Page 57 of Lady Tempts a Rogue

“That is my coach,” Devin whispered in her ear, his breath tickling the sensitive flesh and causing a delicious shiver to flutter up her spine. “Though I do not know how they learned we had arrived.”

A tidy gentleman attired in the first stare of fashion and sporting a rather magnificent mustache stepped from the carriage.

“Ah, Shillingford, of course.” Humor, admiration, and respect colored Devin’s words. “I vow, the man has eyes and ears everywhere. I do not know what I would do without him.”

“Welcome home, sir.” Shillingford’s curious gaze shifted to Trinity.

“Thank you, Shillingford.” Devin drew Trinity forward. “Allow me to present my wife. Trinity Everingham. Trinity, this is Milton Shillingford, my man of business.”

Other than an eyebrow creeping upward a quarter inch, Mr. Shillingford’s demeanor changed not a jot. Commendable control, that.

The drivers, on the other hand, exchanged flabbergasted glances.

Mr. Shillingford bent into a respectful bow.

“I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Everingham.”

Trinity did not miss the emphasis he placed on delighted. Nor the approval shining in the man’s eyes.

“And I yours.” She dimpled at him, and he produced a smile so broad his eyes nearly disappeared into his cheeks.

Jaw slack, eyes moonlike, Devin gawked.

“Shillingford, in all the years I have known you, never have you more than twitched your mouth upward a quarter inch. And yet you are grinning like a buffoon at my bride. What has this world come to?”

“You have not given me a reason to smile before, sir,” his man of affairs replied drolly.

Shillingford was happy about Devin’s unforeseen marriage?

Well, that was a good start.

“My coachmen, Jim Jones.” Devin gestured to the seated driver, then the chap holding the coach door. “And Tim Jones.”

“Twins?” Trinity narrowed her eyes, glancing between them before she threw up her hands. “I vow, I cannot tell you apart.”

“Oh, you will learn soon enough, Mrs. Everingham. I am the more handsome twin,” Jim said with a friendly wink.

Or was he Tim?

“I am the more charming and intelligent,” his twin quipped.

“You will be searching for new positions if you continue this fribble.” Shillingford’s stern visage did not seem to affect either of the men.

Trinity laughed. “I shall have to pin colored ribbons on you to start, or else I shall never know which is which.”

“We used to trade places to fool our mum,” said the still-seated twin.

“Aye, and had our ears boxed aplenty for our pranks,” the other replied.

Shillingford signaled to a pair of dock workers, who promptly began loading Devin’s and her luggage into a nearby wagon.

“Shall we?” Mr. Shillingford extended his arm, and Devin assisted Trinity into the plush coach. Dove gray velvet covered the bench and squabs. “I am afraid there is only a skeletal staff at the house—the housekeeper and footman. Tomorrow, I shall see to recalling the servants that were sent away to prevent infection. You’ll also need to hire two housemaids.”

Devin settled beside her and took her hand in his.

How naturally Trinity and Devin had fallen into the roles of husband and wife.

Mr. Shillingford’s eyes twinkled in approval.