“For twenty thousand pounds,” Anthony added.

Harriet could feel Chase’s fury. She gripped his hand tightly.

“And?” Devon prompted, eyes narrowing. “There’s more.”

“What more?” Annesley asked, laughing uneasily.

“I know what more,” Chase said. He took Harriet’s hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. “Hold that for me, sweet.” He approached Annesley. When he stood directly before him, he pulled back his sleeves. His wrists were raw from where he’d been bound. “Someone attacked me in the barn and tied me up, then set the place on fire. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

Annesley appeared pained. “All I asked was that you be delayed. That is all. I may be a bit of a shyster, but I am no murderer.”

“I disagree. You are exactly the type of monster capable of doing such a thing. It’s your fault I was attacked. Your fault the barn was burned and the wool lost.”

“I don’t know anything about wool or—”

Chase slammed his fist into Annesley’s mouth. The man turned a complete circle, then landed, facedown, on the rug.

“Well done!” Devon exclaimed. He clapped his hands lightly. Sophia and Ophelia joined in, while Stephen and Derrick nodded their approval.

Anthony rolled the rug back up and then hefted it to his shoulder. “I’ll put this in the carriage, and we’ll deliver it to the constable on our way through town, along with the name of the fellow Annesley hired to delay your return to London.”

“Be sure you tie that rug tightly. I wouldn’t want any unnecessary air to get inside.”

Anthony grinned, then went out the door, letting the rug thunk solidly against the doorframe as he went.

Chase turned back to Harriet. For the first time in his life, happiness was within a fingertip’s length.

Marcus moved to the door. “Devon, I believe the time has come for us to leave.”

“So soon?”

“Now,” Marcus said firmly.

Devon sighed. He bowed to everyone, kissed Mrs. Ward’s hand, then winked at Sophia. “Fare thee well, my friends! Chase, will we see you back in town?”

“Yes. I’ve a wedding to plan, you know.”

Devon grimaced. “Well, don’t look to me for assistance. You know how I feel about weddings.” He sent a fond smile to Chase. “I’m glad you’re well.”

Chase smiled back. “So am I.”

Marcus waited for Devon to leave the room before he turned to Chase. “If you need help procuring a special license—”

“If I need help, I’ll ask for it.” Chase smiled down at Harriet. “That’s one thing I’ve learned in staying here at Garrett Park.”

Marcus’s hard mouth curved into a smile. “Then perhaps that knock on the head was good for you.” He bowed to the others. “Good day. I look forward to seeing all of you at the wedding.” In a moment he was gone.

They all stood in silence as the sound of the carriages faded away.

Ophelia let the curtain drop. “Well!” she said with a beatific expression.