and decide how and when to announce it.”
A sliver of unease pierced the bubble of happiness buoying her. Did that mean he wasn’t certain how he felt about marrying her? Did he feel sorry for her after all and that was the reason behind his proposal?
She nodded and forced a smile. “Perfect.” Then why did she feel it was anything but?
DANIEL SETTLED AT HIS desk the next morning, eager to take a look at his investments with a new eye. Now that he was to be married, he felt an added responsibility to do all he could to improve his finances. Beatrice deserved the best, and he intended to give it to her. She’d been through so much but her warm and gentle spirit, as well as her beauty, continued to shine.
They had yet to set a date for the wedding, or even for announcing their betrothal, but there was no hurry. Her tears had unsettled him, and he could only surmise she needed time to adjust to the idea of marriage. At least, that was what he hoped. Her hesitancy made him worry. As did the guilt that he’d pressed her into a betrothal before she was ready.
Part of him wondered if he should’ve waited and given her time to meet other men over the next few weeks before he offered for her. But how could he have done that when she’d been intent on leaving soon?
Surely he’d done what was best for her, hadn’t he? Never mind the niggle of worry that he’d made a mistake he didn’t yet recognize.
“Mr. Thomas Hurdy to see you, sir.”
Daniel looked up in surprise at Pierre’s announcement. He hadn’t expected to hear from the Runner based on what he’d said at their last meeting.
“Good afternoon.” Daniel rose as the man strode into his study, his hat in hand.
Hurdy’s glower didn’t bode well, Daniel decided.
“I have a question for you. Actually, I have several.” The Runner’s mouth tightened.
“Of course.” Daniel gestured toward the chair before his desk, noting that Pierre stood at the door and showed no intention of leaving.
“Did you or did you not enter the brothel last week?”
“What would make you ask that?” Daniel couldn’t imagine how Hurdy would’ve discovered his visit.
“Apparently, the entire building was evacuated as someone sounded the alarm of ‘fire’ and panic ensued.”
“Was anyone injured?” He saw no point in confessing to the deed.
“Only a lord who was in a room on the upper level. He tripped in his hurry to get down the stairs and broke his nose. According to a witness, he hadn’t pulled up his trousers before fleeing the supposed danger.”
The idea of Remington literally caught with his pants down and breaking his nose nearly had Daniel smiling. “How terrible.” He didn’t bother to keep the sarcasm from his tone.
“There was a report of something stolen during the chaos.”
“Other than women’s virginity and dignity?”
Hurdy’s lips twisted, the only acknowledgement of Daniel’s remark. “A box of money was taken.”
“You don’t say.” He had given half of the funds to Miss Adams and intended to give the other half to Beatrice, though he had a feeling she’d refuse the money, especially now that they were betrothed. If so, he’d find a way to put it to good use.
He hadn’t told Miss Adams where the money had come from, only that he wanted her to begin her new life on the proper footing. Though he knew money couldn’t regain what she’d lost, he hoped it would smooth her path in the coming weeks.
“The report also mentioned several of the men working there were injured by the same man who stole the box. That man was supposedly injured as well.”
“Do I look injured to you?” Daniel stood with his hands out from his sides before returning to his seat, grateful his injury was healing nicely. He’d be damned if he’d admit to anything. He only wished he’d caused more damage on his way out. “Why are you telling me all this, Hurdy?”
“I’d like to know if you were involved.”
Daniel lost his patience. “And I’d like Finch to be arrested. It looks like neither of us will get what we want.”
Hurdy leaned forward, his dark eyes heated. “You stirring up trouble won’t help the investigation.”
“If I did, it doesn’t sound as if it would hurt anything either. Is that the only reason you called?”
“We are making some progress with our inquiries, but these sort of events only put Finch on guard. He’ll be even more careful in his activities.”
“Duly