“That was incredibly dangerous.” William did not move, struggling to push away the dread which had torn at him. “The risk you took….”
“I did it for you, Lord Foster.”
Miss Lawrence’s cheeks flushed as he stepped closer to her, wanting simultaneously to pull her into his arms and berate her for what she had done.
“They could have seen you! Anything could have happened to you.”
“But they did not see me.” Miss Lawrence brushed her fingers across his cheek. “I did not injure myself. I was not followed. Indeed, I spoke to one of them - he thought me nothing more than the lady of the night and told me to hurry on my way.”
William shook his head, no words coming to his lips.
“And what did you learn?” Lord Wiltsham’s voice interrupted William’s burning thoughts. “Was there anything of importance?”
Miss Lawrence shrugged.
“I cannot yet tell. I know that the gentleman walked into Donley’s, the gentleman’s club, whilst his man waited outside. He was the one I spoke to. I do not think I have ever seen such a brute of a fellow in a long time! He had more strength in one hand than I have in all of me!”
At that moment, remembered pain hit William in the side of his head as a memory tore through him of the brute who had struck him from behind.
Dropping his head, he ran one hand over his face, just as Miss Lawrence caught his other one, evidently seeing the pain on his face.
“Are you well, Lord Foster?”
William’s voice wobbled as he shook his head, hardly able to believe that she had been standing and talking with the gentleman who had struck him.
“The men in the room, the men that you followed, were those who injured me and stole my fortune. I have recalled that a very strong hand struck me on the side of my head. Whoever stole my fortune clearly had someone on hand to deliver such a blow, and it could only have come from a man with a great deal of strength. And, given that you have seen and spoken to this man, you may now be in danger, Miss Lawrence.”
Fear bubbled up in his throat, but immediately, Miss Lawrence grasped his hand and shook her head.
“He will not recognize me. It was very dark, and the man would not be able to recognize my face in broad daylight. I am sure of it. I did nothing more than discover the name of the gentlemen’s club in the hope that you might go there and find the name of the man who went in that evening.”
Lord Wiltsham caught his breath and William realized at that very same moment exactly what she was suggesting.
“And if a Viscount was there whose title begins with an ‘M’, then I shall have found the man who has stolen my fortune.” Turning to face Miss Lawrence so that he might grasp both of her hands in his, William gazed deeply into her eyes before turning his head away again, not quite certain that he could contain himself if he continued to look at her so. She had done more than speak well of him in society, had done more than he had ever imagined she might be able to do. The courage and fortitude she had shown now led him down a clear path towards victory and restoration - and all because of what she had done. “You are remarkable.” William shook his head and closed his eyes, not quite able to find the words to describe everything he felt at this moment. “I should not have berated you for what you did, although my heart still quails at the thought of what could have happened to you. My entire being is singing with joy over with the hope that you have restored to me.” Pressing her hands, he moved a little closer to her still. “Only promise me that you shall never do such a thing again.”
Miss Lawrence laughed softly and shook her head.
“I am afraid that I cannot give you any such promises, my Lord.” Her smile faded a little. “I must pray that this is what you have been seeking. If this is the gentleman who has stolen your fortune, then I beg of you to find a way to make certain of your own safety as you confront him. If he was willing to do such a heinous thing as cheat you out of your fortune, then I am certain he will be willing to do even more. Surely the danger is no longer for me, but for you.”
“She is right.” Lord Wiltsham glanced at Miss Lawrence and then looked to William. “We must think carefully about how we are to approach this. I am by your side, whether or not you wish me to be,” he finished, seeing William’s anger burning in his eyes. “Our first endeavors are to be to the gentlemen’s club, but thereafter you must give a great deal of consideration as to how you are to proceed. I do not think Miss Lawrence would prefer you gain your fortune only to lose your life.”
“No, indeed.”
Miss Lawrence’s hand caught the top of his arm and William was held fast by the flashes of silver in her beautiful grey eyes. How had he ever thought her plain? To him, she was the most beautiful woman in all of England; her character divine, her gentle nature nothing but sweetness and the beauty of her face capturing his attention with every moment that passed.
“I would rather you were impoverished than dead, Lord Foster.” Miss Lawrence spoke bluntly, her eyes searching his. “Promise me that you will be careful.”
“I shall take the utmost care.” With Lord Wiltsham fading into the background, he came close to her until his face was only an inch away from her own. “Miss Lawrence, I would express to you just how much my heart feels at this moment. It is not because of what you have done for me, but because of what you have become to me.”
Miss Lawrence blinked rapidly, her eyes rounding, but William did not hold himself back. They were betrothed now, so he could speak openly and earnestly without fear that she would run from him.
“I am as astonished as you appear to be, but let me speak the truth. There is more in my heart for you, Miss Lawrence, than mere friendship. There is so much more to learn and to say, I am sure, but for the moment let me express to you just how much I admire you, how much I owe you and how grateful I am for you.”
A loud giggle from a lady walking arm in arm with her friend stole the moment. Miss Lawrence dropped her head and Lord Wiltsham cleared his throat, leaving William a little frustrated. Letting out a breath, he set his shoulders and stepped back.
“Come, let us walk together a little more before I return you to your mother.”
Over his shoulder, he saw Lord Wiltsham nod in answer to William’s silent question. After their turn about the grounds, William had every intention of making directly to Donley’s and seeking the name of the gentleman who had been there only the previous evening. The gentleman who might hold the answers to all of his questions. The gentleman who had ruined his life.