Page 50 of A Masked Lady for Mr. Kenworthy
“Darling,” she said, standing on her toes and giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Do you not know that it is bad luck to see me before the wedding?”
The dowager countess tapped her daughter’s arm playfully and giggled.
“That is only if he sees you in your wedding dress, my dear,” she said.
Faye blushed and laughed as well.
“I have news that simply cannot wait,” Thomas said, suddenly about to burst with his announcement.
The dowager countess led both he and Faye back to the sofa, summoning one of the new maids to fetch some refreshments. Thomas thanked her warmly, taking a seat between her and his bride-to-be.
“Well,” Faye said, clearly growing impatient. “Now, you have me all excited. What is this announcement?”
Thomas laughed and caressed her cheek. Even though she would be his wife in less than one day, he resisted the urge to kiss her. He wanted their first kiss to be a proper one, as a newlywed couple.
“I have officially resigned from the War Office, my love,” he said.
Faye smiled at him, but her eyes were concerned. For a moment, Thomas feared he had angered her.
“Are you certain that is what you want, Thomas?” she asked.
Thomas nodded firmly.
“I have only been as sure of one other thing in my entire life,” he said. “And that is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Faye’s smile widened, and she gave him another gentle kiss on the cheek.
“I am positively delighted,” she said. “But what will you do with your time now?”
Thomas shrugged.
“I suspect that Rupert will be able to keep me busy with unofficial assignments that do not require any active involvement in dangerous cases,” he said. “And, if not, I could always test out the coffee and sugar trades. I hear they are doing exceptionally well, especially for those who can make deals in the Far East.”
His bride-to-be watched him for another moment, and Thomas allowed himself to get lost in her face. He had been so certain that he could never love again, not the way he had loved Ruth. But now he had found Faye, he was glad he had proven himself wrong. In many ways, it felt as though Faye had found her way into his life as an intervention from his dear Ruth. After all, she would have never wanted him to wallow in sadness and misery for the rest of his days. And, if there was anyone of whom he thought Ruth would have approved, it certainly would have been Faye.
Thomas was so lost in his fiancée’s eyes that he started when she threw her arms around him. She gave him a warm, soft kiss on the cheek, which sent butterflies fluttering in his stomach.
“Oh, Thomas,” she said. “That is wonderful news. So long as you will be happy with such ventures, then you know you shall always have my love and support.”
Thomas grinned brightly. He had been fairly certain that Faye would be agreeable to him leaving the War Office. She now knew exactly what kind of danger they both faced with each case he worked. But hearing her happy confirmation of his thoughts was relieving to Thomas. For the rest of his life, he wanted to do nothing but make Faye happy. She was truly a remarkable woman, and she deserved nothing but happiness and bliss.
“I am glad you are pleased, darling,” he said, pulling back to give her a kiss on the cheek.
After tea with Faye and Lady Welborn, Thomas went back to Daleshire Manor. At first, he thought the mansion was empty, so he headed up the stairs to his bedchambers. He was just closing the door to the room when it burst open again, nearly knocking him to the floor.
“Thomas,” Rupert thundered, staring at him with wide eyes.
Thomas looked at him, his heart thumping in his chest. His partner, or former partner, had scared the life out of him, and it took him a moment to catch his breath.
“What?” he asked, holding his chest and panting.
Rupert folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at Thomas.
“Darwin tells me that you have resigned,” he said flatly. “Is this true?”
Thomas nodded guiltily. He had intended to tell Rupert himself at dinner that evening, but he should have known their supervisor would tell Rupert if he saw him first.
Rather than drag it out, Thomas simply nodded.
