Chapter 18

Lucien kept his voice steady. "You will keep your position."Jasper looked toward the door. "Your Grace, Mr. Hobb will—"Lucien held up a hand. "Mr. Hobb will discover that the law applies to him."Mabel placed the tin box in her reticule. "And you will receive a raise."Lucien turned. "A raise?"Mabel pointed at Jasper. "He saved your evidence."Lucien folded his arms. "He was already paid."Mabel kept her voice calm. "Not enough to make honesty comfortable."Jasper looked at Lucien. The Duke sighed. "Give him a raise."Jasper almost fainted.On the journey home, rain began striking the carriage windows. Mabel sat opposite Lucien with the tin box beside her.Mabel looked out the window. "You do not have to give raises whenever I suggest them."Lucien kept his eyes on her. "I know."Mabel glanced at him. "You have done it twice."Lucien nodded. "The first was for the cook."Mabel smiled. "Mrs. Crest."Lucien leaned back. "She found the stolen silver."Mabel shook her head. "She found it because I told her to search the steward's room."Lucien raised an eyebrow. "She searched it thoroughly."Mabel laughed. "She threw a boot at him."Lucien smiled slightly. "It was an effective boot."Mabel looked at the rain. "You are beginning to sound like a reformer."Lucien kept his voice dry. "I am beginning to sound like a man who does not want his employees to sell him."Mabel raised an eyebrow. "That is a lower standard."Lucien nodded. "It is a practical one."The carriage jolted over a rut; Mabel slid sideways. Lucien caught her wrist. His grip was firm but careful; he released her as soon as the carriage steadied.Mabel straightened her sleeve. "Thank you."Lucien nodded. "You are welcome."Neither spoke for a while. Mabel looked out at the wet road. "Your grandmother's condition is ridiculous."Lucien kept his gaze on the window. "She believed marriage made men responsible."Mabel looked at him. "Marriage made your cousin responsible for theft."

Every Lady Wanted the Duke — But He Chose the Chubby Girl Who Didn’t Even Notice Him

A Lone Rancher Sheltered an Injured Apache Woman Overnight — At Dawn, the Entire Ridge Filled With Riders

A Cowboy Rode Into an Apache Marriage Ceremony Looking for His Horse — Then the Chief’s Daughter Pointed at Him

They Left a Young Widow to Die Beside the Santa Fe Trail — Then the Man She Once Blamed for Her Husband’s Death Found Her

HOA Karen Blocked My Driveway — Then Her Tow Truck Driver Read the Sign and Refused

An HOA President Took A Disabled Girl Out Of Her Wheelchair For Her Son — Then The Girl’s Father Showed Up

News in the same category

Every Lady Wanted the Duke — But He Chose the Chubby Girl Who Didn’t Even Notice Him