‘You are worried that his pretty widow will be obliged to fall back on the oldest profession if her husband’s family have turned their backs on her.’
‘Paul hasn’t, but he has a wife and family of his own to support.’
‘Ah, I see.’ Amelia smiled. ‘You have a soft heart, Riley Rochester.’
‘Don’t tell anyone,’ he said, chuckling. ‘No criminal will take me seriously ever again if word gets out.’
‘Ruth Dawson has two children, I think you said.’
‘A girl of five and a boy of two, I think. I thought the cottage would be ideal for them. There are enough grounds here for the children to romp, and there is a village school.’
‘Of course we shall have them here if you think Ruth suitable. The children will be company for Simon and the new addition.’
‘You won’t mind?’
‘Our children mixing with those of a servant, do you mean? Of course I shall not mind. I hope I am not that much of a snob.’
‘I know that, but needed to be sure that you understood what I am asking of you.’
‘Your mother will almost certainly have something to say on the matter.’
They both laughed.
Riley leaned across and kissed his wife’s cheek. ‘Thank you, my love,’ he said, stripping off his coat, placing Simon on the grass and crawling about with him, making Amelia laugh.
This, Riley thought as he loaded Simon onto his shoulders and carried him about with Bruno barking encouragement, was his reward for the time he spent chasing down the dregs of society and seeing the worst of humanity—the greed, the envy and the cruelty. He glanced at his lovely wife, laughing at his antics with their son, and wondered if days were allowed to be this good.
The End
About the Author
Hi, I do hope you enjoyed Death of a Footman. If so, please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon. I’d love to hear what you thought of this particular novel – what you enjoyed most about it and what you didn’t like. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
Reach me at wendysoliman@rocketmail.com
I’m a British author, brought up on the Isle of Wight, but now live in Andorra. I share my life with my long-suffering husband and a rescued dog of indeterminate pedigree named Jake Bentley after the hero in one of my books. Both Jakes are handsome mongrels with independent spirits and wild streaks.
I’ve had over sixty books published, ranging from Regency romance, (my first love), to contemporary women’s fiction and marine crime mysteries.
When not writing I walk miles with my dog, make half-hearted visits to the gym, read other people’s tomes…oh, and I’m on a one woman mission to keep the wine trade profitable!
Check out all of my books, and learn more about me from my website: http:www.wendysoliman.com
Or on my Amazon author page author.to/wendys
Follow me on twitter @wendyswriter or on Facebook: Wendy Soliman - Author
Also available from this Author
Historical Romance
Stand Alone Regencies
Lady Hartley’s Inheritance
Duty’s Destiny
Forgotten Heiress
For Want of a Reputation
Christmas at Castleray
Ava’s Passion
Lady Mysterious
Disinherited
Divided Loyalties
A Scandalous Proposition
The Perfect Impostor
Lady Impetuous
Sacrificial Bride
Dangerous Dukes Series
To Defy a Duke
The Duke’s Legacy
A Duke by Default
Of Dukes and Deceptions
Game of Dukes
Dukes and Indiscretions
Never Dare a Duke
Mrs. Darcy Entertains Series Boxset
Miss Bingley’s Revenge / Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Dilemma / Miss Darcy’s Passion / Kitty Bennet’s Despair / Lydia Wickham’s Journal
Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 1 – 3 Boxset
Emma Bingley’s Romantic Nature / Naomi Sanford’s Compassionate Nature / Bella Darcy’s Impetuous Nature
Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 4 – 6 Boxset
Eleanor Bingley’s Rebellious Nature / Rosie Turner’s Contrary Nature / Susie Darcy’s Tenacious Nature
Simon Bingley’s Resolve
Ducal Encounters Series 1
At the Duke’s Discretion
Portrait of a Duke
For the Duke’s Pleasure
In the Duke’s Estimation
Captivating the Duke
Ducal Encounters Series 2
Reunited with the Duke
Christmas with the Duke
Representing the Duke
Safeguarding the Duke
Acting for the Duke
Emulating the Duke
Ducal Encounters Series 3
Conspiring with the Duke
Dedicated to the Duke
Impugning the Duke’s Honour
By Order of the Duke
Supporting the Duke
Protecting the Duke’s Interests
Ducal Encounters Series 4
As the Duke’s Agent
Masquerading with the Duke
On the Duke’s Authority
Carlton House Cartel
Chance
The Forsters
Compromising the Marquess
Beguiling the Barrister
Finessing the Contessa
Victorian Vigilante Series Boxset
Saving Grace / Heirs and Graces / With Good Grace / Fall From Grace / Social Graces / Elegance and Grace
Riley Rochester Investigates Series
Death of a Debutante
Death of a Courtesan
Death of a Prosecutor
Death of a Scoundrel
Death of an Artist
Death of a Recluse
Death of a Matriarch
Death of a Footman
Perceptions Series
A Sense of Belonging
A Sense of Purpose
A Sense of Misgiving
A Sense of Injustice
A Sense of Turmoil
A Sense of Destiny
Contemporary Titles
English Contemporary Romance Boxset: Reinventing Radleigh/ Shalimar/Silver Lining
English Contemporary Romance Boxset 2: Name of the Game / Downsizing / Topspin
The Hunter Files Boxset: Unfinished Business /
Risky Business/ Lethal Business