Page 34 of A Lyon’s Promise (The Lyon’s Den)

G avin stepped down from the carriage first, basket in one hand, reaching for Lucretia with the other. Her heart was so full, she felt as if it were the morning of that first ball during her one and only Season.

“Welcome to our home, love.”

Lucretia had been staring into the stormy-gray eyes that swirled with a mix of what she hoped was desire for her—not merely lust—and happiness.

He nodded, and she looked at where he indicated.

The three-story brick residence was modest in size, and all the more perfect in her estimation because Gavin had had their future in mind when he purchased it.

What an unexpected and generous gift from Earl and Countess Lippincott to expedite the process and have their home made ready in time.

Determined to memorize as many details as she could before Gavin urged her inside, she noted the windowpanes gleamed as the last rays of the sun glinted off them.

Sheer, lacy curtains would afford much-needed privacy while it kept passersby from seeing what was inside their home.

The front door was a bold shade of blue with a shiny brass knocker ready to announce their first callers.

Thompson had already alighted and was striding toward the door.

With a knock, the door opened with a flourish and there stood Weston.

Tears flooded her eyes as she tightened her hold on her husband’s arm.

“I wondered where he had wandered off to.” Meeting the intensity of Gavin’s gaze, she said, “I thought I could be content in an arranged marriage that would suit two lonely people who were comfortable in one another’s company.

When that was snatched away from me, I never thought I was meant to find contentment, let alone happiness. ”

“Lucretia.” The way Gavin drew out her name elicited a shiver of anticipation.

“I never hoped that I would see you again, or that our first meeting could ever lead to more.” Leaning closer, she whispered, “Please tell me I am not dreaming. I could not bear it if it disappears in the light of day.”

“You are going to cause a scandal,” Thompson called. “Standing in front of your house, staring into one another’s eyes.”

“Coming!” Gavin replied. The brief kiss he brushed to her forehead grounded her.

She was standing in front of her new home with her new husband, the possibility of love and happiness within reach.

“Weston’s waiting. Let us not disappoint him, as I do not think he had time to try one of Mrs. O’Toole’s cream tarts. ”

Beaming with happiness, she let him escort her to their door. “Thank you, Weston. You have no idea how happy I am that you agreed to make the move to our new home.”

“It is my utmost pleasure to serve you and Mr. King,” Weston replied. “If I may be so bold to say, it warms my heart to see you so happy, your ladyship.”

Lucretia could not remember when she had smiled as much as she had in the last few hours. “Thank you. I do not know what I would have done without you.”

Gavin held out his hand to the butler, who shook it. “Thank you, Weston. I know our house will be in good hands with you at the helm.”

“I am honored to serve you and delighted to continue to serve your ladyship.” When they stepped across the threshold, he added, “I have inspected the entire house with the aid of Lizzy and Jarvis—whom you specifically requested to join the household. Everything is in order. A light meal has been prepared by your new cook and can be served whenever and wherever you wish.”

Lucretia sensed that Gavin wanted to retire, but she wanted to show her support and thanks to those who had been faithful to her. Truth be told, she wanted to meet the new cook and have a word about what not to serve—ever—for breakfast.

“Gavin, I—”

“Would like to meet the cook and the rest of the staff while we tour our home? It will not take too long, as it is not as massive as your previous residence.”

Earnest in her need to assure him that the size of their home was exactly what she had hoped for, she smiled. “I would love to start in the kitchen. You can leave Mrs. O’Toole’s basket there so you aren’t carting it around from room to room.”

Thompson walked toward them. “I’ve checked the perimeter and lower level. Everything is as it should be. Greeves should be finished with the third floor momentarily and will report in.”

“Thank you, Thompson,” Gavin replied. “We’re going to start our tour in the kitchen.”

“Mrs. Hason offered to feed Greeves and I on our first pass through. She seemed unhappy that we refused. That is until she noticed our red frockcoats, and we informed her that we worked for you. Your cook understood when I advised her that it was our duty to check the household was secure, locking windows and doors for the night, before we could take her up on her offer.”

“How did the earl manage to arrange to hire a cook and the cleaning of our home on such short notice?” Lucretia asked.

Her husband grinned. “Earl Lippincott is well liked among the ton . It only adds to his cachet that his older brother is the Duke of Wyndmere. They are both well respected.”

Lucretia had no doubt. “We shall have to invite the earl and Lady Aurelia for tea soon, though I will need to know when it is convenient and does not interfere with your duties on Bow Street. Are you expected to report to in tomorrow?”

“How did I ever manage to find someone to marry who is so intelligent and understanding?”

“Luck,” Thompson said from where he stood in the entryway. “I’ll remain here until you are finished with your tour. Greeves and I will take turns guarding the perimeter in four-hour shifts.”

“Thank you, Thompson.” With his hand resting on her back, Gavin opened the door to the servants’ side of their house. “After you.”

“There you are!” The cook smiled as they entered the kitchen. “I’m Mrs. Hanson and am delighted to step in as your cook. Earl Lippincott did mention that it was to be a temporary position until and unless you indicate otherwise.”

Gavin spoke up. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Gavin King—”

“Of the Bow Street Runners. Forgive me for interrupting, but your reputation precedes you. Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe, Mr. King.”

He cleared his throat. “It is my duty.”

“And you do it well.”

“Er…thank you. May I present my wife, Lady Montfort.”

“Lucretia,” his wife said with a smile. “I’m Mrs. King now.”

“Though I do not hold a title, Lucretia, you are certainly able to retain your former one, even though you married a commoner.”

She felt her face heat with indignation. “I do not consider you a commoner. And as far as my first husband and his title and barony, I have no wish to be reminded of that brief time in my life, nor the years since. From this moment forward, I wish to be called Mrs. Gavin King.”

Gavin cleared his throat again. “Now that we have cleared up that confusion, shall we continue our tour?”

Lucretia sighed. “Forgive me, Gavin, Mrs. Hanson. I did not realize how sensitive the subject was until it was brought up just now, though I am adamant and will not answer if anyone addresses me as ‘your ladyship.’”

Gavin’s lips twitched. Did he find her wishes amusing?

“I am most sincere, Gavin, and do not wish to be the subject of your amusement.”

“I am not laughing at you at all, love. I was wondering how long it will take Weston or Lizzy to become accustomed to calling you Mrs. Gavin King.”

“Hmm…I suppose you do have a point. Very well, they can call me Mrs. King.”

His deep laughter had Mrs. Hanson smiling. “Well, I am happy that has been settled, Mr. and Mrs. King. Shall I serve you in the dining room, or would you prefer a tray in your bedchamber?”

“Bedchamber,” Gavin answered.

“Dining room,” Lucretia said at the same time.

Their cook looked from one to the other and nodded. “Very well, I shall send a tray upstairs for Mr. King and have a place set out for you in the dining room, Mrs. King.”

Lucretia stared at her husband. “You do not wish to eat in our dining room tonight?” The desire swirling in the depths of his eyes had her changing her mind. “Er…actually, if you wouldn’t mind sending a tray upstairs, Mrs. Hanson, we shall dine there tonight.”

“My pleasure. I shall have it sent up shortly—that should give you enough time for your tour.”

They thanked her and resumed their tour. By the time they were through, Thompson passed them on his way to the servants’ side of the house.

“Shall we adjourn for the evening, my beautiful wife?” Gavin held out his arm to her.

Heart in her throat, a bit worried that she would not please her husband once it was just the two of them, she hesitated but for a moment. “Yes, please.”