Page 29 of The Spinster's Secret Scoundrel
Shouts from around the room.
“Aye, we know Miss Naughton’s an upstanding sort, even if she did make one mistake. Who among us hasn’t been led astray?” Nods all around. “It’s unchristian not to forgive others’ faults.”
“She’s a whore,” Leacham spat.
“She is not. No one would countenance such behavior in Cavalier Cove, much less my own establishment.” Chest puffed, he stood toe-to-toe with the Excise Officer, forcing Leacham to take a step back. “I’ve a daughter. We’re respectable people.”
Leacham’s face turned mottled with anger. He struggled to find words for a minute, before spitting, “Fine. If my whore of a niece prefers the attention of bandits and lawbreakers to that of upstanding men, I suppose that’s her right—”
Ada gasped.
Thierry yanked away from the officers, drew back his arm and punched her uncle right in the nose. Blood spurted. The entire room erupted into violence as Caden and the other tavern guests leaped into the fray, leaving him free to pummel the excise officer as he so richly deserved.
“Perhaps. She prefers us. Because her family. Never. Paid. Her. Any. Attention. At. All.” He punctuated each word with his fist.
Thierry pushed up to standing, breathing hard, his knuckles bruised and aching. He shook his hand. “Clearly, Ada is a better judge of character than you are, Leacham. Using your own niece to try and spy on innocent villagers. Accusing an innocent man of crimes against the crown. Get out of Cavalier Cove, the lot of you.”
The brawl spilled out the front door of the Cock and Bull into the street. Moments later, the Excise Officers were on their mounts, fleeing the village as fast as their tired horses could carry them, chased by a flock of honking, hissing, angry geese.
“What on earth is this all about?” came an old woman’s voice as the crowd cheered, parting to let Mrs. Gosling pass.
“It seems Le Fantôme has decided to haunt Cavalier Cove permanently,” Derwa explained, grinning.
Thierry found Ada, who had regained her color but otherwise looked dazed by the events of the past several minutes. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her before the entire village.
“Ada, I know we have only known one another a few days, but I meant every word I said. I never intended to cheat you out of your home. I can’t imagine living there without you. Please, will you be my wife?”
“I—” She broke off. High color stained her cheeks like sunrise on the sea. Instead of looking at him, she scanned along the ring of villagers until her eyes found Maggie’s. “Did you mean it? That I could have stayed?”
“Of course,” she said.
“But Miss Naughton’s a spy for the crown,” someone called out.
“No.” Mrs. Gosling shook her head, moving into the circle. “Miss Naughton is one of us. Isn’t that right, Betsey?”
“When I saw those lovely eggs she makes, I knew they’d be perfect for transporting lace and tea. I’ve kept the details a secret just in case her uncle discovered what we were doing with them, but it’s true that Miss Naughton has been active in the trade almost since she arrived.” She took Ada’s hands. “I thought you valued your privacy and thus kept my distance, but I see now you might have felt unwelcome. Never again, Ada.” She winked. “I don’t even mind about the custard.”
Ada blushed.
With a theatrical sigh, Mrs. Gosling turned to Thierry. “I overheard your proposal. I don’t suppose you thought to bring a ring?”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment request, but no less sincere for the impulsiveness,” he added, grinning.
“You young people. So impetuous.” Mrs. Gosling pulled a small chain out of her bodice and removed a thin band of gold. “This was mine, once upon a time. I can think of no greater honor for it than to grace a new bride’s hand.”
Thierry accepted the delicate circlet with trembling fingers, nearly dropping it in the process. He dropped to one knee. “Miss Naughton, one last time: will you be my wife?”
“Yes!”
She pulled him to his feet and flung herself into his arms. Once again, Cavalier Cove burst into cheers.
“Come on, Ada,” he murmured when the kiss broke. “I’m taking you out in celebration.”
“Where?”
“Back to the Cock and Bull. I still owe you a meal with no eggs.”
She threw back her head and laughed, bonnet falling back and her curls dancing on the breeze. “I never doubted you’d keep your promise, Thierry.”
