Page 156 of The Lyon Whisperer
Anger darkened his expression. “First the arsons, and now this.”
“Arsons?” Her father and Amelia demanded in simultaneous outbursts.
Chase waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I do not wish to expand on all the details at this juncture. Suffice it to say, the countess planned and executed the recent arsons in Copsham, with the help of my previous forester, Dodd. I should have put it together sooner. Something Lord Tully said last night cinched it and the realization dawned this morning.
“I used the knowledge of her complicity this afternoon to secure the funds to repay you, Fallsgate. Millicent’s father still runs one of the largest banks in London. Evidently, he did not relish the idea of seeing his daughter questioned by Scotland Yard. He was only too happy to loan her the money to pay for damages.”
Admiration shone in her father’s eyes. “I wondered how you managed to acquire such a large sum.” He shifted his attention back to Amelia. “One thing I don’t understand. How did Lady Tully come to know the details of the wager?”
“She questioned the servants. I verified her statement today when I visited the Black Widow of Whitehall.”
Her father went utterly still. His gaze slid to her husband, seated to Amelia’s left, then he erupted in laughter. “By God, the look on your face, Culver. You have your work cut out for you.” He sobered a moment later. “Not that you aren’t perfect as you are, dearest.”
She slanted Chase a cautious glance. As she feared, he was glaring at her.
She licked her lips and made a valiant effort to redirect the conversation. “The…er…bet, my lord?”
Her father resumed speaking. “As you no doubt learned, yes, I won a sizable amount off Culver, and, yes I agreed to marry you to the Iron Lion in lieu of payment—”
“With a double or nothing wager tacked on, and a stipulation Chase would make a proper lady out of me.”
Her father got a hunted look. “All true, and for all the reasons I just cited, and maybe—all right, no, maybe. Itwaswrong of me. But I promise you, it was never about the money.”
He looked to Chase. “Lord Culver, consider your uncle’s debt paid in full.”
Chase’s jaw firmed. “I do not want your money if it comes with strings attached.”
Her father’s jaw went just as firm. “It goes toward my daughter’s dowry. The only thing I ask is that you provide for and protect my daughter.”
Amelia leapt to smooth things over between the two men. “My lords—”
“I will protect her with my life, Fallsgate, for the rest of my life. Providing for her goes without saying.”
Chase’s heartfelt vow warmed her to her toes. She prayed her love for the man was not written all over her face. Not now with her father present.
Unfortunately, she suspected it was. He took one look at her, and his brows shot up. In another moment, he was on his feet.
“Well, then, now that’s all settled, I must be off before it grows much later.”
Amelia sprang up. “My lord, you must not hasten off. Surely, we can provide a chamber and a meal for your trouble.”
Beside her, Chase unfolded his long body from the sofa and rose. “You are, of course, more than welcome, Fallsgate.”
She slanted him a look from beneath her lashes. He did not sound overly enthusiastic about the prospect.
“Thank you, but I prefer my own bed.”
“If that is your wish,” Chase said, far too quickly.
Amelia scowled at him, but he paid her no heed.
He started for the door. “I’ll see you out, my lord. Amelia,” he called over his shoulder, “may I suggest you take this opportunity to freshen up which you expressed a desire to do? Afterward, I believe we will have a nice chat concerning your day’s adventure,hmm?”
“Oh. Yes, of course.” She ought to have known she would not get off that easily.
Her father arched a brow. The amusement in his eyes said he was pleased not to be the one to take her to task.
“Perhaps some of your concern over my behavior was not so off the mark.”
