“Perhaps he thought it would do more good for you than for any of us. He obviously knew about your husband’s death, and that you were making your own way in London now.”

“I tried so hard to make sure no one knew who I was.”

“Dukes have their ways. I expect he had someone conduct a discreet inquiry to find where you went after you disappeared from Dorset.”

“I wish he had sent a note with that money, so I could thank him.”

“I think he preferred your not knowing. He often did things without claiming credit. I believe he interceded on my behalf when I was leaving the army, so there would be no questions or scandal. He never said a word about it, but I’m convinced he used his influence.”

She looked at him. “So we both owe him much.”

They retraced their steps until they reached the carriage. She let him settle her in and even wrap her again in the blanket.

“A short ride in the park is in order,” he said.

“Please tell him to go past Whiteford House first. Slowly.”

Five minutes later they rolled past the house. Minerva looked out at it, feeling very close to the man who once owned it, whom she had never known.

* * *

That night Chase had made a decision. He needed to make some kind of report to Peel in the next few days. He saw no alternative but to pursue one more thread in Minerva’s history before he did. He might never need to use the truth about Finley’s death, but he wanted it in his pocket just in case he had to reveal it to protect her.

He slipped into her bedchamber after the house was quiet. He had sent Brigsby home, explaining that he would return himself tomorrow. Beth’s snoring hummed down the corridor as he closed the door.

He undressed, and slid under the bedclothes to hold Minerva’s warmth against his skin. She turned on her side to face him.

“I thought you were asleep,” he said.

“I was waiting for you. I sleep better when you are with me.”

He pulled her close and pressed his lips to her crown.

She placed her palm against his chest, over his heart, then slid it down to his torso. “Your skin does not feel like mine. The surface is soft, but what it covers is not, so it is very different.”

Her continued curiosity about the simplest things charmed him. She did a bit of pressing and exploring, to see just how different it could be.

“What are you doing now, Minerva?” Her hand had lowered considerably on his body.

“Seeing if I can seduce you.”

“I promise you can. However, the doctors said—”