His expression changed and she recognised the warning signal and skipped nimbly out of his reach and dashed for the exit. He was quicker and slammed his hands on either side of her, trapping her against his hard frame and the door.

  'If you think I'll wait a second longer than I have to, sweetheart, then you don't know me very well. Ever since I met you – I cannot believe it's only ten days ago – I've wanted to make love to you. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever set eyes on.'

  She was finding it difficult to breathe. His distinctive aroma of sweat and lemon soap made her head swim. She wanted to share her body with him but knew she must not until they were united in the sight of God. She raised her hands and placed them flat on his chest and gently pushed and to her surprise he allowed himself to be moved back.

  'Then, Samuel my love, you must purchase a licence and we shall be married as soon as you have it.'

  His breathing was as laboured as hers and she revelled in the fact that she was able to do this to him. What they were planning was dangerous and could easily end in disaster for both of them but she was prepared to risk everything for this man.

  'I've no idea how to go about this but will find out tomorrow. Have you any idea what we do once I have the licence in my possession?'

  'I believe that all we have to do is find a willing priest and have two witnesses and then we can be married at anytime and anywhere, but perhaps I am wrong.'

  'I think I'll ask Benton, we'll have to take him into our confidence anyway.'

  He was gone for less than a quarter of an hour and returned looking worried. 'I don't know why your husband's old valet should know such things, but he does. In order to obtain a licence we have to prove we have resided in the parish for three weeks or more and then we must marry within that parish and in a church.'

  'Then that is what we will do. We cannot marry where I'm known, so we'll remain here until we have fulfilled the residential requirements. Was Benton shocked by your enquiry?'

  He grinned, making him look younger and more approachable. 'Far from it, he actually smiled at me. I don't anticipate any problems with the staff you brought from Whitford Hall, they will keep our secret.'

  'You know, my love, that for the first time in my life I'm truly happy. I had a miserable childhood. I was regularly beaten and allowed no pleasures at all. Marrying Richard was the first and only time I rebelled and despite the strangeness of our relationship he offered me a safe home after years of misery.'

  'I promise that I'll make you happy, my darling, and that you'll never regret your decision.'

  They settled back onto a convenient sofa and she snuggled into his arms. 'You know, Samuel, I no longer mind if we never bring Benedict Stanton to justice. Indeed, if it weren't for the fact that I should like to recover the money he stole so we can have a comfortable life for ourselves and our children, I would suggest that we abandoned our quest.'

  He kissed the top of her head. 'I know what you mean, but I intend to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion. This will be my last case as Sergeant Ross and I want to leave the Bow Street Runners with my record of success intact.'

  The overmantel clock struck the hour and Emma sighed. 'We must change for dinner, my love, our guests will be here within the hour.'

  Chapter Twelve

  Mr and Mrs Waters proved to be convivial guests. He was a down-to-earth businessman and she a lady of middle years with too much time on her hands. When Emma took her guest into the drawing room, leaving the men to their port, she was looking forward to conversing with another woman.

  Over the years she had been starved of female conversation as Richard hadn't encouraged her to make morning calls or meet any of the neighbouring families. Mrs Waters was petite, her fair hair untouched by grey and her figure would be the envy of a woman half her age. Although not dressed in the height of fashion her garments were elegant and well made.

  'I have enjoyed this evening, Mrs Ashfield, I do thank you for inviting us. This is the first time I have accompanied Mr Waters and was finding it decidedly tedious been cooped up on my own all day in our rented accommodation.'

  'I'm delighted that you came, I too was feeling the lack of female company. Mr Ashfield and I haven't been married long, I was unable to make any attachments before as I had the care of my ailing parents.' Emma was shocked at how easily these lies tripped from her tongue. 'My father died two years ago and my mother the following year – Mr Ashfield and I had been known to each other for some time…'

  'My dear Mrs Ashfield, there's no need to tell me more. I can see yours is a love match, it seems so long ago since my wedding and when I too felt the same way. Don't get me wrong, I'm sincerely attached to him, but since our three children have flown the nest we have little to say to each other.'

  'Do you know anything of a Mr Benedict Stanton?' Emma spoke without thought, immediately wishing she could retract her question.

  'Indeed we do, he used to lodge nearby. Recently he came into an inheritance and has gone up in the world. It's quite extraordinary you should mention his name as only the other day we received an invitation to attend a soirée at his new address in Cavendish Square. Unfortunately, we cannot go as we're travelling to St Albans on that day to visit my oldest daughter.'

  'We have discovered that Mr Stanton is distantly related to my husband and would dearly like to make his acquaintance as we don't have any other family that we know of.'

  'That wish is easily granted, Mrs Ashfield, you must have our invitation. I very much doubt that Mr Stanton would even remember us. I cannot imagine why he felt it necessary to invite us in the first place.'

  The gentlemen had joined them and Mr Waters overheard his wife's remark. 'Mr Stanton invited us, my dear, because I was able to do him a favour or two when he was without funds. He repaid me in full when he gained his wealth and I believe this invitation is another way for him to show his gratitude.'

  'If you're sure you will not be going to the party, then we would be delighted to attend in your place,' Emma said.

  'Have you visited the menagerie at the Tower, Mrs Ashfield?' Mrs Waters asked eagerly.

  'I have not but would dearly like to do so; if you're not busy we could go tomorrow. At what time shall I call for you?'

  'I find it difficult to sleep with all the racket going on in the street outside so the earlier the better for me.'

  'I'll be there at ten o'clock. Perhaps we could visit Gunter's and have an ice before we return? Mr Ashfield treated me the other day and I found it quite delicious.'

  'Then that is agreed, Mrs Ashfield. I'll give you the invitation when we meet tomorrow morning.'

  The remainder of the evening passed pleasantly enough; Emma played for them and they were suitably impressed. After the tea tray had been removed Mr and Mrs Waters took their leave.

  'That was most enjoyable. I've never hosted a dinner party before and was somewhat nervous about doing so. Did you enjoy yourself, Samuel?'

  'I did indeed, sweetheart. Mr and Mrs Waters are good company. This evening was as new to me as it was to you, people of my ilk don't attend dinner parties or sit around chit-chatting over the tea tray afterwards.'

  'I'll hear no more of that talk, my love. From now on we are equals, I'm no longer a titled lady and you are now a gentleman. Have you given any thought to where we might settle after your investigation is completed?'

  'It can't be anywhere near St Albans, Chelmsford or London in case we're recognised. Where does your father live?'

  'In Surrey, near Guildford, my brother also has his principal estate in that county. I have heard that Norwich, in Norfolk, is a pleasant place to live. Shall we go there?'

  'It's as good a place as any as far as I'm concerned. I've not visited the city myself but have heard good reports. It's a thriving commercial centre despite being so far from London.'

  'We have a further week to wait before we're eligible to marry and the party isn't until Saturday – shall we venture down there and see for ourselves? I believe one can travel by coach all the way. We would have to overnight en route in each direction…'

  He yawned loudly and then dropped a swift kiss on her parted lips. 'We shall visit Norwich once we're married, sweetheart. I've no wish to pre-empt our wedding night and that would be inevitable if I was obliged to share a room with you.'

  She flushed hot all over at his comment. 'In which case, we'll go after the party. You're obviously tired, my dear, so I think it's time we said goodnight.'

  They strolled arm in arm from the terrace, up the stairs and only parted on the landing. 'I love you, Emma Stanton, and give you my word as a newly fledged gentleman that I'll make you far happier than you have been the past five years.'

  She stood on tiptoes in order to kiss him. 'I know I shouldn't say so, but since Richard died and you came into my life, I've discovered what happiness is. My so-called friends and family would be shocked to the core that I'm not wearing widow's weeds and grieving for Richard, but I care not what they think. From now on that life is over and I'm a new woman free to love and live as I please.'

  *

  Sam watched her until she disappeared into her own apartment before returning downstairs. He wasn't ready to retire. Collins would have information to give him and now was the ideal time.

  Foster was waiting to speak to him when he reached the vestibule. 'If you could spare me a few moments of your time, Mr Ashfield, I should be grateful.'

  Sam gestured towards the study and the butler followed him. Sam wasn't sure if he should offer the cove a chair or keep him standing, but decided the elderly gentleman deserved to sit even if it breached etiquette.

  'How can I help you, Foster?'

  'This is a delicate subject, Mr Ashfield, but I must speak of it.' He shifted uncomfortably on his chair and looked around the room before raising his eyes. 'I'm afraid that your secret is discovered, sir, a tradesman recognised you.'

  'Exactly what do you believe my secret is, Foster?' The man looked more uncomfortable than accusatory so maybe he had only got half the story.

  'You're not a businessman from the country, but an investigator from Bow Street. You and your wife are using an assumed name.'

  'You're right in your assumptions. Bringing my wife along is excellent cover.'

  'We knew Mr and Mrs Forsyth were not what they appeared and we're not surprised you've been sent to look into matters. Will you be leaving as soon as your enquiries are complete?'

  Now matters became clearer to Sam. The staff were worried they would be without employment, they cared little for the reason he and Emma were actually living there. 'I'm hoping to complete my investigation by next week. However, my wife has spent little time in London and wishes to remain here until the lease is up. I lodge in Covent Garden when I'm working and she remains at our home in Romford.'

  As he told these lies his mind was racing, wouldn't the butler think it strange that he could afford two homes, however modest? Instead of looking sceptical Foster nodded.

  'We hoped that might be the case, sir and I'm relieved to hear you confirm it. I can give you my word that your secret is safe with us. The butcher who was delivering here when he spotted you won't say a word; he values our custom too much.'

  'I'm glad this matter has been sorted out to our mutual satisfaction. It's vital that Mr and Mrs Forsyth don't know I'm watching them. Forsyth's suspected of murder and grand larceny and I believe my investigations are nearing a satisfactory conclusion. I hope to apprehend Mr Forsyth before he leaves the area.'

  He stood up and Foster scrambled to his feet. 'I bid you good evening, sir, and wish you good luck in your task.'

  No sooner had the butler gone than Collins appeared. 'It's damned late, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Sit down, man, we've a lot to discuss.'

  Sam told him Foster's news and he was unsurprised. He was equally unmoved by the announcement that his employer was going to move to Norwich under an assumed name and marry a member of the aristocracy. However, he sat up and took notice when Sam told him about having obtained an invitation to the party.

  'I'm not sure that you should take Mrs Ashfield, sir, I reckon that butcher isn't the only one who might have recognised you. I've noticed a couple of rum coves drifting around the back of this house the past couple of days. One of them's employed by Mr Forsyth.'

  'Even if they've recognised me they can't possibly know the identity of the woman pretending to be my wife. Neither will they know about the invitation – we're unlikely to meet up with any of Forsyth's minions at such a grand event.'

  'Stanton's hiring extra staff for the night, I thought I'd get myself a job as an ostler – not likely to cut it as an indoor man. If you and Mrs Ashfield are going to be inside, you're going to need somebody in there with you. Stanton and Forsyth have got too much to lose and wouldn't hesitate to murder both of you if you were discovered poking about where you shouldn't be.'

  If Collins hadn't looked so earnest Sam would have laughed. 'I take your point, and thank you for your concern. As the staff are well aware of my masquerade, I think I'll send a couple of the footmen round and see if they can get themselves a temporary post. Do you know the name of the agency handling this?'

  His man dug into his waistcoat pocket and produced a grubby piece of paper. 'Got it down here, sir, thought you might want to use it. I'll nip down to the servants' hall now, shall I? I reckon as they might still be up.'

  Whilst Collins was gone Sam had time to gather his thoughts. When Emma had suggested she joined him in London it had seemed like a sensible notion, but that had all changed. Being in love with her meant he was reluctant to expose her to any kind of risk and he would kill without hesitation any man or woman who offered her harm.

  *

  When Emma came down the next morning she was immediately aware that the house felt different. At first she couldn't put a finger on the change, then when the parlourmaid put down her morning chocolate on the table beside her with a conspiratorial smile she understood.

  Somehow the staff had become privy to their secret, but instead of being shocked or judgemental they appeared to believe themselves part of the dissembling. 'Is Mr Ashfield in the house?'

  The girl bobbed and nodded. 'Yes, Mrs Ashfield, he's in the study. I took a tray in a while ago.'

  'I shall eat my breakfast in the study with my husband. Kindly bring me toast and marmalade as well as my chocolate.'

  The maid didn't smirk at this remark but merely smiled and rushed away with the chocolate. Emma paused outside the study to knock and was relieved to be bid to enter immediately. The maid arrived behind her with the tray and Emma stood to one side to allow her to take it in.

  'Please put it on the desk. That will be all for now, thank you.'

  Samuel was munching his way through an enormous plate of fried ham and mushrooms. He finished his mouthful and gestured with his fork that she sit down beside him and not take a chair on the opposite side. He waited until the door closed behind the parlourmaid before speaking. 'I'm glad you're here, sweetheart, there's been developments you need to know of.'

  'I've guessed that the staff know that we are not who we say we are. You must explain the whole to me.' When he had finished, she was relieved she hadn't been unmasked as Lady Emma Stanton, but concerned that Mr Forsyth possibly knew Samuel was from Bow Street.

  'I'll be glad when this week is over and we have concluded this investigation one way or another. If we are unable to find the proof we need on Saturday, Samuel, will you give me your word you'll let the matter rest? I fear that if we poke about too much our deceit will be revealed and the first person to hear about it would be my father.' Her breakfast threatened to return at the very idea the earl might come back into her life and destroy her new-found happiness.

  'Don't look like that, I promise you no one will hurt you, not even that bastard. Whatever happens on Saturday, we'll be married before the earl has time to interfere.'

  'You don't know what he's like, he would ruin both of us, and you can be very sure it wouldn't be long before he discovered the reason you've been calling yourself Samuel Ross these past ten years. Then you would hang and I'd be a widow again – but this time with no claim to the Stanton money and I would be entirely at my father's mercy.'

  'We'll be long gone before that happens. Although I've told the staff here that we intend to remain for the duration of our lease, I'm putting in motion plans for us to make a hasty escape as soon as we're wed, just in case it's necessary.'

  'That reminds me, under what name has Benton gone this morning to acquire the special licence?'

  'Under my true name – I suppose I'd better tell you what it is. You're about to become Mrs Samuel Rutherford, my darling. As I killed that man more than ten years ago, I'm hoping such a common name as Rutherford will not arouse alarm bells at the Bishop's Palace.'

  'Then we shall be known as Mr and Mrs Rutherford when we move to Norfolk. I've been thinking about my suggestion that we find out how your family fared after you fled. I think it probably wiser if we send Collins to make enquiries and not go ourselves.' She tilted her head on one side and pursed her lips. 'You might be ten years older, but I doubt anyone will have forgotten what you look like. You're a head taller than most men and with such a striking appearance you will have made an impression on more than one young lady.'

  'There you're wrong, sweetheart, for I've grown half a head since I left Hertfordshire and must weigh twice as much. You forget, I was still a stripling, half-grown, when it happened. I think it unlikely even my own parents would recognise me now – my face is battered and scarred from my time on the Peninsular and my hair, for some unfathomable reason, is much darker than it was when I was seventeen years of age.'

  'That's good news indeed for it makes it far less likely anyone will ever recognise you or link your name with that of the under groom from Hertfordshire.'

  The tall-case clock in the corner of the room struck the hour. Emma dropped her cutlery and jumped to her feet in horror. 'Good grief! I'm supposed to be picking up Mrs Waters in half an hour and I've yet to put on my bonnet. Samuel, could you please ensure the carriage is waiting when I come down in five minutes time?'