Page 143 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

Simon shook his head. “I wish you luck.”

“I appreciate that.”

Corbyn headed up the stairs towards his father’s bedchamber. He knocked on the door and waited to be invited in.

“Enter,” his father said.

As he opened the door, he saw his mother sitting next to his father’s bed with a book in her hand. His Grace was sitting up in bed, his back resting against the wall.

“Evan,” his mother greeted, rising. “What a lovely surprise.”

“I have come to check on Father,” Corbyn said as he stepped further into the room.

“That is so thoughtful of you!” his mother gushed. “Isn’t it, Andrew?”

His Grace nodded. “It is,” he replied in his usual gruff manner.

“Have you had breakfast?” his mother inquired.

“I haven’t.”

“Would you like me to request a tray?”

Corbyn put his hand up. “That won’t be necessary,” he assured her. “I was hoping to speak to you both about an important matter.”

His mother returned to her seat and gave him an expectant look.

Corbyn walked over to the window and leaned back against the windowsill. “I have decided to offer for Lady Jane Radcliff.”

His mother clasped her hands together. “What wonderful news!” she exclaimed. “I adore Lady Jane.”

“I assumed you would be rather pleased,” Corbyn said with a smile.

His Grace spoke up curtly. “I would like to speak to Evan alone.”

“As you wish,” his wife replied, rising.

After his mother left, closing the door behind her, Corbyn turned his attention towards his father.

“Come sit by me,” his father encouraged.

Corbyn straightened from the windowsill and sat down on the chair next to the bed. He didn’t speak as he waited for his father to say something.

“I wanted to thank you for saving my life,” his father finally said.

“That isn’t necessary.”

“But it is,” his father insisted. “You risked your own life for my sake.”

“Your attacker wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle.”

His father’s eyes glistened with tears. “I believe I have underestimated you, my son,” he admitted. “I have never seen someone act with such bravery.”

“It’s what I was trained for.”

“No, it’s more than that,” his father pressed. “I didn’t detect a hint of fear in your demeanor.”

“Perhaps I am too sure of my abilities,” Corbyn joked.

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