“I’ll ask my private detective to dig deeper. I’ll tell you what he discovers. She’s a careful woman. She must have put it somewhere safe.”
Royston couldn’t say he was pleased. “You promised not to do anything to Mrs. Haywood.”
“By Jove.” The earl put a hand on his chest. “I always keep my word. She doesn’t suspect anything, and I plan to keep my relationship friendly with her. Nothing will happen to her. No need to worry.”
“The seat?”
“I’ll start my request with the House of Lords immediately.”
Good news, finally. Royston stretched out his arm. “Thank you, Havisham.”
The earl shook his hand. “My pleasure. You have no idea of the service you did for me. My family and my happiness are safe, thanks to you.” His voice shook.
“You’re welcome.” Royston just hoped Angeline would understand.
He left Havisham’s house with a riot of feelings in his chest. He wanted to see Angeline and tell her the truth. Yes, he’d go to her to talk about her mother. No kisses until he laid out the truth.
He shoved his hands into his pockets and braved the chilly wind. Walking helped him think. Angeline had to understand. Her mother blackmailed people and abused fallen women, and he needed the seat in the House of Lords, or London would keep producing women like his mother. He couldn’t allow that.
But despite firmly believing those reasons, he couldn’t help the sensation of a cold blade in his chest whenever he thought of Angeline. She might tell him to go to hell after he confessed. He would lose her before he had the chance to be with her.
But nothing else could have been done. Talking to her before taking the documents would have been a mistake. If she was ignorant of her mother’s activity, she wouldn’t have believed him. She would have certainly talked to her mother, who would have removed the documents and stashed them somewhere else.
And he would have lost Angeline.
It seemed that every possible outcome led to the same depressing result.
The damage was already done. He ought to take responsibility for his actions and choices and face the consequences. From Westminster, Big Ben chimed midnight.Each gong made him shudder. It sounded as if Big Ben urged him on.
The back gate to Angeline’s garden was open. He slipped inside and waited in a dark corner next to the rear entrance, half-wishing she didn’t come out.
The door inched inwards, and she came into view in all her dark beauty. Her long hair was twisted in a long braid that reached her waist, and her blue dressing gown made her look like a fairy princess. The moonlight turned her skin into a glowing beacon.
He hitched a breath. For a moment, he forgot about Mrs. Haywood, Havisham, and the whole sodding world. She was so beautiful he could spend the whole night watching her.
“Royston?” she whispered.
He couldn’t refuse her call. Removing his hat, he came out of the shadows. “I’m here.”
She let out a muffled gasp and laughed. “You came.”
“Of course I did. Angeline, before anything else, I need to talk to you.”
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. “Of course. What is it? You sound so serious.”
Since she wore only her dressing gown, he appreciated all the softness and warmth of her body. Her breasts pressed against his chest.
He held her by the waist. “I have something to tell you, something that won’t make you happy.”
Her lips were deliciously close. “I know. I’m a terrible kisser. But with a bit of practice, I’ll improve.”
“No, it’s not about that.” He caressed her hair. “Your kisses are perfect. It’s something else.”
“Come.” She took his hand and pulled him into the hallway. “My mother is asleep, and Bassett left hours ago. But I can’t stay long. Mama is a light sleeper.”
He didn’t walk in further but remained close to the door. He guessed the conversation would be quite short. “I have done something you’re going to hate.”
She rose on her tiptoes to give him a quick peck on the lips. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating.” She scattered kisses on his face. Stopping her physically hurt him.
