Chapter Fourteen
M alcolm strode away from the Rawlings home, his frustration at full steam. He walked south for fifteen minutes before hitting the gate to Hyde Park and realizing he had gone west instead. Bollocks! He turned sharply on his heel and started back the way he came. Adeline Amberley had him all turned around. She wasn’t thinking clearly. Or perhaps she was part of the scheme to sell the stolen items. No, he wouldn’t believe it. Although she hadn’t seem inclined to leave when given the chance.
He scrubbed a hand over his jaw. She had been clearly upset about George and was obviously operating under some sense of familial duty. But he would be damned if he’d let her marry Bellamy out of a sense of duty. Damn it. What was he supposed to do? The lady had said no. He couldn’t throw her over his shoulder like a caveman and abscond with her. Or could he?
By the time he arrived at Whitehall, he had a plan. Now, he just needed to give his report to Admiral Daniels. A twinge of guilt pinched his gut. Adeline would probably not be happy with him if she knew he was going to rat out her family. He’d given Danby the choice to give him the artifacts. Like his sister, the man didn’t know what was good for him. Malcolm paused at the top of the stairs to straighten his jacket sleeves and smooth his windblown hair back into place. A naval officer always acted honorably. This was his assignment and he must report what he knew.
He knocked on Admiral Daniels’s door.
“Enter,” his superior’s voice barked out.
Malcolm opened the door and entered. The admiral sat behind his large maple desk, a pair of spectacles perched on the end of his long nose.
“Commander Iveson. Since you are arriving without an appointment, I assume you have news. Sit.” The admiral pulled his spectacles off and set them aside.
“Thank you, sir.” Malcolm took a seat and set his hat in his lap. “I know where the artifacts are being kept.” He hesitated, picturing Danby’s bruised face.
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Did you acquire them?”
“No, sir. They are at the Earl of Rawlings’s residence. I overheard him speaking privately with Lord Bellamy last night. Rawlings is in a tight spot with his debts and wants to sell the pieces immediately. Bellamy said that they would call unwanted attention to themselves if they sell too soon.”
The admiral’s mustache twitched as he absorbed the news. “Bellamy is in on it, huh? I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked. He would have the inside knowledge needed to take the items. All that squawking was for show. What a pompous arse.”
Malcolm nodded in agreement.
“Good job. This does make it more a delicate situation.” He tapped his fingers on the desk as he contemplated outcomes. Then he looked up at Malcolm. “Excellent work, Commander. Your job is done. Let me handle the political fallout. I will expect your discretion until the matter is dealt with, and a commendation will be added to your file for your help in this matter. I see a promotion in your future.”
Malcolm stood. “Sir, I have one request. I would like to take additional leave. You see, I am getting married.”
Admiral Daniels’s eyebrows rose high. “Killing two birds with one stone. Good to hear. Who is the lucky lady?”
“I’d rather not say. She hasn’t said yes yet. I am still making plans for a proposal.”
“Good, good. I am happy to have given you the encouragement you needed to find yourself a marchioness. How much time do you need?”
Malcolm quickly calculated how long he would need to woo Adeline properly. “A month? Enough time for a short honeymoon.”
“Granted. Congratulations, Lord Kingsbury.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Dismissed. Go get your lady.”