “I invested in one of his ventures so that I can make the wares mine.”
“And did you?” She glanced at the exit and saw Matthew standing in the archway. Crawford would not be able to see him unless he turned, but Matthew could easily get out of view if that happened.
His eyes were on her, and he did not seem to blink. If Crawford tried to touch her in any way, she was sure Matthew would save her. This gave her the strength to finish what they had begun.
“Certainly,” he boasted, laughing, then licked his lips as his eyes began to move down her body. “I gave him quite the pursuit, and he still is unable to find who has stolen his wares from him.”
“It was you? You stole the wares? What did you do with them?”
“Oh, do not concern your pretty head with that. Do your part and I will keep your secret. I must say, Diana, your betrothed is not a very clever man, and I am certain with you on my side, we can trick him.” His gaze lingered on her bosom. “Lord, you are ravishing!”
He started to reach for her, and her head snapped toward the exit in time to see Matthew stride in like an enraged dragon. “That is enough!” he barked, grabbing Crawford’s shoulder.
“What the devil—" Crawford turned and swung his fist toward Matthew’s face but he missed. Matthew bent his arm backward as he was joined by the constable they had called to witness Crawford’s confession. “You bloody delilah!” Crawford spat at Diana as both of his arms were restrained. “You deceived me!”
“How clever of you to grasp,” Albert said, moving toward Diana, while Crawford struggled against Matthew and the constable. “You have done well,” he said to her. “We should leave this place now.”
Diana did not know she was trembling until Albert gently took her arm. He led her out of the conservatory as Crawford rained curses upon her. Emma hurried to them, wrapping an arm around Diana’s shoulders, and Albert returned to help Matthew and the constable.
“You will be quiet!” Matthew growled, pushing Crawford onto a bench where the constable was able to bind his wrists behind him.
“How dare you!” Crawford demanded.
“You steal from me and threaten my fiancée, then you ask me that?” Matthew’s detestation of violence was the only reason he was allowing him to speak.
“I was only taking back what I invested!”
“And the fire? What was your reason for burning my warehouse?”
“I do not have to answer your damned questions.”
“Very well. You will be taken away and gaol will become your new dwelling. I think I have heard enough.”
Crawford bared his teeth and growled, “You will not defeat me so easily.”
Matthew glanced at the constable and nodded. Crawford was jerked to his feet and dragged out of the conservatory to a carriage that was waiting outside. Matthew had what he needed to have him prosecuted, and he would never torment Diana again.
“I will return!” Crawford yelled. “And you will dread your birth!”
Matthew followed them out the door with Albert behind him, and they watched as Crawford was pushed into the carriage and taken away. It was done, and he was proud of Diana for all she had done to help him get her justice.
“Well done.” Albert clapped him on his good shoulder.
Matthew turned to him. “Thank you. I realize I never thank you enough.”
Albert chuckled. “You do not have to thank me for anything. I am happy I could help you when you needed me.”
They walked back inside and Matthew went straight to the drawing room to find Diana. She was not there, and he asked McGill as soon as he saw him when he stepped out of the hall.
“I believe they are in Miss Pearson’s bedchamber, Your Grace,” he replied.
Matthew did not waste another second before he climbed the stairs to find her. He knocked once on the door, before opening it and walking in. She was sitting on her bed, and he went straight to her, sitting and enfolding her in his arms.
