Lord Deverill's Heir Read online

  He shrugged, saying simply, “He told me several years ago, not any of the details, of course, merely that his first wife had taken her own life. I could not be certain that you would believe me, so I asked Dr. Branyon to tell you.”

  Dr. Branyon said, “I think it time you destroyed this letter, Justin. No one need know anything. As for all our neighbors, I have already begun spreading it about that Gervaise was a desperate young man who had somehow discovered the existence of the emeralds. Indeed, to further dampen rumors and gossip, Ann and I have both told certain people that the gun went off by accident. As for Gervaise, we have simply said that he was shot trying to escape with the necklace.”

  “I had not even thought of doing that,” the earl said. “Thank you both.” Dr. Branyon smiled down at Arabella. “Now, young lady, you need to rest.

  No, do not gainsay me, for I have a formidable ally in your husband. Also he tells me that he will wash your hair for you if you are obedient.” He passed the palm of his hand over her cool forehead. “Yes indeed, there can be no finer physician in the county.” Dr. Branyon and Lady Ann left the earl’s bedchamber, arm in arm.

  “Now, do you swear you will always trust me?” She gave him a long assessing look. Slowly, she pulled him down to her and whispered in his ear, “Did I tell you about the second letter, Justin?”

  He could but stare at her. “You little tease, by God but that was well done. My heart had plummeted to my toes. Promise me, Arabella. There is no second anything, is there?”

  “No,” she said and laughed. Her shoulder had been paining her, but her laughter had made it feel better.

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “When we are not yelling at each other, do you think we could laugh together?”

  “I should like that very much,” she said. “It hurts my shoulder to pull you down to me. Could you come to me willingly now?” He did, kissing her until she was breathing rapidly and her eyes were vague. He lightly laid his palm over her breast. Her heartbeat was quite fast. He grinned down at her. Between small nipping kisses, he said,

  “Life is really very nice, isn’t it?”