Page 66 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
Devlin downed his brandy in one large gulp. “I’m not proficient in this courting arena. By the way, I was never a fan of Lord Byron. I don’t know how to prove to her my intentions are based on my heart.”
“That’s where Charlotte and I come in. Did you know there are large veins of tin and copper on the edge of her property? How’d you like to buy mining rights for one pound? Charlotte doesn’t need them or want them. The whole reason Sanders wanted to marry her was to get his hands on the mines.”
“And did Toobury work it out?”
Sin nodded. He took a sip of brandy. “Toobury overheard Cook talking to Sanders’s valet. Toobury went for a ride up the coast to view the area himself, and the valet killed him as he was about to leave. Apparently Sanders was furious with him for killing Toobury, as it brought his plan to light.”
“Sir Ryder has Cook and the valet under lock and key. The valet will hang for his crimes, and Cook, I’m sure, is not long for British soil, transportation for her crimes.”
“I will talk on her behalf and try to get her sentenced to jail in England. She had no part or knowledge regarding killing anyone, and she was seduced by a man in a powerful position. Charlotte wants to offer her mercy.”
“I’m not sure I’d be so forgiving at Cook’s betrayal. I suspect it’s because Lottie’s so happy. She wants to show mercy.”
Sin watched the smile develop on Devlin’s lips at the thought of Charlotte. “You aren’t in love with Charlotte, are you?” His words held a bite of jealousy.
“Don’t be ridiculous. We just discussed my feelings for Dharma. Stop being the jealous suitor. Lottie and I have always just been friends.” Devlin eyed him suspiciously. “Don’t let Arianna’s treachery cloud your judgement where Charlotte is concerned. She would never betray you. She’s the most honorable woman I know. Christ, she never once dishonored her marriage vows when no one would have blamed her if she had.”
Sin knew Devlin’s words were true. He hated how the memory of Arianna and his brother made him question everything.
“Let go of the past and make a happy future with Charlotte. You both deserve happiness, and as soon as I saw her in your arms on that big horse of yours the day you arrived, the hero saving the damsel in distress, I knew who would be her fiancé by the end of the house party. It was as if you were two lost souls who had found each other.”
“Let’s drink to love and how finding it is a reward in itself. If you let us help you, I’m sure you will win your fair lady’s heart. So, what do you say?”
Devlin sat up in his chair. “One slight flaw in your plan, impressive as it is. I have no capital to work the mine.”
“You have two options. Sell the mining rights for a considerable sum, but probably not enough to negate the need for a wealthy wife, or let me become a partner and provide the capital.”
He watched the play of emotions run across Devlin’s face. Hope, pride, resignation that this was his only chance at saving his family and proving to Dharma he didn’t need her money.
Sin pushed. “It will bring our families closer together. Dharma spends a lot of time with Charlotte. They are firm friends. How lovely will it be to join in business, too?”
Devlin sighed and rose to his feet. He walked to look out the window. “You would not be offering a partnership if I did not need help.”
“It’s still a sound business decision. And the bonus is I may contribute to my friend winning his true love. Perhaps it’s because I want everyone to experience the joy of love returned, that I’m determined to help you. And how can it be charity if you own the mine and I’m simply delivering the finance?”
“It’s Charlotte offering the charity then. One pound for the mining rights.”
“She’s thinking of Dharma’s happiness. You mentioned seeing something between Charlotte and I, well Charlotte knows her step-daughter, and sees something between you two as well.”
Devlin swung around to look at him. “Are you sure? Charlotte thinks Dharma has feelings for me?” Sin merely smiled.
“I and my family thank you.”
“You accept?” Sin jumped to his feet and held out his hand to Devlin. “To our partnership.”
Devlin looked at his hand and shook it. “To love.”
“To love.”
Epilogue
Ivy Close– 5 years later
Every summer, they came back to the place where they first met—Ivy Close. And each year they were as much in love with each other as they had been from the first week they’d spent dancing around each other.
Sin stood in the entrance hall inwardly laughing at his beautiful wife. She was fussing over Tarquin’s coat when it was warm as toast outside. Her son didn’t want to wear it, and Charlotte was just as determined that he would. While Tarquin looked like him, their son had Charlotte’s stubborn character.
Today was their son’s fourth birthday and Sin was taking Tarquin for his first experience of fishing in the river. Their son had hardly slept last night. He was so excited. Tarquin was just as excited about being able to ride on his father’s horse with him.
