“But I do,” said Rule gently. “You came to meet me.”
“No, I d-didn’t,” said Horatia. “In fact, I c-can’t imagine how you knew I was here.”
His eyes were alight with amusement. “Can’t you, Horry?”
“N-no, unless—” her brows snapped together. “Oh, surely Edward c-can’t have b-betrayed me?” she exclaimed.
“Certainly not,” said his lordship. “Edward made a most—really, a most praiseworthy—attempt to keep me at home. Indeed, I believe that if I had not taken him into my confidence he would have barred me into my own house.” He slipped his hand into his pocket and drew it out again. “I came, Horry, to keep an assignation with a lady, and to restore to her—that.”
The ring-brooch lay in the palm of his hand. Horatia gave a choked cry. “M-Marcus!” Her startled eyes flew to his and saw them smiling down at her. “Then you—but how? Where did you f-find it?”
“In Lord Lethbridge’s possession,” replied Rule.
“Then—then you know? You knew all the t-time? But how c-could you have? Who t-told you?”
“Crosby told me,” said the Earl. “I am afraid I was rather rough with him, but I didn’t think it would be good for him to know how deeply I was indebted to him.”
“Crosby!” said Horatia, her eyes kindling. “Well, I don’t care if he is your cousin, Rule, I think he is the m-most odious toad alive and I hope you strangled him!”