Page 66 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
“That, I cannot tell you,” he said. “Official business, and all that. But what I can tell you is that, while searching his house and office for evidence of his alleged crimes . . . we found papers relating to you.”
Serena gasped, nearly spilling the brandy all over her lap. The earl put his hand over hers, helping her to steady the glass and lift it to her lips once more.
“To me?” she asked. “What-what were they?”
“It seems that he falsified your financial position,” the constable said slowly, keeping a careful eye on her as he spoke. “He was intending to steal all your money, as well as the proceeds from the sale of your family’s home, Magnolia House, and all of its contents.”
Serena’s mouth fell open, and her head began to swim. She was vaguely aware of the earl taking her glass from her shaking hands and putting it on the desk, and then enfolding her hands in his.
“He lied,” she whispered. “Everything he told me was a lie.”
The constable nodded.
“That is correct, Miss White,” he said.
Serena nodded, but it was the last thing she remembered before everything went black before her eyes. When she next opened them, she was lying the earl’s arms on the sofa in his study.
“Was that . . . real?” she asked, her mind foggy and still reeling.
Lord Drinkwater nodded, brushing strands of hair out of her face.
“Yes, darling, it was,” he said gently.
Serena blinked, becoming more alert. That was the second time he had called her darling. She knew then that she wasn’t dreaming.
Overcome with joy and disbelief, she threw her arms around the earl’s neck. Before she could second guess herself, she pulled his face to hers and kissed him. After a moment, she pulled away, smiling.
“It must be the brandy,” she said, studying his face carefully.
He leaned close to her once more, smiling at her in a way he never had before.
“Yes, it must be,” he said, winking, as he kissed her back.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Edward looked down at Serena, who was still lying in his arms. He could hardly believe what was happening, and he leaned down to kiss her again.
“I love you,” he said between kisses.
Serena giggled, sending the shivers that he never grew tired of racing up his spine.
“And I love you,” she said, blushing.
His heart skipped, and his next kiss was much more passionate. Serena returned it earnestly, and Edward could feel his blood grow warm.
“I am in heaven,” he said, stroking her cheek. “I never dreamed I would be lucky enough to hear you say those words to me.”
She smiled up at him affectionately, taking his hand in hers.
“I have loved you since the first moment I met you,” she said. “It is I who felt I would never be fortunate enough for you to love me back.”
Edward starred in bewilderment.
“How could I not?” he asked in disbelief. “You are as kind and loving as you are beautiful. And you keep a level head, no matter what is happening. You were sent to me straight from heaven, and I will never forget how lucky I am.”
His dear love blushed in the way that always melted his heart, and he could not help kissing her again.
“What a coincidence,” she said, biting her lip. “I think those exact same things about you, my lord.” Her blushed deepened, and she giggled. “I mean, Edward.”
