Page 4 of Murder in Disguise (Mary and Bright #5)

“You are a good man, Gabriel.” She lifted up onto her toes to kiss his lips. “I hope you’ll lead Adelaide out for a waltz at the ball. That will help her gain visibility within society, and you are quite handsome, regardless.”

“Of course I will. I want to see the girl succeed in whatever she wishes for her life.” He moved away from her to cross to the door, where he unlocked it and then pulled open the wooden panel. “Is everything complete for the ball? Will our lack of ballroom hinder the event?”

“The staff and I will transform the drawing room for the occasion. Don’t worry about anything.

Decorating will start soon and all will be well,” Mary hastened to assure him.

“Everything from the menu to the décor to the guest list has been finalized. We just need to put it into place once the date arrives.”

“Excellent. I can’t wait to see the house transform.” He grinned. “I’m quite certain you’ll do a wonderful job on it.”

Before she could respond, the house erupted into its customary noise again. Mary cast a glance at him as she joined him at the door. “I guess that means our alone time has come to an end.”

“There will be other moments, love.”

No sooner had they gained the foot of the stairs when the children burst from the entry hall and ran toward her and Gabriel with their governess trailing more slowly behind.

“Papa!” Cassandra called as soon as she spied Gabriel.

“Mama!” Charlie shouted then launched himself into Mary’s arms.

Then the children both began chattering at once about their outings and all the things they’d seen.

“I apologize, Mrs. Bright,” the governess said as she reached their location. “The children got away from me the second they saw you.”

“It is quite all right, Miss Alexander,” Mary said after bussing Charlie’s round cheek. “I’ll never say no to giving my children a hug or a kiss.” When she glanced at Bright, the proud grin he wore put heat once more into her cheeks.

I would never have had these children if it weren’t for him.

The governess nodded. Her black hair gleamed in the dying rays of the afternoon sun.

Ruddy color stained her pale cheeks, but genuine affection for the children lit her green eyes.

“Come, children. It’s nearly time for your dinner, and remember, you’ve both complained of being hungry directly after your tea this afternoon. ”

Talking about food was one of Charlie’s greatest passions. “Do you think there will be a jam tart for dessert?”

“We won’t know until they bring it up.”

Both Cassandra and Charlie drifted toward the governess. Then the platinum-haired girl glanced over her shoulder at Gabriel. “Will you read to us tonight before bedtime?”

“Don’t I always?” He gave her a wink. “We still have a good portion of that book of fairy tales to get through, and it’s most interesting.”

When Cassandra blushed, she then followed Miss Alexander and Charlie up the stairs.

“I’ll be up to tuck you in,” Mary called after them, but then, she was quite certain both children favored Bright slightly more.

Then the sound of little feet pounding down the stairs echoed seconds before Charlie peered down at them. “And check for monsters?” he wanted to know.

Gabriel looked at her with a wide grin. Then he peered up at the child. “Absolutely. We can’t have monsters just gamboling about, can we?”

“You are the best papa!” The boy scampered away, presumably to join his sister and their governess once more.

Mary’s heart skipped a beat. “I still can’t believe they have both settled so comfortably into life with us that they are so at ease like that.”

“I will never tire of hearing them call us papa and mama.” Emotions flitted through his expression, for that was all he’d ever wanted upon adopting both children. “My heart is so full, I wonder where we will go from here.”

“We’ll go together.” Before she could say anything else, happy chatter drifted to her ears from the direction of the entry way. Seconds later, her niece, Adelaide, came toward the stairs with another young woman around her age.

“Hullo, Aunt Mary,” the girl greeted before coming forward and throwing her arms about Mary in a hug.

“Can I assume your shopping expedition was successful?”

“Oh, yes!” Excitement danced in Adelaide’s eyes as she pulled away.

With her blonde hair pulled back with strands strategically framing her face, curls on her forehead, and a blush in her cheeks, she was every inch the debutante.

“We were able to acquire gloves, stockings, fans, a new reticule, and a few other bits and bobs.” She grinned.

“And this is Theresa, by the way. Or rather Miss Madison. She’s one of my friends, and we’ve Come Out together. ”

“It is good to meet you, Miss Madison.” Mary smiled at the other young woman. Compared to Adelaide, the newcomer was quite mousy and shy. She also recognized the name from the guest list for the upcoming social event.

“Thank you.” She was soft-spoken and nodded then darted a quick glance toward Gabriel before landing her gaze back on Mary. “Adelaide is fun to be with. I’m looking forward to the All Hallow’s Eve ball.”

Adelaide beamed. “I am too. Since Miss Bilson had to leave us for another commitment, I didn’t think you would mind if I brough Theresa here for dinner.”

“Of course, dear.” Mary nodded. “If you wish for a quick repast, you can utilize the upstairs parlor. I’ll order some tea for you.”

“Thank you, Aunt Mary.” Adelaide looked ready to vibrate out of her skin from excitement. “My ballgown should be ready to pick up tomorrow.”

Miss Madison nodded. “I already have mine, but it’s my favorite time of year, and there should be some choice, eligible young men attending, from what Adelaide has said.”

Her niece blushed while she shrugged. “Husband hunting shouldn’t be the only reason for attending. I want all my friends to enjoy themselves and make connections that will potentially help us in the future.”

“So says you.” Miss Madison blew out a breath. “You will probably become the most sought after deb before the Season is over.”

“Do stop.”

Then both girls giggled and then sprinted upstairs.

Bright came closer to Mary and rolled his eyes briefly to the ceiling. “Good God, young people.”

“Behave.” She gave him a playful smack to the shoulder. “You were young once.”

“Yes, but I’ll wager I’ve lived more in the past two years than I ever did when I was Adelaide’s age.”

“So you and your brother didn’t prowl through society events hoping to charm women?”

“Frances might have, but I was in the military after university. When I returned to England, I went immediately to work with Bow Street and was married shortly after that.” He shrugged and his expression sobered. “I don’t believe I’ve ever prowled for anything.”

“Oh, my dear, I most assuredly have.” He brought her hand to his lips. “I have stalked you many a time, and will continue to do so.”

“You never disappoint, do you?”

They both laughed then went up the stairs to their shared suite.

There was no doubt that she looked forward to working with him again to solve a case.

It had been a while since she’d had the capacity to do so, for now that she was a busy mother and ran a household to boot, she didn’t usually have time to devote to investigating a case and everything that would entail.

The last time was when Henry married last April, and to be frank, she missed having her mind occupied and challenged with puzzles and motives.

And if she were honest, Bright was easy on the eyes, and she adored watching him work. Also, he was never happier than when involved in a complex investigation, and coupling with him during those days was quite thrilling.

Surely, I’m too advanced in age to be excited by such.

Then she immediately pushed the thought away. Love had no age, and neither did the enjoyment of carnal endeavors with one’s spouse. As soon as they reached their rooms, she rang for her maid; it would take some time to dress for dinner, and she needed to write a letter before that besides.

But she couldn’t help her grin. Life, currently, was quite wonderful.