Page 62 of The Last Chance
“I knew that ingrate would come for my boys one day,” Mrs Maloney said in a venomous voice. “Perhaps I should just shoot him and be done with it. It’s not like I have long to live.”
Mr Chance wrapped his arm around Mrs Maloney’s slumped shoulders. “I’ll not see you rotting in gaol. Every day you’re in our lives is a blessing.”
The elderly woman melted into him. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.” She tapped his chest directly over his heart. “Perhaps the iron casing is cracking.”
“Or perhaps I’m preparing you for bad news. I told Aramis to close your bookshop. Although Naomi agreed to take care of things in your absence, she wasn’t safe there.”
Mrs Maloney shrugged. “They’re just books. Protecting the people we love is more important. I suppose I’m to remain here, too.”
“Yes. Don’t force me to tie you to a chair.”
Delphine hugged her husband’s arm. “I have fond memories of you sneaking into my room. Now you can stay the night.”
Mr Chance cleared his throat. “Miss Lovelace is staying in your room. The crime was committed at The Burnished Jade. She had nowhere else to go.”
That wasn’t entirely true.
She could have stayed with Gabriel.
“You put her on the third floor when the house is empty?” Delphine sounded more amused than shocked. “It makes sense, I suppose, what with debt-ridden wastrels wandering about the place.”
“I closed the club almost a week ago.”
“Oh.”
“I can move rooms in the morning,” Joanna said, not wanting to cause problems. If she rose early enough, she could help Eloise with the bedsheets.
Delphine was quick to accept the offer. “I don’t want to be a nuisance, though it would be nice to stay in my old room. The chamber next to Aaron’s is vacant. The bed is huge, and it’s much more spacious. I’m sure Aaron will give you the key to the adjoining door.”
“We will discuss it in the morning,” came Mr Chance’s sharp reply. “Miss Lovelace is a guest here. She can have whichever room suits her needs best.”
“I could always stay with Miss Stowe,” Joanna suggested. It would allow her to keep a watchful eye on Lucia.
“Perhaps you should explain what’s occurred before any decisions are made,” Mr Flynn said, his impatience evident. “I’m skilled at finding people. I may be able to help bring the matter to a swift conclusion.”
Mr Chance gestured to the drawing room. “Pour the drinks while I change. I suspect we all need a stiff brandy.”
“I shall leave you to talk privately and bid you good night.” Joanna remained on the stairs. “It’s been a long day.” And Delphine was looking at her most peculiarly. “Mr Chance has the full measure of the situation.”
His family wished her good night and moved to the drawing room while Mr Chance insisted on accompanying her upstairs.
“All I can smell is the smoke from burnt opium on my clothes. The stench reminds me of everything I hate about the demimonde.” His hand rested on the small of her back, heat infusing every cell in her body. “If you’re comfortable upstairs, Delphine can occupy the room next to mine. You don’t need to reside with Miss Stowe.”
“Are you sure you want them next door? Their hunger for each other is evident even in the most mundane conversations.”
Hunger clawed the air now—a thick and tangible desire to continue what they had started in the maze—swamping them with every step, every breath, every shaky exhale.
“Delphine wants to spend time with her husband in her old room,” Joanna continued, knowing what would happen if she was alone in a bedchamber with Mr Chance. “I think they wish to revisit a treasured memory. You mustn’t persuade her to sleep elsewhere. I’ll consider my options in the morning.”
They reached the landing, expecting to part, but it was like their feet were fixed to the floor. Their eyes remained locked on each other.
“Before you go, perhaps you should inspect the room next to mine.” His husky voice spoke of an entirely different inspection. “Delphine will insist it’s the best option. You may think differently.”
“You mean I might refuse to sleep next door to a beast,” she said with a coy grin. “It might be best if I stay with Miss Stowe.I suspect Delphine is a pupil at Mr Daventry’s school for matchmakers.”
He didn’t smile or laugh, though his breathing quickened. “Don’t leave,” he suddenly uttered, the words almost a plea. “I want you to stay. At least look at the room.”
He offered his hand and she took it, lacing her fingers with his.
