Page 117 of The Last Chance
Daventry approached. “Lucia could travel the world with that voice,” he said. “Though now you’ve found her, I don’t suppose you’re keen to let her go.”
“Maybe when she’s older,” Aaron said. His siblings liked having a younger sister to care for, particularly Delphine. “There’s no rush. Lucia needs the stability a large family provides.”
Daventry nodded and addressed Joanna. “The Countess of Berridge has a monumental task ahead of her if she hopes to see her ladies fulfil their potential.”
Joanna smiled. “I never shy away from a challenge. Ask my husband.”
Daventry laughed as he took another glass of champagne from a passing footman. “Your ladies may need to work on their repartee. Miss Moorland asked Gentry if she could examine his implements. The fellow almost choked on his brandy.”
Aaron chuckled. “It could have been worse. She might have confessed to having a fascination with men’s tools.”
Joanna took umbrage at their teasing. “I doubt Mr Gentry will forget her. Sometimes, a lady must do what is needed to stand out from the crowd.”
Daventry bent his head. “Gentry will need a lady with a bit more gumption, particularly when he’s working as a highwayman out on the Barking Road.”
Aaron almost choked at the news and he wasn’t drinking brandy. “Whoever told you that must have downed a quart of gin. Why would a professional man risk his neck to steal baubles? I know for a fact he doesn’t need the money.”
“I’m told he’s conducting a private investigation,” Daventry whispered.
“Does it have anything to do with Justin’s death?” Joanna asked.
Daventry shrugged. “If I were attempting to bring two medical minds together, I might suggest Miss Moorland conduct an investigation of her own. Though she might need both of you to help her in the risky endeavour.”
“I’m not playing the matchmaking matron,” Aaron said with a snort.
“What if I offered an incentive?”
“You have nothing I want.”
The glimmer of mischief in Daventry’s eyes said that wasn’t entirely true. “What about a written oath? Security for the future?”
Aaron straightened. “Go on. I’m listening.”
“A contract between my family and yours, agreeing to cometo each other’s aid. Would you not want your sons to know they can call upon mine in a crisis?”
With his interest more than piqued, Aaron nodded. “And in exchange, all I need to do is help my wife keep her vow to her ladies?”
Daventry glanced at the door as Rothley returned. “Yes, and assist anyone in this room who’s stopped caring if they live or die.”
“Draw up the contract, and I’ll consider your proposal.” At the rate Aaron made love to Joanna, he’d also be a father in nine months. Preparing for the future was vital.
“Excellent,” Daventry said. “Though it will also apply to daughters.”
“And my siblings and their children.”
“Agreed.”
While Daventry was in a pleasing mood, Aaron said, “Perhaps you might reassure Lucia that no charges will be brought against her. She still has nightmares and jumps whenever there’s a knock on the door.”
“Certainly.”
As soon as Daventry left them, Aaron gripped Joanna’s elbow and propelled her towards the door. “This might be the only opportunity to spend five minutes alone.”
“It’s pointless sneaking about. People will know we’ve been outside.”
“Yes, admiring the orangery. We’re entitled to have time together on our wedding day. Ask the footman for your cloak.”
Eager to be alone with him, she retrieved her garment. “My husband loves the snow,” she said to the indifferent servant.
