Page 144 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

His father shook his head. “I’m beginning to wonder what you truly do at the Home Office.”

All humor left Corbyn’s face. “What I do, I take very seriously.”

“So it would seem.” His father’s voice hitched. “You have made me very proud.”

“Thank you, Father.”

His father reached for his hand. “I know you are not one to seek after my approval, but I was wrong to withhold it from you for all these years.”

“That means more to me than you will ever know.”

His father smiled at him. “I have revised my will and have left you a generous inheritance.”

“That wasn’t necessary, Father.”

“I know, but I have a sneaking suspicion you will be the one looking after your mother once I am gone.”

“It will be my pleasure.”

His father tightened his hold on his hand. “If you ever change your mind, I have no doubt Simon would welcome you back home.”

“I think it might be best if Simon and I continue to remain on different paths.”

“I am beginning to agree with you,” his father said as he released his hand. “Just promise me you won’t dismiss him completely.”

“I won’t, Father.”

His father waved his hand in front of him. “Now, go and get your bride,” he encouraged. “You have my blessing.”

“Thank you.”

As Corbyn walked towards the door, his father’s voice stopped him. “Do right by her, Son.”

“You have my word,” he said. “If Jane will have me, I intend to love her with all my heart, mind, and strength.”

His father bobbed his head. “That pleases me immensely to hear.”

Corbyn walked over and opened the door. To his surprise, his mother was standing right outside. He lifted his brow in question. “Were you eavesdropping?”

She smiled at him. “Of course I was,” she replied, her eyes moist with tears. “There’s no shame in eavesdropping in one’s own home.”

“I shall have to remember that.”

“You have made me very happy by coming here today,” she said. “I have no doubt that you and Lady Jane will be immensely happy together.”

Corbyn kissed her on the cheek. “I love you, Mother.”

“Good luck, Evan.”

Jane smiled asshe sat in the drawing room and worked on her embroidery. She was biding her time until Lord Evan came to call on her, and she found herself growing rather anxious. He said he would come to see her, but what if something came up? It wouldn’t be out of the range of possibilities. He was a spy, after all.

She had always craved adventure, but in her wildest dreams she hadn’t considered that she would fall in love with a spy. She had to admit she was rather excited by that prospect. Now that she knew the truth, everything else seemed to have fallen into place. Even her brothers’ eccentric ways now made sense, and she felt immensely proud of them.

Lord Evan had confessed he had feelings for her, but were his feelings deep enough for him to offer for her? Frankly, she didn’t know what to expect. The only thing she knew for certain was that she was desperately in love with him.

Jane pulled the needle and thread out of the fabric and felt her smile dim. Good heavens, what if she’d interpreted something that wasn’t there between her and Lord Evan?

Madalene’s voice broke through her musings. “There you are,” she said cheerfully. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

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