from the wound, so he remained still.
“I hope she told the authorities the truth and that they find all the things she stole where she said they would be. I know how desperately you want to get the raven back.”
For some reason the raven didn’t seem so important anymore. “I’m sure she wouldn’t have told them she had the things if she didn’t.”
“Imagine, her stealing the jewels, the painting, your golden raven, and then realizing she had no idea how to go about selling them to anyone.”
Chandler gave a short laugh. “It’s our good fortune that she never made it to the moneylenders to find a trader.”
“Yes.”
The carriage stopped, and Chandler opened the door and jumped out. He looked up both sides of the street before he helped Millicent down, then held his cloak over her head so if anyone were around they couldn’t see her. He told the driver to wait at the coach for him so he could take Millicent home later.
Winston opened the door to his town house, and they quickly stepped inside. A light burned in the front parlor so Chandler ushered her into the room and helped her take off her cloak.
“Winston, Miss Blair has been injured.”
The valet stepped forward. “What can I do, sir? Should I get a physician?”
“No,” Chandler and Millicent said in unison, then Chandler added, “I don’t think it’s serious enough for a doctor. Bring me water, some cloths, and ointment.”
“Yes, sir,” Winston said and left immediately to get the items.
“Here, sit on the settee.” Chandler turned up the lamp that burned on a table by the small sofa. He then walked over to the sideboard and poured two glasses of brandy.
He handed her one of the glasses. “Drink this. It will make you feel better.”
“Thank you.” She took the drink and sipped it.
“Are you cold? I can build a fire.”
“No, I’m fine. Really, there was no need for you to bring me here to your home, but I’m glad you did. If only for a few minutes. I must go soon. I would hate for news of this evening to reach Lady Beatrice before I get there.”
He remained standing, looking down at her. “That won’t happen, I’m sure.”
“Here you go, sir,” Winston said, carrying in a silver tray containing a bowl of water, cloths, and a jar.
The valet set the tray on the round rosewood table beside the settee.
“Thank you, Winston.”
“Yes, sir. Can I do anything else?”
“No. I can take care of everything from here. Good night.”
“Very well, sir. Good night.” Winston walked out and closed the door behind him.
“He seems very capable,” Millicent said.
“He is.” Long ago Chandler had told Winston when he said the words good night that meant he was not to be disturbed again that evening.
“Is the brandy making you feel better?” he asked as he sat down on the settee beside her.
“Yes.” She smiled. “For the third time I will tell you, I am fine and I am calm. Even my headache is better. Don’t ask me again.”
“All right. Let’s clean that cut.”
Chandler dipped the cloth in the cold water and gently washed the blood away from her wound and face. His face was very close to hers, and he was tempted to kiss her lips, but he silently, tenderly cared for her. When he asked her if it hurt, she merely shook her head and remained quiet until he had rubbed the ointment over the broken skin.
“There. All done. Thankfully, it’s not as bad as I thought. There shouldn’t even be a scar after it heals. Go on and finish your brandy.”
“Thank you,” she said as he picked up the tray of water and moved it to a table by the window.
“It’s comforting to know that I shall live.”
Chandler walked back to the settee and sat down beside her, much closer than he should have, and picked up his drink and took another sip of the amber liquid so much the color of Millicent’s eyes. He didn’t know if it was the brandy that warmed him or the fact that Millicent was in his house. Suddenly he had a great desire to embrace her. He shouldn’t have sent Winston to bed. Being alone with Millicent was just too damn tempting.
“Yes, you will live to tell your grandchildren all about how you discovered the Mad Ton Thief. Now that I think about it, maybe you should have a scar so you can show them how heroic you were.”
She laughed. “Oh, you do make the event