Page 50

Caught But Not

“ M y lord,” Tom said, giving a start before he bowed slightly.

When the earl didn’t respond right away—he looked stunned from his interrupted attempt to knock on the door—Tom’s nervousness took over.

“I wondered if I might have a word with you, my lord. About your daughter,” he continued, his anxiousness growing.

“I wish to ask your permission to marry her.”

Harry leaned to one side until he could see Helen. “Have you already asked her?”

“No, my lord. I wished to gain your permission first,” Tom replied, sounding ever so reasonable despite the circumstances.

From the expression he had seen on his uncle’s face, Tom knew he would be facing Will’s censure soon enough.

He had a thought he might end up having to spend a night in a temple with only a mummy for company. Or that he would be left in the desert alone with a camel and be forced to find his way back to civilization.

Perhaps Uncle Will would think to leave him in the company of Bradley all day, for he was fairly sure he and the boy could make a day of it. It might have been twenty years since he was that age, but he was fairly sure he could remember how to play.

Harry exchanged a quick glance with Will before he said, “We’ll talk about it over breakfast.” He turned his attention to his daughter. “Anything I should know, Helen?” he asked.

“I love him, Father,” she replied. “I want him to be the father of my children. The sooner the better.”

Harry sighed as he returned his gaze to Tom. “Did you already discuss the matter with her?”

“I did, sir. She tried to convince me we should start this evening, but I, uh, tempted Fate and declined with the hope she’ll forgive me. I thought we had best wait,” he stammered.

“Good man,” Will and Harry murmured in unison. “Well, if there isn’t anything else…?”

“Good night, Father. Good night, my lord,” Helen said. She turned to Tom and stood on tiptoes to kiss him on the same cheek she had slapped. “I am sorry I slapped you,” she whispered.

Harry and Will exchanged knowing glances.

“I deserved it, my sweet,” Tom whispered. “Good night.” He waited until the two earls had stepped aside and made his way between them, hurrying to his own room in an effort to escape any admonishments.

Meanwhile, Helen dipped a curtsy and shut her room door, leaving the two earls on the other side.

Harry made an odd sound in his throat as Will chuckled softly.

“Well, shall we tell our wives now, or wait until the morning?” Will asked in a hoarse whisper.

“I have some brandy if you’d like to join me for a drink?” Harry suggested. “I could certainly use one.”

Will nodded. “I like your idea better.”

The two headed down the hall to retrieve the brandy and then to the empty lobby below.

It was well past midnight before they went off to bed.