Page 25 of The Devil's Bargain
But the die was cast. He had made his decision, and there was no turning back now. Soon, one way or another, London Water Works would be his.
The winter sun had long since set when Devlin’s carriage pulled up in front of the Thurlow residence. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional rattle of a passing hansom cab and the distant chiming of church bells.
Devlin stepped out, his breath forming small clouds in the frigid air. He straightened his coat and glanced up at the imposing townhouse. Light shone from a second-floor window he now knew to be her study.Good.She was still awake.
He rapped sharply on the door, the sound echoing in the quiet street. After a moment, it creaked open, revealing a nervous maid.
“I’m here to see Mrs Thurlow,” Devlin said, his tone brooking no argument. “It’s a matter of utmost urgency.”
The maid hesitated, clearly torn between her duty to her mistress and the forceful presence of the man before her. “I’m not sure if the mistress is receiving visitors at this hour, sir.”
“Then I suggest you inform her that Devlin Elmstone is here, and that it concerns business affairs of utmost importance,” he replied, his voice low and firm.
The maid’s eyes widened, and she quickly ushered him into the foyer before scurrying up the stairs. Devlin stood in the dim light, taking in his surroundings. The house was well-appointedbut not ostentatious—much like the woman’s practical nature, he supposed.
Footsteps on the stairs drew his attention. Caroline appeared, wrapped in a deep blue dressing gown, her hair loose around her shoulders. A jolt of awareness went through his body seeing her thus again, but he succeeded in ignoring it. Despite the late hour and her obvious surprise, she carried herself with dignity.
“Mr Elmstone,” she said, her voice cool. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”
Devlin met her gaze steadily. His tone was formal, aware of a few servants who had gathered to defend their mistress if necessary. “I apologise for the late hour, Mrs Thurlow, but I’ve come across some information that I believe you’ll find most interesting.”
A flicker of alarm passed across Caroline’s face. “Very well,” she said after a moment. “We can speak in my study.”
She led the way up the stairs, Devlin following close behind, averting his gaze from her derriere. He needed all his wits about him.
The study was warm and inviting with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a crackling fire in the grate. Caroline took a seat behind her desk, appearing every inch as authoritative as any man, gesturing for Devlin to sit opposite her.
“Now, Mr Elmstone,” she said, folding her hands on the desk, one finger tapping quietly. “What is so urgent that it couldn’t wait until a more appropriate hour?”
“I’ve been reviewing some fascinating documents regarding the industrial district contract.” He withdrew a familiar paper from his coat pocket. “Your work, I believe?”
Caroline’s finger stilled. “The contract was properly executed.”
“Oh, indeed.” He slid the telegram across the desk. “I had an expert assess the signature which is deemed adequate. The way the ‘w’ connects, the flare of the ‘t’. Almost perfect. Butreplicating the slight tremor in the ‘h’ is more difficult, if not impossible.”
Caroline’s fingers clenched the telegram. “If you intend to ruin me, please do so directly. I have early morning appointments.”
“Ruin you?” He laughed softly. “Caroline, if I wanted to destroy you, I’d have taken this to the authorities already.” He circled her desk, moving closer. “No, I have a different proposition in mind.”
“Of course you do.” She held her ground as he approached. “What’s your price for silence?”
He leaned against the desk beside her. “Marriage.”
The word hung in the air between them. Caroline stared at him, searching for signs of mockery. “You can’t be serious.”
“Entirely.” He crossed his arms. “Think about it logically. You need protection, not just from this forgery, but from Hampton’s machinations and society’s judgement. I need your brilliant mind and those patents you hold. Marriage solves everything.”
“It solves nothing.” She pushed her chair away from him. “You’d own me completely. My work, my patents, my future innovations. All legally yours.”
“You think I’d suppress your genius? Cage it?” He moved behind her, his voice dropping lower. “I want a partner, Caroline. Someone to build an empire with. Everything in your name would stay in your name.”
She turned to face him. “Until you tire of me? Change your mind? Find a mistress like Edward did?”
“I am not Edward.” His voice hardened. “I don’t abandon what’s mine.”
“I am not yours,” she spat as she shot up to her feet. “And I never will be. Find some other woman to collect like one of your business assets.”
His expression darkened. “Consider my offer carefully, Caroline. You may find your options more limited than you realise.”
