Chest heaving, he finally broke the kiss, putting his nose into the curls at her temple and inhaling her scent. They had several mountains to climb, but as long as they were together, he felt sure they could accomplish anything. It was time to shed his doubts, doubts about his parentage, his worth, his standing in the eyes of God and man. He had a long way to go to become the man he wished to be, but with Juliette’s love, he could conquer any challenge.

A sharp rap on the door jerked him out of the rosy haze.

“I suppose our time is up.” He leaned back to look into her beautiful face. Her lips were red from his kisses, and her eyes were North Star bright.

The door opened before he was ready, and they sprang apart. But it wasn’t Sir Bertrand who entered.

“There you are, lad.” Ed Beck blew on his hands. “Sir Michael sent me to fetch you. We have a new case.”

Daniel looked ruefully at Juliette and back to Ed. “I’ll come. If you’ll wait in the hall?” Where had Bertie gotten off to? Wasn’t he supposed to be guarding the door?

Ed seemed to realize he’d intruded on a private moment. “Of course.” He bobbed his head and backed out, but not before giving Daniel a questioning, humorous look.

When the door was once again closed, Daniel took Juliette’s hands in his, lifting his shoulders in an apologetic shrug. “What do I say?”

She sighed, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek. “You don’t need to say anything. Duty calls.” A gamine grin lit her face. “I might as well get used to it. Go. Mr. Beck needs you. But be careful. It’s a dangerous world out there that needs men like you looking after it.”

With a full heart, he retrieved his hat from the floor, paused to take her hand once more, open it palm up, and place a kiss there before folding her fingers to cover it. “I’ll think of you every moment.”

She laughed and pushed him away playfully. “If you do, you’ll be easy prey for whatever villain you’re chasing. Keep your mind on business.”

He was still laughing when he joined Ed on the steps. “Tell me what you know about the case.”

Whatever lay ahead, be it a fight to obtain the title and his inheritance, his job at Bow Street, or a future together with Juliette Thorndike, he was ready.

Author’s Note

ONCE AGAIN I MUST BEG the reader’s indulgence, as I have accelerated and accentuated the abilities of the Bow Street detectives for the sake of the story, enlarging their parameters beyond the scope of what they would have had at the time the story is set.