Lord Danworth cleared his throat. “Might I suggest, Lady Ann, that you depart for our townhouse immediately? I suspect this evening may not be pleasant for you.”
Ann nodded, trying not to sniffle. “Yes, of course.”
As Amelia and George escorted her out, Caroline wondered when they had become human. For the past two years, George had acted like a pompous ass, and Amelia had retained the quality of an ice maiden. “Will wonders ever cease?”
“It does seem quite a turnaround,” Stephan answered and looked around at the group still gathered. “Perhaps we could stroll a bit?”
“Of course,” Caroline answered.
They walked into the garden until they were out of earshot and then Stephan stopped. He paused. “I need to ask you something.”
“What?”
“How would you like to be a legitimate pirate’s wife?”
Caroline drew her brows together. “Legitimately married? Or married to a legitimate pirate?”
Stephan smiled. “Both.”
“I do not understand.”
“Let me remedy that. I received a report from my solicitor that aroused my suspicions about Tisdale. When I talked to the prince, I also suggested there might be a link between those dealings and gold being sent to France. He was most interested.”
Caroline felt her eyes go round. “You admitted you were involved in piracy?”
“Not immediately. I had to ask some leading questions first.”
“My God! You took a huge chance. You could have been arrested on the spot.”
Stephan nodded. “It was a risk I had to take. I did not want you to worry that you were marrying a criminal.”
“I never thought that.”
“I know, and I love you for it. However, now it is no longer a concern.”
“The prince pardoned you?”
“Not quite.”
Caroline furrowed her brows. “You are going to be punished?”
“Only if you consider working for the Crown a punishment.”
She felt her frown grow. “Now you are talking in riddles.”
“I guess I am.” Stephan smiled. “The prince wants me to continue with the raids until we can find who the real players in this game are. I have an appointment with the prime minister once we get back to London.”
Caroline stared at him. “Will wonders ever cease?”
“I hope not,” Stephan answered and touched the tip of his finger to the tip of her nose. “Now do you not have a secret wedding to prepare for?”
Caroline smiled back. “I believe I do.” Her smile widened as she walked away. She had most definitely achieved the sense of adventure she had always craved.
…
As Caroline sat down to dinner that night, she hoped she appeared calm. Not quite an hour ago, she and Stephan had met with the Bishop of Chichester in Prinny’s private chapel and exchanged their wedding vows, with Brice and Eric as their witnesses. She was now the Marchioness of Kendrick.
“Are you sure you do not want the prince to announce our news?” Stephan asked as he sat down beside her.
