Chapter Forty-Two

Hugo was indeed waiting for them in the study of Cobham House, elegantly attired in a burgundy velvet banyan robe and matching slippers, and his brows rose in question when they came through the door.

"Well, did you find them?"

"We found something ," Harry hedged.

He poured all three of them a glass of wine, while Ellie delved into her skirts and set the bundle on the desk. She flicked open her little pocket knife and held it over the string. "May I?"

Harry nodded, and both he and Hugo leaned forward expectantly as she unwrapped the outer layer of soot-blackened parchment to reveal a thick stack of folded documents. Several were sealed with red blobs of wax, which clearly hadn't been disturbed.

Harry turned over the topmost letter, and her heart skipped a beat as she read For the attention of Henry Brooke, Esquire.

His hands shook slightly as he began to read the contents. "It's Emberton's signed testimony of his inspection of master Henry Brooke, son of James and Mary Brooke, Earl and Countess of Cobham." He turned to the second page and smiled. "And look! Here's the original drawing of my eyes."

The watercolor illustration, although rather amateurish, clearly recorded the unique patches of blue and brown Ellie was so familiar with. She smiled, pleased on Harry's behalf.

"That's undoubtedly enough to prove that you and young Henry Brooke are one and the same. Congratulations."

Harry beamed. He looked like he wanted to kiss her, but Hugo's presence held him back.

"You still have to apply to the Lord Chancellor for a writ of summons to the House of Lords to be officially recognized as the next Earl of Cobham," she reminded him, trying to keep her mind on business. "But that's just a formality. You'll need to prove your parents were legally married—which can be done by providing a copy of their marriage registration—and that you were born legitimately after that date, which means providing proof of your birth."

"His parents were married at St. George's, Hanover Square," Hugo said. "Their names are in the register. And his birth was recorded in the church near Cobham Hall, in Kent."

Harry's eyes took on a faraway look as he clearly pictured the place in his mind, and Ellie's heart tugged painfully in her chest . Of course he owned a country estate, as well as this magnificent town house. He was an earl.

"Cobham Hall's lovely," he said with a smile. "I grew up there, until I went away to school."

A wave of yearning to see the place seized her, but she pushed it away. "Who's been managing the estate, while you were away?"

"His parents' old steward," Hugo supplied. "He sent us annual reports on how the place was faring. When he died, his son took over the role. I can't wait to see it again."

Ellie forced a smile, despite the awful feeling that Harry was already slipping away, far beyond her reach.

She'd fallen in love with Harry: rogue, reformed criminal, of no fixed abode. Henry Brooke, Lord Cobham, was a completely different proposition. He wouldn't need to fill his days "working" for King & Co. or accompanying her on cases. He'd be too busy running his estate, joining debates in the House of Lords, hosting society parties. He'd need to find a suitable wife to play hostess and bear his children.

He wouldn't need her to entertain him.

A bittersweet ache twisted her gut. Clearly it was possible to be glad for him and feel sorry for herself at the same time.

She cleared her throat as he fished his golden signet ring from his pocket and slid it onto his finger with a satisfied smile.

"Well, that's another case closed for King and Company."

He sent her a confused look. "What do you mean? We're not done yet."

"You hired us to prove—or disprove—your identity. We've done what you asked."

"What about introducing me into society?"

Ellie removed her spectacles and pinched the bridge of her nose. When they'd left the Tower, she'd been fizzing with excitement, buoyed up with finding the documents, but now she just felt exhausted.

"You don't need an investigative agency for that. As soon as you're granted your letters patent, you just need to get someone well-placed in the ton to give their personal seal of approval." She shrugged. "Tess is the Duchess of Wansford. I can ask if she'd be willing to host a party to introduce you as the Earl of Cobham, if you like."

Harry frowned at her formal tone. "I would appreciate that very much, thank you. And tell her I'll cover all the expenses."

"Well, it's late. I'd… better be getting home."

He opened his mouth as if intending to say something, then shook his head and changed his mind. "Of course. I'll tell Carson to ready the horses."

When he left the room she said goodbye to Hugo, but he was waiting for her when she stepped out into the hallway. Before she could say anything, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a crushing hug.

"Thank you," he breathed, pressing his nose into her hair. "You've given me back my name, my future. Everything." He pressed a kiss against her forehead and his voice dropped to a husky groan. "I wish you could stay and help me celebrate. I want to show you exactly how grateful I am."

Ellie swallowed a sudden lump in her throat even as her body urged her to throw caution to the wind. "I wish I could, too, but I have to go."

She would not cry. If this was goodbye, the last time they were alone together, then she would take it like a strong, sophisticated woman. She would not wail and make a fuss. Heartbreak wasn't fatal.

She pulled out of his arms and stepped back as the rattle of the carriage sounded outside. "I'm glad tonight was a success. I'll let you know what Tess says. Good night."