Page 44 of The Devil's Bargain
His arms tightened around her, and she felt rather than heard his relieved exhale. “Never,” he promised, his lips pressing against her temple. “You’re rather stuck with me now, wife.”
Caroline smiled against his chest, letting herself be lulled by the steady rhythm of his heart. Just before sleep claimed her, she felt him whisper something. Though she couldn’t make out the words, the tender affection in his voice wrapped around her like a blanket, making her feel utterly, completely safe.
For the first time in weeks, she slept without dreams of escape or schemes of independence. Instead, she drifted off secure in the knowledge that she was exactly where she wanted to be—in the arms of a man who saw her, respected her, and despite everything, had become essential to her happiness.
20
Imperial’s Gambit
Caroline sat with her back straight and her face a mask of polite attention as Albert Graves from Imperial Water & Engineering outlined his proposal. Across from her, Graves shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearly thrown by finding both her and Devlin waiting to receive him.
“As I was saying,” Graves continued smoothly, “Imperial recognises the... unique value of London Water Works. Your filtration system in particular has caught our attention. We’d be prepared to make a very generous offer.”
“How generous?” Devlin asked from where he lounged against the windowsill, his casual posture belying the predatory attention in his eyes.
“Twenty thousand pounds.” Graves named the sum with careful precision. “For the company and all associated patents.”
Caroline kept her expression neutral, though she wanted to cackle at the insultingly low number.
“That’s less than half what the company is worth,” she said evenly.
“Perhaps.” Graves smiled thinly. “Though I understand there have been some... efficiency issues with the Westminster contract? And, of course, your rather precarious association with Miss Hampton and, no offence, but your recent nuptial has made some of our more conservative clients hesitant.”
“Has it?” Devlin’s voice held a dangerous edge. “Strange, considering Miss Hampton seems quite welcome at Imperial’s social gatherings these days.”
Graves had the grace to look uncomfortable. “Miss Hampton has been most... informative about London Water Works’ operations.”
“I’m sure she has.” Caroline’s tone could have frozen the Thames. “Though I wonder if she realises how she’s being used.”
“Used?” Graves raised an eyebrow. “I assure you, we value Miss Hampton’s insights greatly. Though it would be a shame if certain details about the company’s internal workings became more widely known. The technical specifications of your filtration system, for instance.”
The threat hung in the air between them. Caroline felt rather than saw Devlin straighten from his casual pose.
“Is that a threat, Mr Graves?” His voice was silk over steel.
“Merely an observation.” Graves stood, brushing imaginary dust from his coat. “Consider our offer carefully, Mrs Elmstone. Imperial can be either a powerful friend or a formidable enemy. It’s only a matter of time before our capacity alone swallows London Water Works into obscurity. I’ll give you three days to decide.”
After he left, Caroline slumped slightly in her chair. “Hampton has no idea what she’s done, does she?”
“No.” Devlin moved behind her, his hands settling on her shoulders. “She’s just a pawn in their game. Though a dangerously effective one.”
Caroline closed her eyes, thinking rapidly. “They’re systematically acquiring smaller water companies across London. If they get their hands on my filtration system...”
“They’d control the entire city’s water supply.” Devlin’s voice hardened. “And with their Treasury connections, no one would look too closely at their methods.”
“We need an insider at Imperial.” She turned to face him. “Someone who can warn us of their plans. I don’t trust Graves.”
“Flo can help.” Devlin leaned against the desk, meeting her eyes. “Her ladies hear things men never intend to reveal.”
“Have you fallen victim to their tactics?”
“Not that I can recall. I didn’t give away any secrets when you spied on me, did I?.”
“Sadly, no.” Caroline then hesitated, the question hanging on the tip of her tongue.
“Ask,” he said, looking amused.
“Well… I wondered… considering your appetite… if you’d been seeking pleasure elsewhere.”
