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N o more than a glimpse at The Morning Post headline was needed for Edward to make arrangements for his imminent departure. His gaze flew across the article in the paper as he wolfed down a slice of toast and chased that with half a cup of tea, abandoning the rest when his butler came to inform him the carriage was ready.

He set off with purpose, the paper clutched in his fist, and told his coachman to take him directly to Portman Square. Regrettably, calling upon Miss Roberts as promised would have to wait. He hoped she’d understand.

The carriage slowed as they approached Adrian’s address, the increased traffic in the street blocking their progress until it stopped them entirely. Impatient to see his friend and hear his account of events, Edward pushed the carriage door open and climbed down.

“I’ll walk the remaining distance,” he told his driver. “You may park wherever you’re able. I’ll find you later.”

The crowd of people gathered in front of Number 5 proved the magnitude of the news the city of London had awoken to that morning.

The Marquess of Avernail, accused of blackmail and crafting lies for the purpose of interfering with justice.

Sir Nigel Clemens and Lord Carver, both charged with halting an investigation and pressing for a hasty conviction that failed to follow protocol.

Judge Nelby, suspected of passing a predetermined sentence, relieved of duty indefinitely.

Mr. Benjamin Lawrence, suspected of three counts of murder, pending a thorough inquiry.

And Adrian Croft, freed of all charges against him.

It was unbelievable. To say nothing of the accompanying statement issued by the prime minister. Filled with regret and condemnation toward those who’d played a part in the sham of a trial, it promised reform – a total overhaul of the system with every effort made to weed out any lingering hints of corruption.

What occurred here is a blight upon our system. It must not be allowed to stand, which is why, His Royal Highness, Prince George, and I shall work together, united in our common goal to make sure justice is done and that this never happens again.

Liverpool was no fool, Edward mused as he strode along the pavement. He’d included the Prince Regent in the statement, ensuring that he bore no connection to any of the wrongdoings made against Adrian, so he might remain a symbol of unity for the masses instead of inciting a riot.

Having reached the edge of the crowd, Edward wove his way past the first few people. Newspaper men, from the sounds of it. No doubt here to get a follow-up story so they could compete with The Morning Post.

“It’s Marsdale,” one man suddenly shouted as Edward pressed forward. “My lord. What are your thoughts on Croft’s sudden pardon?”

“It ought not be necessary,” Edward said, as he kept on moving, “seeing as he never should have been sentenced in the first place. All I can say is I’m glad he didn’t hang.”

Murmured agreement surrounded him. He reached the front step as someone else asked, “What would you say to the Marquess of Avernail?”

Edward didn’t hesitate in his remark. “He has disgraced his title. Men like him have no place among the peerage.”

Ignoring the comments that followed this statement, Edward turned and knocked on the door. It creaked open to reveal Elks who, recognizing Edward, opened the door just enough for him to slip inside the house.

“I hope I’m not inconveniencing you,” Edward said as soon as the door had been firmly shut and locked. “When I heard the news, my first and only thought was to see my friend, but I can return later if he’s resting or otherwise indisposed.”

“Allow me to take your hat, my lord.” Elks extended his gloved hand. “I believe Mr. Croft will appreciate your visit.”

The butler showed Edward through to the parlor with the promise that tea would soon be brought up. A maid did the honors within five minutes and had just finished distributing the tea things when Adrian stepped into the room.

Ignoring the maid, Edward walked to his friend and embraced him without second thought. “It’s damn good to have you back.”

Adrian squeezed Edward to him for a brief second before pulling away, his eyes a bit brighter than usual though no more so than Edward’s. “Did you ever doubt it would turn out differently?”

Edward cleared his throat and gave his head a quick shake. “Of course not.”

Adrian grinned. “Then you have more faith in me than I do.”

“I hope you’ll tell me what happened.”

“How long do you have?”

“As long as it takes.”

Adrian nodded, then gestured toward the sofa and promptly began his story. They emptied the teapot while he spoke and ordered more, along with a plate of sandwiches when they approached luncheon. Edward knew he ought to excuse himself and leave. He’d been there for nearly three hours, yet he still had so many questions to ask.

However…

“As much as I’d like to stay and keep you from whatever activities you have planned for today, I’m afraid I do have another appointment, for which I am already horribly late.”

“Can’t be too important since you chose to come here instead.”

“I sent word with an apology. I’m hopeful Miss Roberts will understand that you take priority in this instance.” Might as well reveal the details and get it over and done with.

Curiosity flickered in Adrian’s eyes. He tilted his head and repeated the only part of Edward’s comment that seemed to be of interest to him. “Miss Roberts?”

Heat washed the back of Edward’s neck. He cleared his throat and aimed for an air of indifference, though he doubted he’d fool his friend’s keen observational skills. “Our paths have crossed a couple of times these last few days, allowing us to further our friendship.”

“And is that all it is?” There was something else in Adrian’s gaze now besides interest. An apprehensive look that put Edward on edge. “Friendship?”

“She’s good company.” He hated how defensive he sounded, but it couldn’t be helped, given their history. Adrian had known of Edward’s fondness for Evie and though he had said he encouraged Edward to move on, seeing him actually start do so must be horribly hard. Hell, it had been near impossible for Edward himself to acknowledge that he might find love and happiness with someone else. Heart heavy, he told his friend sincerely. “I’m not sure where my acquaintance with her will lead since it’s all quite new, but I feel as though there’s a possibility for something wonderful between us.”

“So there’s a mutual attraction.”

Edward forced himself to hold Adrian’s gaze out of respect – to not be a coward – even as that infernal heat swept over his face. “I can only speak for myself with any degree of certainty, but it is my feeling that there is.”

Adrian’s eyebrows dipped ever so slightly, a thoughtful expression upon his face. He nodded slowly as though accepting the news he’d received. “You know I think of you as my brother and that your happiness is of the utmost importance to me. What I want for you is to find that one person who can be more than a wife and lover, but your closest confidante and a partner upon whom you can depend, no matter what. It’s what I have with Samantha and what I had always hoped you would find with Evie. But with her now gone, I realize you must look for it elsewhere, and I encourage that. Please don’t suppose otherwise. But since I know your heart is still healing, I feel I must caution you against being too hasty.”

Although Edward understood the point Adrian wished to make, there was no denying the disappointment that settled upon him at his words. “Of course. I have no expectations of Miss Roberts, nor do I feel as though I am rushing headlong into a relationship with her.”

Despite his best effort to sound appreciative of the advice he’d received, there was no avoiding the bite to his words.

Adrian tilted his head. “It seems I’ve offended you, for which I am sorry. Forget I said anything. If Miss Roberts makes you happy, then I am happy for you.”

Try as he might, Edward could not find the enthusiasm the comment was surely meant to instill. His emotional state had already been ruined by too much self-awareness and doubt.

Of course he knew his feelings for Melody might be developing faster than what was normal. Even he was caught off-guard by it. But healing was a process. One that had seemed impossible until he met her. Somehow, when he’d least expected it, she’d filled his heart with hope.

For Adrian to question this, to try and warn Edward away from someone who made him happy, stung.

Nevertheless, he mustered a, “Thank you,” as he stood, prepared to take his leave. “Please convey my best wishes to your wife. I hope to see you both soon, before I depart for Longmeadow on the fifteenth.”

“I’ll speak with her. Perhaps we can have you over for dinner one evening.”

Edward nodded, wished his friend a good day, and left. His stride was not as eager as when he’d arrived, and by the time he reached Heathbrooke House, he regretted the promise he’d made Miss Roberts the night before as much as he regretted the note he’d sent her.

Rather than delay the visit, he ought to have canceled. All he wanted right now was to head back home in search of solitude and a large glass of brandy. The mood he was currently in would make him abysmal company. And yet, he knocked on the Heathbrooke House door some twenty minutes later, only to learn that he would be having a private audience with his godmother, since she’d sent her lovely companion out on an errand.

Increasingly disheartened, he entered the parlor. One look at the older woman made his gut clench. The severity in her expression informed him that there would be no exchange of pleasantries here.

To confirm this, she skipped the customary greeting and told him plainly, “I wish to know your intentions with regard to Miss Roberts.”

* * *

Adrian found Samantha in the library. He’d remained in the parlor for a few minutes following Edward’s departure, mulling over the information he’d gleaned from his friend and trying to figure out what the hell to do about it. Or rather, how best to tackle the situation at hand without causing Edward additional pain.

He crossed to where Samantha sat, curled up on the sofa with a book. She raised her gaze at his approach, the warm smile she produced as her azure eyes took him in sending delicious frissons across his skin.

“How was your meeting with Edward?” She closed the book and placed it in her lap, then moved her feet to make space for him on the sofa beside her.

He sat, his hand settling over her thigh as he pushed a heavy breath from his lungs. “Good. I’m surprised you didn’t join us.”

“I did not want to intrude.” She set her hand over his, weaving their fingers together.

“A decision that may have been for the best even though I missed your company.” The questioning look in her eyes made him say, “I’m not sure Edward would have been quite as forthcoming had you been there.”

“He shared something important with you?”

Adrian dropped his gaze to their joined hands and gave hers a loving squeeze before releasing it. Unwilling to broach the topic yet knowing he must, he leaned forward, forearms braced on his thighs, and stared at the swirling design woven into the Aubusson rug on the floor. “It seems he and your foster sister, Miss Roberts, have grown increasingly close in the short time we’ve been absent.”

“A good thing, I’d imagine, since it suggests he is ready to open his heart once more.” Her words were slow and pensive. Hesitant even. “It’s also good for Melody. As much as she tries to deny it, she longs for someone to love.”

“Are you saying you would encourage a match between them?”

“If it makes them happy, then—”

“She is Harlowe’s tool.” Why did he have to explain this to her of all people? “Her loyalty is toward him, which means it can never be toward Edward, as it should be if things between them progress. She will never be fully transparent with him because she can’t be, which means Edward will find himself courting a lie. Perhaps even marrying one.”

“As you did?” The words were low and even, though not without a hint of pain or a touch of annoyance.

“Yes, except he and I are vastly different people, Samantha. Your deception made me furious, but my heart remained intact. The same will not be true in Edward’s case.” Adrian sent Samantha a look over his shoulder. “He has only just begun to recover from Evie’s death. Should he discover that Melody isn’t the gently bred woman he thinks her to be, or worse, that she might have used him to seek information about me at Harlowe’s behest, it will crush him. More than that, it may cause him to give up on love altogether.”

Hands clasped around the book in her lap, Samantha released a slow breath, the concern he felt now reflected upon her face. “I will speak with her, try to warn her away from him.”

“She may not listen to you.” Her quizzical expression compelled him to say, “I’m sure she knows you no longer answer to Harlowe.”

“Possibly, but my relationship with Melody predates Harlowe, and with my name officially cleared by the prime minister himself, I’m confident she will hear me out.”

“Let’s pray that she does, for if Edward gets caught in the middle of our altercation with Harlowe, I’ll never forgive myself for it.”

Nor would he forgive her, though he chose not to say as much. But the look in her eyes informed him that she knew he’d blame her too.