Page 76 of The Last Chance
We’re the best of friends, Mr Chance. Nothing will ever change that.
I’ll never forget you. I’ll never forget what we had.
His grief was a crushing sadness that sucked the life out of every breath.
He coughed to loosen his throat. “Because I’m in love with her. Someone knows she means everything to me.” Saying the words aloud felt good. For once, his heart and mind were aligned.
A stunned silence ensued.
Then Aramis clapped his hands and laughed. “Praise the Lord. I feared we would have to tolerate a lifetime of brooding.”
“Self-flagellation can be tiring for those forced to watch,” Christian added. “I would rather not see you add to your scars.”
Mrs Maloney sobbed into her handkerchief. “Your love could move mountains. You’ll find a way through this. I know you will.”
He didn’t say he might leave England if he failed to prove Joanna was innocent. He didn’t say it was becoming increasingly difficult to live without her.
The mantel clock chimed the half hour.
A reminder every minute was precious.
“Flynn, I need to borrow your vehicle.” Aaron stood, snatching one of Baptiste’s pastries from the plate Aramis hogged. He would eat it slowly, savour every bite and think of Joanna. “I’ll be back by eight o’clock.” He faced Aramis. “At seven, help Miss Bryant escape over the back wall. I cannot risk her being arrested. She will need her brother’s vowels. You know where to find them.”
Aramis frowned. “Miss Bryant?”
“Delphine will explain.” Aaron turned to the family he would die for and firmed his tone. “No one leaves here. To disobey my orders is to say the beatings I took meant nothing.”
Everyone nodded, though apprehension lined their brows.
“Be safe,” Delphine called. “We love you. More than you know.”
Muttered words of agreement echoed around the table.
Money had been the means to end their suffering.
Their suffering had brought a gift greater than wealth.
Despite his eagerness to leave, Aaron paused at the door. “My love for you all knows no bounds.” He looked at them, compelled to utter words he’d never spoken. “I’m glad our father died. Being head of this family has been the greatest honour of my life.”
Home of Thomas Parker
Dean Street, Soho Square
Aaron found Daventry sitting in Parker’s worn leather chair when he barged past the irate butler and stormed into the grimy drawing room.
“You’re late.” Daventry scanned Aaron’s creased clothes and grinned. “You look dusty and dishevelled. Like you’ve journeyed fifty miles on a farmer’s cart and have barely slept a wink.”
Ignoring the comment, Aaron glanced at Lucia, perched on the cluttered sofa like a prim debutante, hands clasped in her lap, knees shaking. “I trust Miss Stowe had no objection to you borrowing her maid,” he said.
“Miss Stowe wanted to come, but I refused. There’s too much at stake to risk her interference.” Daventry motioned to the maid. “Lucia insists she’s innocent, even when I shouted at her in Italian.”
Aaron silently cursed. He knew when a punter was bluffing at cards, but the maid was skilled at adopting different identities. It took courage to wear a costume and sing opera, yet she acted like a timid mouse now.
“Where the hell is Parker?”
“In bed. He has ten minutes to dress before I drag him downstairs.” Daventry drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. “How is Miss Lovelace faring?”
The question caught Aaron off guard. He flinched as aninescapable anguish flooded his chest. “Distraught. As any innocent woman would be when accused of murder.”
