How the devil did she know he was planning anything? “I am going to kiss you goodnight.” Unfortunately, it didn’t come out like a definitive and slightly rakish statement. It came out as a question.
“I fully expect that you will kiss me, but that is not what I am referring to.”
A muffled laugh sounded behind him. “You might as well tell her.”
Bloody hell-hounds! “I’m going down to listen in on the conversation.”
Thalia’s normally nicely rounded chin turned mulish. “I am coming with you.”
“We are as well.” Hawksworth was leaning against the opposite wall with Guy.
Arguing with them would take too long, and he’d probably lose anyway. “Fine. Just be quiet.”
He led them across the stair landing and opened a door that led to a corridor and some stairs. He took his shoes off as he reached another corridor and waited while the others did the same, then made his way to the end of the passage, where he pushed back a small cover that hid a peep hole.
Standing in front of him, Thalia immediately stood on her toes, looked, and put her hand up to her mouth. Her brother gently moved her aside for his own look, then let Bolton have a chance.
“Painting?” he mouthed.
Giles nodded. His uncle’s desk stood to one side of the peephole so that he could see both Berwick’s and Somerset’s faces. Each man had a glass of brandy, and a set of documents lay on the table between them.
“Damn coach,” Somerset complained. “I was at the next inn before the groom caught up to me and told me my secretary was stuck.”
“It doesn’t matter, unless you want to change anything.” Berwick took a small sip of brandy. “If not, I have it all here.” He covered his mouth as he yawned. “We can wait to sign them until morning.”
“No point. I’d rather get it over with.”
Thalia scowled as her father practically rubbed his hands together with greed.
“What time did you say the wedding was?”
“Eleven o’clock.” Berwick moved the pen set toward the center of the table as if he didn’t care if the contract was signed now or not.
Somerset picked up the pen, dipped it in the standish, signed the document, and rose. “I’d like to be shown to my apartments now.”
Leaning back, Berwick tugged the bell pull, and his butler entered. “Your Grace?”
“Please show His Grace to his chamber.”
Giles could feel the breaths of those around him. When Somerset rose, Thalia, her brother, and brother-in-law stopped breathing, as if they were afraid the man would demand that Berwick sign the settlements now.
Rising, the duke inclined his head. “I look forward to tomorrow.”
“As do I,” Berwick said. “As do I.”
The door to the study closed, and they all sighed with relief. A few moments later, Berwick said, “Kendal you can come out now, and bring the others with you.”
Thalia’s eyes flew to his. “How did he know?”
Kendal looked at the men with them. “I think he’s had enough time to take your measure, all of your measures.” He unbolted the door. “Well done, sir.”
“Thalia, my dear, there is wine and brandy on the sideboard. Please pour for everyone. Kendal, sign this blasted document.” Berwick fixed a hard look on Hawksworth. “I hope you’re right about this.”
Ever the former colonel, Hawksworth held his own counsel, but accepted the wine his sister handed him and drank deeply.
“I hope so too, sir.” Bolton nodded his thanks and took a glass from her.
Kendal didn’t know his future father-in-law well. In fact, they were barely on nodding terms. But from what he did know, poor Berwick would be hard pressed to entertain the man until eleven tomorrow. “How are you going to keep him busy? You can’t have him running around the house by himself.”
“No. He will be escorted wherever he goes, and diverted if need be. First, he’ll be informed that I do not rise until nine of the clock and will not be available until ten. During that time, he will be served breakfast in his room. A footman will remain with him.” He looked at Giles. “The rest of you will break your fast in your bedchambers as well. I’ll not take the chance that he’ll go wandering and find you.”
“Yes, sir.” Kendal took the glass Thalia handed him. “Where shall Thalia and I go after the ceremony?”
A smile broke out on Berwick’s face. “Let your bride show you.”
She stopped with her glass of wine almost at her lips. “I beg your pardon?”
“I am told you spoke to some of my maids earlier.”
A deep flush painted her cheeks a rosy red. “I did not mean to bother them.”
“You didn’t. But you almost ruined the surprise I have planned. I’ll warrant Kendal doesn’t remember where the individual tunnels lead. Take him to the room you visited. ”
That was true. He remembered the ends, but not which crypts led to which destination. “I shall happily follow where you lead, my love.”
“You’ve done it now.” Guy groaned. “None of them forget what one has said in a moment of passion.”
A wicked grin formed on Hawksworth. “The diamonds?”
“Yes.” Guy drained his glass. “There is a mercenary streak in your family.”
