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“Gilbert,” Regina said. “Do not move another step. I need to know if you were working with Lord Penrose in his warehouse, making that illegal drugSweet Nectar.”
The older man shook his head. “Absolutely not. I was just coming to see if you and Mr. Nichols need any assistance taking these men to the Bow Street Runners.”
Wayne grinned. “Actually, I’m a Bow Street Runner. However, if you would be so kind as to go to their office and round up a few more men to help me, I would greatly appreciate it.”
Gilbert nodded and grinned. “I would be pleased to do so, Mr. Nichols.”
Finally, Wayne sighed with relief. This case was solved and soon to be out of his hands and in the hands of the judge. And now... it was time to pay more attention to Miss Regina Taylor, the woman he hoped wouldn’t be aMissfor very much longer. He hoped to make her hisLady. Of course, he also needed to be completely honest with her.
“Regina,” he touched her arm, “I need to tell you something.”
“Not yet,” she said quickly. “I have some rope on my horse. These two men need to be tied up first.”
Wayne grinned, loving the way her mind worked. “I agree.”
“Stay right here, and don’t take your pistols off these men.”
“Yes, my lady. I can do that.”
Her cheeks reddened, which they did whenever he used that endearment. Hopefully, she would like what he had to say.
It didn’t take long before she rushed back into the house carrying rope and a knife. Together, they cut the rope into strips to bind the earl and Donley’s wrists and ankles. Wayne tested the ties before giving Regina a nod of approval.
She quickly stood and hooked around his elbow, helping him stand, bless her caring heart. He hated being in this weakened condition, and he was relieved that she realized without being told.
“What is it that you wish to tell me?” she asked as they left the parlor and walked into the corridor.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Her hands rested on his chest. A sweet smile touched her tempting mouth, and her lovely silver-blue eyes twinkled. Her beauty enchanted him.
“I pray you will forgive me for not telling you that I was a Bow Street Runner,” he began, but she placed her fingers on his lips, stopping him.
“Wayne, I completely understand why you didn’t tell me. After all, you thought that as Jane’s friend, I would have given her my loyalty.”
He nodded. “Yes, that was part of it. I had hoped not to get you involved. However, I fear the earl and his daughter had a different idea.”
Her happy smile faded slowly. “Yes. It was Jane who poisoned me. I discovered that she didn’t think as highly of me as I did of her.”
He stroked her chin. “I’m sorry to hear that. She is losing out, not you.”
Regina’s smile returned. “Yes, I believe so.”
“However, I still have one more surprise to tell you. In fact,” he chuckled lightly, “you nearly discovered this the night at my father’s jewelry store.”
Her eyes widened. “Please tell me.”
“My father is the Marquess of Huddleson. I am his youngest son, and I am... a lord.” He shrugged. “This is not something I tell people because I’m not following the pathway my father wishes me to go.”
“You are alord? How did I not know this? I mean, I don’t know any Nichols who are titled.” Her eyes stayed wide as she blinked rapidly as if she was trying to comprehend his words.
He nodded. “I do not have a title, but I’m Lord Nicholas. I shortened my name to create a new last name so that nobody would know. My middle name is Wayne, which I’ve used most of my life. I knew I would never become a Bow Street Runner if they knew who my father was.”
“But...” She pointed toward the west window. “Your father owns a jewelry store. How is that possible if he is a marquess?”
Wayne took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “The jewelry stores have been in the family since before my father was given the marquess title. He doesn’t run them, but he hires men to do that for him.”
She didn’t say a word for a few awkward moments. He tried to read her expression to see if she was upset at him or not. He prayed she would forgive him for this misdeed, as well.
Finally, she sighed, and the shocked look on her face disappeared. She chuckled and shook her head. “I’m in love with amarquess?” Her laughter grew. “How I would love nothing more than to tell Jane, but she is not my friend any longer.”
