Looking up at Steele, Abigail’s gaze was confused.
He laid his hand to her cheek. “Don’t worry, darling. I’ll explain everything. But first we have to get you and the boys out of here safely.” He turned to Gabriel. “How many are there and what’s the best exit?”
Gabriel waved his tipstaff. “It was so kind of you to arrange all this fun on our behalf, but the devils have run off like the chickenhearted knaves they are.”
“They’re gone?” Steele asked.
“We were ready to do our worst. But before things got really merry, some old gent showed up with another man who, turns out, was Lucifer Laverty himself. Lucifer told everybody to pack it up and let you all go. He said something about having made a deal.”
Steele nodded. “Sir Lee.”
The side door opened and Felix peeked out. Upon seeing Steele, he raced out and threw his arms around Steele’s waist, hugging him tight.
Tears stung Steele’s eyes as he clutched the boy close.
“Uncle Jason!” Seth cried, racing out of the side room and grabbing Steele’s leg.
As he held his family dear, his heart was so filled with relief and joy that it felt as if it might burst. “Let’s go home.”
Chapter 38
Hours later, Abigail stood before her chamber window watching the dawn spill across the London sky. A honey pink glow blended with purplish-blue, washing the clouds in a symphony of color that surpassed anything man was capable of creating.
Abigail didn’t need any more proof of God’s existence after tonight’s events. But the beauty of the sun-painted sky reminded her that another day eventually arrived, and with it came a new hope, and perhaps the first day of the rest of her life.
Hugging herself, she rubbed her hands up and down her arms, trying to soothe the anxieties that plagued her.
“I’ll find your brother, Abigail,” Steele had promised as their party had safely entered the vestibule of the house. Laying a hand on her shoulder, he’d leaned close, whispering in her hair, “One way or another, I will find him and bring him back to you.”
Mutely she’d nodded, her eyes burning, her heart aching. At that terrible house they’d searched and searched, but Reggie was nowhere to be found.
Then Steele had kissed her sweetly but swiftly on the lips and departed with his comrades.
So Abigail had been left to worry over the two men she loved best in the world, and focus on the two boys who needed her. Seth and Felix were surprisingly upbeat about the whole misadventure, claiming that they’d known all along that Steele would rescue them and rout the evil villains. Still, Abigail made sure to give them lots of love and make them feel as secure as possible as she tucked them into their beds.
After seeing Felix and Seth well settled, she’d bathed and tried to sleep, but rest would not come.
Watching the sky lighten, Abigail marveled for the thousandth time that night, Jason Dagwood, Viscount Steele, said he loves me! Adores me, even!
She couldn’t quite believe it and feared that perhaps she’d misunderstood, or that he’d merely been overcome by the events of the night. It was too fantastic to imagine that he truly loved her.
Stop being a ninny! Steele does not lie. Why can’t you believe him?
The idea that his feelings could match hers…Her heart leaped as joy and exhilaration swept over her. Hugging herself tight, she spun on her toes, filled with wonder. She loved him so exceedingly, her heart almost ached with happiness.
But her elation was tempered with guilt. She looked over her shoulder at the closet where she kept her cedar chest with its hidden compartment and her widow’s costume.
A small voice whispered in her mind, Let sleeping dogs lie. Pretend that it was another woman. Steele will never know.
But deep down, she knew that she could not be with Steele without telling him the truth. Otherwise the lie would hang over their heads like a Sword of Damocles waiting to fall. Abigail would be on pins and needles, forever anticipating that he would realize the connection. Or when he made love to her, she would agonize that somehow he’d know.
She could not be with him without telling him the truth.
But once he knew what a scarlet woman she really was, would he still want her? The worry gnawed at her like a parasite until she felt ill with anxiety and fear.
Sounds of raised voices came from downstairs. Tightening the tie of her dressing gown, Abigail strode to the door and peered outside.
Lord Benbrook charged up the stairs, his face a dark mask of fury.
Abigail stepped into the carpeted hallway. “Lord Benbrook.”
Stampeding toward her, he swept his hand before him, his lips curled in distaste. “Get out of my way!”
“Seth and Felix are whole and hale and not a hair on their heads has been touched.”
Benbrook’s steps faltered, and for the first time in their acquaintance, his eyes met hers. The terror and anxiety in his brown gaze was countered with a glimmer of hope.
Abigail’s heart pinched with compassion for the poor man. He’d lost his children and clearly was petrified that harm had come to Seth and Felix.
“I know you need to see Seth and Felix with your own eyes,” Abigail murmured. “I’ll bring you to them immediately.”
He blinked as his eyes shone with unshed tears. Pursing his lips, mutely he nodded.
Turning, she led him down the hallway. He followed close behind her, his boots falling silent on the thick carpeting.
She peered over her shoulder. “They’re asleep. Do you want me to wake them?”
He shook his head.
Silently Abigail approached the chamber, with Benbrook following close enough for her to catch a whiff of his fear.
As they entered the room, the halo of light from the bedside candle glowed on the boys peacefully asleep in their beds. Seth lay on his back, his mouth slightly open, his eyes closed, his face tranquil. In the next bed, Felix let out a little snore. Still asleep, he grabbed his blanket, slung it over his shoulder, and rolled over, muttering something about a shoe.
Benbrook froze in the threshold, staring at the slumbering boys. He raised a quaking hand to his mouth. His face furrowed and his eyes filled with tears.
Abigail turned away. “I’ll leave you.”
Slipping past him, she went into the small sitting room next door.
She opened the window, and a breeze carrying the dewy scent of the morning gently kissed her face and lifted her hair off her shoulders.
As the light brightened the sky, birds chirped merrily in the trees, flitting about. They had no notion of the terrifying events of the night past.
A door behind her closed and footsteps neared.
Exhaling, she turned.
Benbrook’s shoulders were hunched, his face was gaunt, and he moved with a stiffness that betrayed the toll the misadventure had taken on him. Tiredly he moved into the chamber and lowered himself into an overstuffed chair. Closing his eyes, he leaned back with a weary sigh.
Abigail turned back to stare out the window.
They remained silent for a long time.
“I saw Sir Lee…” Benbrook broke the silence. “He told me what happened…” His voice cracked.
Hugging herself, she turned to face him.
His hands were clenched in his lap; his face looked haggard and pale, as if the life had almost bled out of him. Then his face lit with anger. “I’d like to kill Patrick Devonshire…And that bloody footman, too. Mark my words, I’ll be front and center for that hanging, and I’ll stay there until the very last kick.”
Abigail shivered. She didn’t want to see any hangings; she’d seen enough violence to last a lifetime.
Swallowing, he rubbed his hand over his eyes. “Sir Lee says that Steele has already set the wheels in motion, and that I’ll get to watch those bloody knaves swing before the month’s end.”
“Not the boys.” She shook her head. “They shouldn’t be there.”
Benbrook looked up, his
eyes lighting with understanding. “Nay,” he agreed. “Felix and Seth should not witness it.”
Benbrook chewed on his bottom lip. “It was a good idea to bring Seth and Felix here. They’re safe…because of Steele. I’d had my doubts…but Sir Lee, he knew it was for the best. And he was right.”
Staring down at his hands, Benbrook muttered, “I never accepted him…and you can hardly blame me…Who wants a commoner who tussles with criminals to marry your daughter? I wanted more for Deidre. It’s my right as a father!”
Pursing her lips, Abigail held her peace.
Benbrook exhaled a shaky sigh. “But if Steele wasn’t a Sentinel, wasn’t who he is…the man he is…then my little boys…” His face furrowed with anguish. “Then Seth and Felix would be dead. And I…I would be lost.”
Looking up, his eyes brimmed with tears that spilled down the lines of his haggard cheeks. “My Deidre saved my little boys. She picked the one man in all of England who could keep them alive and safe.” He sniffed as a weak smile lit his face. “She was always smarter than me, my Deidre. She could see what we needed long before I did.” Laying his head in his hands, he sobbed, his shoulders shaking.
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. Sniffing, he wiped his eyes and face, slowly recovering his composure. After a few moments, he sighed. “I’ll be glad to get the boys back to Dorset.”
Abigail’s stomach sank. “What?”
“You don’t think I’ll leave them here with a man who works all hours of the day and night?” Benbrook wiped his nose. “Steele is not cut out to be a father. I’ll grant you that he’s a gifted barrister and a man who fights for his family…” His eyes watered; he pursed his lips and swallowed. “But he’s no father.”
“You’re wrong!” Abigail cried. “Any child would be blessed to have a father who loves him as much as Lord Steele loves those boys!”
Benbrook blinked, doubt filling his gaze.
She stepped forward. “He plays with them and reads to them and understands that boys need to be boys. He treats them well but doesn’t spoil them. He’s a wonderful father!”
Crouching down beside Benbrook, Abigail begged, “Please don’t take Seth and Felix away from us!”
“Us?” Benbrook’s eyes narrowed, and he stuck out his bottom lip. “So you do have eyes on his title!”
Abigail suddenly laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Benbrook demanded.
“In one moment you talk about how Deidre saw things clearly, and yet you can’t see the wonderful son-in-law right before your eyes!”
She shook her head, amazed by the man’s folly. “Steele’s title is the least of his attributes. He’s intelligent and honest and honorable and courageous and so sweetly caring that he makes me want to weep with joy for simply knowing him.”
“You make me sound like a saint!” Steele strode through the door.
Her breath caught.
Steele’s face was shadowed with the hint of a beard, his eyes were weary, and his clothing was filthy and wrinkled. She’d never seen a more handsome man in all her life.
Elation rocketed through her, and before she could think, she jumped up and raced into his arms.
He wrapped his strong arms around her, hugging her close, holding her dear.
“Your brother’s fine,” Steele murmured in Abigail’s hair, inhaling the scent of heather and woman he’d come to adore.
She clutched him tighter. “Thank God!”
“Thank Sir Lee. He made the deal, and Lucifer was forced to let Reggie go.”
“What kind of deal?”
“All Sir Lee would say was that Lucifer won’t ever bother any of us again.”
Abigail shivered.
“Don’t worry.” Steele hugged her close. “Sir Lee knows what he’s about. The man’s as crafty as they come. In fact, he’s assured me that he’ll be able to convince Lord Byrnwyck to drop all the charges against your brother.”
She pulled back, questions swirling in her gray-blue eyes.
Steele smiled. “I swear, that crafty old man knows everybody’s secrets. I’m just glad he’s on our side.”
Abigail sagged against him, clearly overcome by relief. “I must repay him! I owe him so much!”
“Sir Lee has his own ideas about repayment. And he wants it from Reggie, not you.”
Gently caressing her golden hair, Steele realized that it was as soft as gossamer. “Sir Lee thinks that Reggie needs a little structure and discipline in his life.”
“The army?”
“The Sentinels. Gabriel and the Cutler brothers will whip him into shape and give him something useful to do with his time.”
“And Reggie is all right with this?”
“Your brother’s thanking God he’s still alive and out of Lucifer’s clutches. He’s ready to pay any penance he can.” Exhaling, Steele winced. “He feels terrible about what he did. He fears you might not be able to forgive him.”
Abigail frowned. “I am furious as all sod with him…But he didn’t mean us any harm. And he did try to help when he realized his mistake…and…waiting here, not knowing if he was dead or alive…” Her lovely face softened. “He’s my brother. I want to forgive him.”
Steele beamed. Rarely had he found a woman whose sense of fairness and integrity so clearly matched his own. “You are amazing. Do you have any idea how much I love you?” He kissed her, her lips so soft and welcoming, he sighed.
“I’ll not stand for this!” Benbrook rose from his chair. “I’ll not allow you to dally with this…this…”
Steele looked up, his tone edged in iron. “If you say one word to insult my future wife, I’ll have you barred from this house forever.”
“Wife?” Benbrook yelped.
“Yes.” Steele patted his coat pocket where the special license was folded neatly inside. “There are certain benefits to being the solicitor-general, and getting legal documents signed quickly is one of them. I have the special license right here.”
Steele released Abigail, setting his hands on her shoulders. He searched her gaze, still amazed that her feelings could truly match his. He’d had no doubts, but her words as she’d defended him to Benbrook…Never before had he experienced such devotion. Never had he felt so loved and appreciated in all his life.
“My little lioness,” he marveled.
Benbrook stepped forward. “Ah, Steele…”
Steele glanced at his father-in-law. “Leave.”
“I will not make you my heir,” Benbrook warned.
“I don’t need you bloody money and I don’t want it!”
Benbrook huffed. “And I told you from the beginning that you were only temporarily the boys’ guardian.”
Steele gripped Abigail’s shoulders, needing her strength. Her gaze was filled with love and encouragement, and her faith in him as a father gave him the fortitude to turn to his father-in-law and say, “Please don’t take Seth and Felix away. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it work, but I don’t…I don’t want to lose them. I’ll resign my post if necessary. I’ll do whatever is the best for Seth and Felix.”
Benbrook’s eyes welled with tears. “I think…I think I might actually believe you.”
Steele’s throat grew thick with emotion. “I mean it. Every word. I love those boys with all my heart.”
Benbrook’s gaze drifted off, and slowly he sank into the chair. “I think…I think that it’s time.”
Steele tensed. “Time for what?”
Sighing, Benbrook rubbed his eyes. “I think it’s time for me to stop being such a prig.”
Steele felt his eyes widen.
“I don’t know why I was making a fuss…” Benbrook grimaced. “Habit, I suppose.” He sighed. “Deidre chose you, Steele, and she was right.” His eyes grew shiny. “You seem to have a good head on your shoulders…and are a good sort. And the boys do adore Miss West.” He licked his lips. “It’s just…I’m not used to all this…change. It’s difficult.”
&nbs
p; “It doesn’t have to be. We can still be a family. Seth and Felix need more than just a father and mother. They need a grandfather, too.”
Benbrook stared out the window. “By all accounts the boys are happy here…I suppose I could buy a house in London…to be close…I am getting on in years…”
Inhaling a deep breath, Benbrook squared his shoulders and then stood. “I’d best be on my way then and allow you to get on with it.” He moved toward the door, but then stopped and turned. “Just so you know, I expect to be invited to the wedding.”
Steele inclined his head. “Of course. You’re family.”
Benbrook’s lips lifted into a small smile. “Well then.” Nodding to himself, he strode from the room.
After he’d gone, Steele looked down at the woman he adored. “Will you marry me, Abigail, and make me the happiest man in the world?”
Sudden tears filled Abigail’s eyes, and she looked so positively miserable, his heart ached for her. “What’s wrong, darling?”
“I don’t know that you’ll want to marry me,” Abigail’s voice quaked as tears spilled down her cheeks. “When you hear what I have to tell you.”
Shaking his head, he wiped her tears with his thumb. “I love you with all my heart. Whatever you have to tell me won’t change my mind.”
Squaring her shoulders, she swallowed. “I’m…I’m…the woman in black…the one you know as the widow…from Charing Cross.”
Steele felt his jaw drop and his eyes bulge.
Then the pieces fell into place like a flawlessly crafted puzzle. Reggie…The widow was searching for a man…who was involved with Lucifer Laverty. The widow’s quick thinking and fighting skills…How Abigail had neatly handled Carlton, and then Devonshire last night. Steele’s desperate hunger for the widow and the passion Abigail inspired in him.
Shaking his head, Steele chuckled.
Abigail sniffed. “What’s so funny?”
“The bloody universe!” He hugged her close, inhaling the familiar scent of heather and woman he adored. He laughed out loud. “No matter which life I chose, no matter which way I turned, you were there for me. I had to be blind not to see it before!”
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