Before She Ruled (Before Series, Book 1)

Chapter Forty-One

Addie was lacing up her corset, one that she had recently exchanged for a new style to better fit her increasing state, when she heard a sigh behind her. She grinned at the sound of approaching feet on the soft carpet of the bedchamber.

Gently Theo put his hands to where hers had been working on the stays, silently offering his assistance. She let him take over, his firm hands manipulating the string efficiently. Addie cocked her head to the side to lean against his shoulder.

"What has put you in such a mood today?" he asked.

"And what mood is that?"

"You seem...high-spirited. Determined."

She considered that. "I reckon I am. You see, I have a plan."

Addie expected him to dismiss her, but he was quiet for several moments. He finished lacing her stays, and she moved to put on her gown.

"You've nothing to say?" she asked finally, unable to wait any longer for a response.

Theo chuckled a humorless laugh. "Oh, I've plenty to say. But Andrew says I need to be more trusting and less...controlling." A rush of air blew through him in a deep sigh. "So, what is this plan of yours?"

Theo began to help fasten her gown, and she dropped her hands to her sides.

"Well, as I had been saying before you rudely dragged me up here—"

"Excuse me," he interrupted, "I believe I distinctly remember you asking me to do that sooner next time."

Addie smiled at him sheepishly, a blush spreading across her face. A light brush of Theo's fingers splayed across her cheek, smugness on his face. Addie tried to continue, drawing in a deep breath.

"We simply need to draw out the killer. If I attend George's funeral, I can make a public statement that I am not his murderer. People might not believe me, but that isn't the point. If someone truly wishes me dead, they won't miss the opportunity that I might show at his service."

"All right," Theo drew out the word. "But who is to say that the killer would make a move to expose himself?"

"During the service, it would be unlikely," Addie agreed. "But if I make a very public, solitary exit, it would allow him, or her, the perfect opportunity to follow me."

"So, you wish to be bait," Theo said bluntly.

"Precisely," Addie said.

Having finished with her gown, Theo moved away to sit on the edge of the rumpled bed.

"Adelaide," he sighed. "This is a terrible idea. If you do not wish to think of your own safety, think of our child's."

"We will be perfectly safe, Theo. If you should notice anyone following me, then you and Will can come assist me in stopping him. I can come prepared, after all. Besides, I am thinking about the baby. This child has a rightful place on the throne of England one day. And if I want that to be possible, we need to ensure that his mother isn't wanted for murder. We haven't worked this hard for me to regain my position in court to simply give up now after only a few months."

Theo was quiet. She glanced over to see him studying his hands.

"When that child is on the throne, who will his father be? Prince George of England or the Duke of Kingfield?" he wondered aloud.

"I—I don't know," Addie answered lamely. "It depends on a great many things. Our future together is unclear, Theo."

Theo was across the room in less than a second. "I would marry you this instant if I could, Adelaide. Marry me. Please marry me," he said in a near-whisper, leaning in close to her. His lips grazed along her face. Every inch of her warmed beneath his kisses.