It was dark by the time he had his carriage readied, and they were journeying through London on their way to the Trewlove Hotel. Leonora had been surprised that Mama hadn’t shown up at the door once night fell, but she’d gained what she wanted and her daughter’s behavior was no longer her priority.
Although Leonora couldn’t imagine she’d be too pleased to see her daughter nestled up against Rook’s side, his mouth toying provocatively over hers. He was so very good at kissing, but then he was so very good at anything related to sex. She wondered how many women he might have known intimately, how he’d managed to ensure he had no by-blows. She was struck with an unexpected realization that following what they had done, she could be with child. And she wouldn’t mind it.
But at that moment, she was focused on the pleasure rippling through her because of the man who held her. He’d drawn the curtains on the windows as though her reputation needed protecting when she was rather certain that his concern was that of his own.
She wondered what it might take for him to throw caution to the wind and do something scandalous. Onthe other hand, she supposed he’d done something scandalous with her.
The carriage began to slow, and they pulled apart.
“I’ll call on you as soon as I return,” he said solemnly.
NoI love you, I’ll miss you, I can’t wait to return to you.
“Take care on the journey.”
He gave a nod as the carriage stopped and a door opened. He disembarked and then handed her down. Without touching they walked up the steps to the hotel door.
“Thank you for being there today,” he said quietly.
“It was my privilege.” God, she hated this formality. Was this what it would be like between them except when they were in bed, going at each other like animals? “I’m just sorry your father was the sort of man he was.”
“I’m sorry for a lot of things. Good night, Nora.”
A footman opened the door. She walked through and strolled to a window. Standing there she watched his solitary figure walking back to his carriage. He didn’t glance back to look for her. He simply got into the conveyance.
How was it that passion could reign so fiercely between them, and shortly afterward, she could feel so lonely?
Chapter 23
“If there is any silver lining to the earl’s passing, I suppose it’s that you will be a countess from the start,” Mama said with a seething undertone in her voice at the breakfast table. “Although I don’t see why the wedding must now be small, as though your future husband is ashamed of us.”
“Because they are in mourning,” Leonora explained for the hundredth time.
“I look hideous in black,” Mama said. “I’m not going to wear it. He wasn’t my father or husband. I don’t see why his death has to ruin things for us. Force us to have a ceremony that is less spectacular. I think the wedding should be delayed until they are out of mourning.”
Sam cleared his throat. “We’re talking a delay for months, if not a couple of years, aren’t we? What if Nora is—” He looked at her, his cheeks turning a red that nearly matched her hair. “What if she’s... with child?”
The last two words came out on a whisper that was almost inaudible.
Her mother sighed heavily, as if she’d just hoisted up a huge boulder. “I suppose that is a consideration. Although we could wait a few weeks to see.”
Leonora chuckled. “A few days ago you were screaming for a marriage made in haste.”
“I don’t want you denied what you rightfully deserve.”
Oh, yes, she was relatively certain it washerneeds that Mama was worried about. She turned her attention to Sam. “I think we need to redouble our efforts to secure investors.”
He looked at her as though she’d announced they should fly to the moon. “But Rook... Rook said you can have whatever money you require for the business.”
“I don’t want to be beholden.” More, she didn’t want him thinking she was marrying him for his wealth. She thought of all the people who’d come to him yesterday, extending a hand. Her circumstances were vastly different from theirs. She’d had advantages with a loving father who hadn’t tossed her aside.
“You won’t be beholden,” Mama said sternly. “He’ll be your husband. It’ll be his job to take care of you.”
But she wanted to take care of herself.
“Besides, he said I have to give half the company to you,” Sam said, “and can sell only my shares.”
“Right this minute they are allyourshares. So we sell some and then whatever remains on my wedding day, we divide equally. We’ll take care to ensure that our combined shares give us a majority.” And she maintained some independence.
