Page 3 of Murder in Disguise (Mary and Bright #5)
Sometime later, Mrs. Mary Bright issued a satisfied sigh, balanced on her knees while straddling her husband’s lap, and rested her hands lightly on his shoulders. “I must say, that little interlude was much needed this afternoon. Thank you.”
“As if our relationship is only based in physical need.” But he seemed pleased, nonetheless.
He cupped her cheek then brushed his lips over hers.
“These quiet moments, though, are the ones I live for because that means I have you all to myself. It reminds me of the time we first met and the glorious months following.”
She couldn’t help but smile. When they’d accidentally met at a Christmastide house party nearly two years ago and Bright had waylaid her in the carriage house where he’d stolen a first kiss, she had no idea what that meeting would eventually lead to.
Essentially, the former Bow Street inspector had changed her life for the better and had also restored her trust in men.
“Those were beautiful days.” At that time, Gabriel resided at The Albany while he’d bought this townhouse so that she could have her own space and she could move out of her brother’s house.
In that way, they had somewhere private to conduct their affair, and start building a life together.
A year ago this month, they’d finally married, and it had been everything her horrid first marriage had not been.
And still the inspector managed to surprise her.
“With even more to come,” he said moments before pressing a kiss to her temple.
“I look forward to each one of them.” With nothing else to do, and knowing their time alone together was rapidly diminishing, Mary slipped from his lap.
As she put her clothing to rights, a delicious lethargy went through her body as a reminder of how lovely coupling with her husband was and how, despite how possessive and strong he could be, he was also protective and would do anything for her.
“Do you want me to ring for a refresh of the tea pot?”
“Don’t bother. Tepid tea is still tea, and we’ll do justice to the pot regardless.” A low growl issued from his stomach, which caused a grin as he left the chair. “I suppose I am a bit peckish.”
“I’ll wager you are. Whenever you have a case that requires extra thought, you tend to lose yourself in it and forget everything else.
” While her husband stuffed his flagging member back into his breeches and then did up the frontfalls, she retrieved the tea tray and brought it over to his desk. “What is your case about?”
“Much different than anything I’ve worked before.” Then he snorted as she poured out a cup of tea for him. “Or rather, the specifics of the case are different. Perhaps the motivation behind the crimes is the same, for people’s morals and reasons don’t change all that much.”
“You’re right. Humanity is capable of wonderful things, but they are also disposed toward the horrid.
And if they don’t have strong minds or the ability to think clearly, evil will sneak in.
” As she poured out a cup of tea for herself, Mary’s mind flitted over the cases she’d helped her husband work since meeting him.
Sometimes, she honestly thought that when boiled down to one single aspect of why people committed crime or even murder, it was fear at the root that motivated the action.
“Society, as a whole, needs to do better looking after each other, I think.”
“Perhaps, but I’m of the opinion that evil men—or women—will always do evil regardless of the help or assistance or companionship offered to them.
” He filled a small plate with the tiny seed cakes, jam tarts, and various other pastries he adored, then he dropped once more into a chair facing his desk.
“As far back as humanity began, this has never changed.”
“It is a conundrum.” She nibbled on her own share of the offerings on the tea tray, for coupling with him always made her ravenous.
After she’d drained half of her cup of tepid tea, she set her saucer and cup on the desktop then gathered the papers and folio that had dropped to the floor in the heat of the moment. “Tell me about the case.”
“Apparently, four young women between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-eight have been kidnapped. All in and around London or Westminster. Two are from Mayfair, and two are from neighborhoods outside of that area—Marylebone and one from the Dials. They have all gone missing within the past two weeks. Vanished.”
Mary frowned. “No clues?”
“None that Bow Street has been able to easily uncover.”
She continued reading through the notes. “It seems that some of these interviews are rather light on information. The man who worked the case before you, did he put in even a modicum of effort?”
“It would seem that he did not.” Gabriel chuckled then drained his teacup. “Which is why I’ve interviewed two of the sets of parents, with the others on my agenda to talk with this week.”
“That’s a good idea. I would like to accompany you, if you don’t mind.”
“I would not. In fact, I was of a mind to ask you exactly that this afternoon, before you distracted me with your feminine magic.” When he winked, a bit of heat went through her cheeks.
“Your perspective is always most welcome during these sorts of cases. You know that, and I wouldn’t be nearly the lauded inspector without your help. ”
“You are sweet, Bright.” If she used his surname and his given name interchangeably, it only meant that she adored both sides of him. “It’s enjoyable work, if you manage to ignore why the work is necessary in the first place.”
“Indeed.” After he rested his plate and cup on the tray, he dusted his hands together to remove any crumbs.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, though.
Our partnership in all aspects of life remains my favorite feature of our union.
Living and working with you, being equals, is something that I hold sacred. ”
Solving a case that involved murder was essentially what had brought them together.
Knowing they both enjoyed the challenge to their minds was just a bonus.
Mary nodded. “I agree. Never have I been so content and happy than I am with you, in whatever way that is.” It was the truth.
“Does Bow Street have a suspect in mind or at the very least a person of interest?”
He shrugged. “They say to lean on the girls’ fathers, but one of them is an upstanding member in the House of Commons. That will prove a tricky situation. Another is a banker, who is beside himself with worry, of course.”
“None of that matters. Even people who seem to be upstanding can have rotten souls.”
“True.” Gabriel nodded. “This is one of the reasons I adore having you on my cases.”
She flashed him a grin. “Have they been interviewed? From the notes, I can only see that two of the fathers were talked to, but not with any sort of depth or questions other than the surface ones.”
“I think the man who worked this before me interviewed the banker. It was determined that the man was innocent, for he wasn’t even in the house when his daughter was taken.”
“Oh?” Surprise filled her chest. “Where was he?”
Bright shrugged. “Well, he was home. His daughter was with a friend. She was taken from that house.”
“How interesting.” Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “Was the girl’s friend snatched as well?”
“It would appear she was not.”
“That is strange and quite an interesting tidbit.” Why had one young woman been taken but not the other? “Perhaps we should start there. Or with the member of the Houe of Commons. Sometimes men with fancy positions are quite skilled at hiding abuse.”
“This is also true.” He nodded. “I’ll make a note, and then we’ll discuss plans of strategy in how we wish to go at the case.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Mary smiled as she met his gaze. “You certainly know how to keep me happy.”
“In more than one way, I suspect,” he shot back with a wink. Then he stood and went around the other side of his desk to retrieve a ledger book and other papers from the floor. “How does Adelaide fare currently? Is she pleased with how her Season is progressing thus far?”
“I believe she is. Of course, much of it is overwhelming, and she’s asked that we decline all invitations so she can rest before the All Hallow’s Eve ball. I just follow her lead, for a first Season should be exciting and wonderful.”
“Agreed.” He nodded. “Is she popular within society from what you’ve seen?”
“It would appear so. Of course, I think she’s quite beautiful, and with those blue eyes and blonde hair, she’ll always be sought out, but Adelaide has more intelligence than to fall for the first man who tries to turn her head with flattery.”
“Oh, I agree with you on that, but what about kisses?”
She chuckled. “I don’t mind if she experiences her first few kisses as long as they are chaste, but I will not let her toss her reputation or future away by going down the garden path with a man who doesn’t have her best interests at heart.
” The world was a big place with much to offer a young lady like her niece.
She didn’t necessarily need a man if she didn’t want one.
“You’re a good sort, Mary,” he said as he joined her in the middle of the room and slipped his arms around her. “I’m glad she has you to protect her while her father is away.”
“Thank you.” Resting her hands on his solid chest, she smiled up at him.
“I had a letter from William yesterday. He’s hoping to be back in London by the end of next month.
Apparently, there is much going on what with the social unrest throughout England this year and other things that are happening through the Continent. ”
“I can just imagine. The world is experiencing growing pains, and will continue to do so. That is just the natural progression of life.” He held her a bit closer. “Through it all, I will do my best to protect you and our little family from everything that might happen.”