Althea was confused. What interest was he talking about? That last night in Bath, he’d said he’d help her, and that it would be faster and simpler that way. She still wanted all the formal documents in place, but surely, he had this smaller amount to invest and would not need to go to others.
However, his stiffness precluded her asking. She did not want to seem presumptuous, and he knew the details of the world of investing better than she did. She nodded.
Evan’s gaze roamed over her simple day dress and loosely pinned hair. He asked suddenly, “What happens when I need to be seen about London again?”
Why had he changed the subject? She pushed a stray curl away from her face with a frustrated motion. “I have not considered that. I thought we had a bit of time. I have been focused on the business developments.”
“We do have time. I was simply curious if you’d reached a decision.”
She frowned. Hadn’t they already resolved this?
“A few of my investment circle are having a soirée in a sennight for their business partners and co-investors, as well as a few business owners looking for investment.” His leg still swung. “If you are not willing to attend on my arm, I could certainly invite you as a prospective business partner. It could prove quite lucrative.”
“Oh yes, I should love to talk about my shop to more of the Ton.” She heaved a sigh of affection and relief. Even if she wouldn’t go with him, he was willing to introduce her as his associate. ’Twas very supportive and enlightened of him.
He nodded. “And which shall it be? Alone or with me?”
“Er.”Why is he pushing me? He knows I am not willing to risk my reputation, even if he says his friends are open-minded.Will he be angry if I decline?“I’d prefer to come alone, Evan.” She held her breath waiting for his reaction.
His lips twisted. “Right, then. If I am to be your dirty secret, then we should get back to the dirty part of the evening.”
He gave her a lopsided grin and kept his tone light, but she feared she saw a wryness to the twist of his lips.
Never mind. She’d pleasure the hurt right out of him, with all he’d taught her.
****
Evan strolled back to his townhouse. The darkest hours of the night were not entirely safe, even in Mayfair, but his clothes and height—and his attitude—stopped anyone from accosting him.
He almost wished they would. He could use a good fight right now to get some of his frustrations out.
Damned infernal independent woman. He had hoped after Bath she’d trust that he had her best interests at heart. It seemed his wariness was warranted about investing with someone he was in a rela—
Fucking. The word is fucking.
But Ford’s words had taken root in his mind, as much as he hated the idea of marriage. If he needed to marry, he could not envision anyone other than Althea. She constantly challenged him and made him raise his game. He’d never been so engaged mind, body, and soul with a woman. Even his youthful infatuations with sexually aggressive ladies who taught him some of his best tricks had been one dimensional. This was all-consuming. And while he didn’t know if it was love, Ford’s plan was the most straightforward path to ensuring the preservation of his earldom and fortune.
If Althea had been willing to bend even a little, he might have been able to convince himself she wasn’t pursuing him for quick and easy funds and clandestine lessons in lust. But she had failed to clear even the first hurdle. She was still set against giving up even a small piece of ownership, which meant he had no foundation for trust.
He didn’t want her to pursue him for his money, but he wanted her to be open to…pursuing him. He sighed.Ford would laugh at me for going ’round and ’round like this.
Mayhap if his family legacy did not include mental health issues, he could see past a lack of trust to marry for heirs. But similar to his nightmares about torturing someone who loved him by not recognizing them, he could easily picture someone who didn’t love him abandoning him to an asylum. In fact, he was sure that was what his cousin would do, so why would he marry if not to avoid that?
No, he needed to find someone else to fund her expansion, so he could relax and enjoy a free sexual relationship with the beautiful and willing widow, until such time as they went their separate ways.
It seemed his best path was to avoid caring too much for any woman, even Althea. He hoped it was not too late to choose that direction.
Over the next two days, Evan wrote notes to fellow investors, particularly those who liked to support women’s ventures, mentioning the upcoming soirée. Lady Charlotte was unavailable, which surprised him as she’d only just rejoined society after mourning her husband’s passing. He requested a private audience with her for Althea the day after the party.
The following week, Evan dressed and ascended into a dark and lonely carriage, resenting not being able to show Althea off to his associates. He hoped one of the investors attending would decide quickly to support her, leaving plenty of the night for his preferred prurient activities, with no obsessing about nuptials.
Normally, he would also want to scout new investment opportunities at such an event. He found it helpful to look a businessperson in the eye to judge sincerity, fire, and intelligence. All three were needed to succeed in London in the era of Prinny’s whims. But tonight, his goals were to find the right fit for Althea, then get her naked and enjoy the safe part of their arrangement.
With two dozen attendees, the party flowed between the dining room and a connected parlor of the host’s home, dozens of candelabras keeping it bright and warm. Evan mingled and lounged, keeping a close eye on the door.
Finally, Althea swept in, once again in a dress of a deep jewel tone, this time amethyst, striking with her dark hair and creamy skin.
Her fingers fiddled with her reticule as her gaze flitted around the room, searching for him.
