The blast of the pistol was incredibly loud in the room. Still, he heard Suzette scream as he jerked to a halt and peered down at himself, searching for a wound despite not having felt an impact. When there was no sudden blossom of blood or pain, he frowned and glanced to Danvers and Suzette in time to see Danvers fall, revealing Lord Madison still kneeling by his chest, but now holding a smoking pistol.

“Daniel!” Suzette cried and rushed to him, throwing her arms around his waist. “You could have been shot.”

“But I wasn’t,” he murmured, dropping the poker to wrap his arms around her. “Besides, I was more concerned for you.”

“There was nothing to worry about,” she assured him, leaning back to eye him solemnly. “Father would never leave money in a chest in an inn room. Someone would steal it. He has had it on his person since leaving London. He just said it was in the chest so he could retrieve his pistol.”

“Yes, I realize that now,” he murmured, glancing to Lord Madison with a new respect as the man got to his feet and moved to turn Danvers onto his back.

“Father is a crack shot,” she told him in a proud whisper. “He taught all us girls to shoot.”

Daniel felt alarm claim him at just the thought of Suzette being allowed near a pistol, but managed a weak smile and then glanced to Lord Madison as he straightened.

“Dead,” the man announced solemnly. “I shall ask the innkeeper to remove him while we have the wedding . . . if you still wish to marry,” he added uncertainly. “Everyone will understand if this has made you wish to wait until tomorrow and—”

“No!” Suzette and Daniel said together.

Lord Madison smiled and nodded. “Then I shall just go have a word with the innkeeper about removing the body and join you in the courtyard. Do not start without me.”

“I guess we should head outside,” Daniel murmured, releasing Suzette as the door closed behind Lord Madison.

Suzette reluctantly removed her own arms from around him and allowed him to lead her to the door, but halted there and said, “I have something I need to tell you.”

Daniel felt his heart drop several inches in his chest at her words and solemn tone of voice. Neither boded well, suggesting to him that she was about to make some grand confession and one he probably wouldn’t like. Clearing his throat, he faced her and nodded. “Very well.”

When Suzette breathed out a deep sigh, and stared at her feet briefly, his heart sank a little lower. He was sure that didn’t bode well either. And then she lifted her head and blurted, “I love you.”