Read Online Amelia Grey - [Rogues' Dynasty 06] by The Rogue Steals a Bride - Free Book Online Page B

you can feel free to lease a house for us.”
    His eyes rounded, and he put his finger under his chin as if he were pondering what she said. “Now that’s an idea.” He paused, smiled, and that twinkle she often saw in his eyes appeared. “But I won’t hear of it. No, your place is here with me until you wed, and here you shall be. Besides, I’ve grown quite fond of having you around and of not knowing what I’m going to encounter when I walk through the door each day.”
    “Thank you,” Sophia said, appreciating his kindness and his humor. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything about my mother’s brooch from the constable today?”
    He shook his head. “No. I would have told you immediately if there had been any news. I will keep my promise, you know that.”
    She nodded. “A couple of days ago, I thought of a plan that might help speed up this slow progress.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Keep in mind that I’ve taken the time to thoroughly consider this, and I believe it can work. I will need your permission and help to do it.”
    Sir Randolph laid the papers he was holding on his desk and leaned a hip against it. He motioned for her to take a seat in the chair in front of her.
    “You have me curious. Concerning what?”
    “Finding the thief who stole my reticule and brooch,” she answered, making herself comfortable on the chair.
    Sir Randolph cleared his throat and crossed his arms over his chest. “No matter the plan, Sophia, that will not be easy to do. You were told how many young boys there are on the streets, looking to make mischief.”
    She inhaled quickly. “Yes, I’ve been told many times the past few days, as you well know, but will you please hear me out?”
    He nodded.
    “I remember quite well what the boy looks like. I will never forget his innocent-looking face, but my aunties won’t allow me to go back to the square and search for him.”
    “They are correct in that,” he said with seeming unconcern and went back to shuffling the papers on his desk.
    “I don’t agree, although I have been forced to concede that point, since my aunts won’t let me go to Timsford’s Square.” She paused. “I would like to go to Bow Street and hire a runner to scour the streets for me, pick up all wayward boys he can find, and bring them here for me to have a look at them.”
    His eyes widened. “Sophia, you can’t be serious.”
    “Oh, don’t deny me this, Sir Randolph, please.” She scooted to the edge of her seat.
    “But that is not a plan,” he admonished. “It’s madness.”
    “No,” she argued firmly. “The shopkeeper said the lad had stolen bread from him before, so it’s obviously the area near where he lives. I know he is still out there, continuing his mischief, and that he can be found, but no one will let me go look for him.”
    “That is because you are a proper young lady.”
    “Who has been robbed,” she protested.
    “No matter. It would be unbecoming for you to be out searching for a thief. Besides, what if he has already sold your reticule and brooch and now he and his family are living happily off the money he received for it?”
    Sophia frowned. “I’ve thought of that possibility. That’s why I drew a picture of it for the constable so he could have someone check all the shops in town. And what you said may very well be true, but I won’t ever know if I don’t try. If I find him and he has already sold the brooch, you know I will pay whatever is necessary to get it back.”
    “Sophia, I don’t want to see you do this to yourself.”
    She rose and stood before him. “Then help me. I must do something! If you won’t let me go searching for the child, then let me pay someone to look for him, let me put out an award in the newsprint for the return of the brooch.”
    “You don’t really think the footpad who stole your purse can read, do you?”
    Sophia squeezed her hands into tight fists and sucked in a deep breath. “Probably not, but you must allow