Page 89 of Undercover Savior

I glanced up and saw him through the window. Neither woman was facing that direction. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”

I raced out of the library, then toward the foyer. I arrived at the same time Gus removed his coat. When our eyes met, he nodded barely perceptibly. “You know.”

“Just today. A short while ago,” I assured him.

“I believe you.”

“I’ve just spoken with your mum.”

“How is she?”

“Quite worried about your reaction.” I took a step closer. “Gus, if you knew, why didn’t you tell me?”

“It wasn’t until I saw the photo of the two of us in his study that I believed it might be true. Even then, I wasn’t certain. Then this morning, the way my mum reacted.”

“Yes. Sullivan picked up on it.”

He smiled. “You did as well.”

I chuckled. “And yet when Ambrose told me, I was stunned.”

“Ambrose, eh?”

I recounted what I’d told Mairi about my uncle wanting to see what we’d done to the cottage. “I don’t think he intended to tell me.”

“He’s not had an easy go of it. That’s not to say he doesn’t drive me mad.”

“A sentiment shared by most.” I sighed. “Your mum is probably in agony presently.”

“Where is she?”

“The library. With Sullivan. Oh, and I told her it would be her decision as to how the staff is informed. Although the idea of her serving us dinner doesn’t sit right with me.”

Gus nodded. “I dare say it will be easier for her that way. Falling into the role she’s played most of her life.”

“Understood. Come.” I motioned for him to follow me. “You go in first,” I said once we reached the library.

The moment she saw him, Mairi jumped from her chair and rushed over to him. When he held out his arms, she fell into his embrace.

“Forgive me,” she said through her tears.

“Nothing to forgive, Mum.”

“I should’ve told you. I kept the secret all these years.”

“You did what you had to do, and no one, including Ash, faults you for it.”

“He’s right,” I added when she raised her gaze to mine. “There is the matter of dinner.”

She gasped. “Yes. I must return to the kitchens.”

“That isn’t what I meant. I will leave the decision to you. However, there will be a place for you at the table this evening. If you’re not ready for everyone to know, I will respect that. Just know that I very much want you to join us.”

“Thank you, sir, err, David.”

I loved that only she and Sullivan used my given name. It felt right.

“Shall we set an extra place at the table?” Gus asked.

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