She propped her hand on her elbow, trying to decide exactly what that future might look like. Would they marry? Her heart cried out ayes, which made her smile. Apparently, whatever reservations she’d been holding on to had disappeared.
Would they live in her house? While it was lovely, the properties within the marquessate were all far better appointed. And what would she do with her life? Certainly, there was a great deal of work as a marchioness, but even when they’d been engaged, she’d never imagined actually having the title.
Their dreams had always been of investigation and adventure.
Had Bennet had his fill of that life? She’d guess that he had. But she felt as though she’d hardly begun. She’d been trying to make that life happen for the last six years, not that she’d been able to get there.
It hadn’t been until Bennet returned that she’d truly begun to do real work.
She shook her head. They’d always been better together.
“Rebecca,” Laurel softly said from her right. “After you’ve had your breakfast, do you think we might speak?”
The woman had made the request quietly enough that neither Dillan nor Alexi appeared to have heard. Rebecca’s own musings were cast aside as she looked at the delicate beauty next to her. “Of course.”
What would Laurel wish to discuss? Her curiosity was piqued, and truth be told, she’d love a distraction until Bennet returned. Until he did, nothing in her own life could be decided.
“Once you’re done with breakfast, why don’t we sojourn in the library? The weather is lovely, and all the doors have been opened to the garden.”
She gave a nod. That did sound nice.
“My friend Charlotte, the Countess of Westmoreland, will be arriving soon,” Alexi said, giving Rebecca a large smile. “I know you’ve met her before, but I’m eager to make a more formal introduction. You two should get on famously.”
Rebecca gave Alexi a grateful smile. Any distractions were most welcome now. “I look forward to it.”
“Charlotte is a countess, but also an amateur sleuth. Semiprofessional, really. She does excellent work, and the two of you might have a great deal to talk about.”
Rebecca nodded as she rose to get something to eat. She wasn’t even the least bit hungry, but this day was going to require fortification. Because even though they’d made huge strides today, she couldn’t ignore the feeling that events still had the potential to go completely awry.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Bennet satin the duke’s carriage, a smile playing at his lips as he sank back into his seat. The meeting had been a success.
The solicitors had confirmed the validity of the case he’d built. Between the evidence and the list of witnesses, they were confident that the earl could be tried on both criminal acts and treason. The police had agreed to make the arrest and Her Majesty’s advisor had called the case a wonderful success for the beginning of her reign.
She was the sort of leader who’d make the country stronger.
Bennet didn’t care how they spun it, provided Rebecca would be kept out of harm’s way.
He’d get his life back. Despite all the damage that had been done, he had a hope for the first time in years that he might find happiness.
The love of his life had come back to him. Rebecca was all that mattered now.
“I don’t know what I imagined for this morning, but that was better,” Brax said with a rakish grin. “I do believe you won.”
Bennet shook his head. “I’m hardly able to believe it. So many years spent investigating…”
Brax sat up. “I’m glad to know you, my lord.”
Bennet gave a quick jerk of his chin. He was glad to know Brax too. Very much so. He’d not had the luxury of friends for quite some time, and having both Brax’s and Dillan’s help had been such a welcome addition. He’d been on his own for far too long. “The feeling is likewise.”
Brax reached out his hand and Bennet lifted himself off his seat to reach over and shake the duke’s hand. “I’d very much like to continue our friendship after…” But his words melted away.
Because a man was peering at them intently from just inside a shadow in an alley. Bennet would never have seen him if he hadn’t sat up. The man’s eyes followed the carriage until he stepped onto the sidewalk, keeping the carriage in view.
The streets had begun to fill, so their progress was slow, allowing the man to keep pace with them. “Bloody hell,” he murmured, using the curtain to disguise the fact that he was watching the man watch them.
“What is it?”