Page 59 of Ruined by the Wrong Earl

Mr Collins glanced at the mantel clock as it chimed five. ‘I must leave, but I thank you, Lady Ralston. Your research has genuine promise. I shall mention it to my colleagues at our next meeting.’

Together, they escorted Mr Collins to the vestibule. When the door closed behind the man, Nora turned to her husband. ‘How did you convince him to pay a visit?’

Ralston shrugged, though his eyes gleamed with pride. ‘I did meet him at White’s. When I told him about you, he asked to meet you.’

She gave a disbelieving laugh. ‘That’s all?’

‘That’s all.’ He leaned against the banister, his lips curving in a smile.

She bit her lower lip. ‘How did I do?’

‘Very well, just as I knew you would. You were eloquent, knowledgeable and passionate about your work. I have no doubt he’ll speak highly of you to his Society colleagues. You may even get an invitation to present your findings sooner than expected.’

Her cheeks flushed. She pressed cool fingers to her overheated skin. Every time he mentioned that he valued her intelligence a bit more of her heart was lost to him. ‘Do you really think so?’

‘I do,’ he said, his voice low. ‘You did more than impress him—you charmed the fellow. What man you could resist you?’

Her heart gave a little lurch at the admiration in his gaze. Was he talking about Mr Collins or himself? For an insane moment, she desperately wanted it to be him. She cleared her throat. ‘I must organize my notes. There’s little time and much to do.’ She spun on her heel, ready to race upstairs, then froze and looked back at him. ‘Oh! I nearly forgot. Thank you.’

He smiled. ‘I’m glad you are pleased.’

Nora’s thoughts were a whirlwind as she climbed the stairs. Marriage was nothing like she’d first expected. She’d initially thought it a cage of sorts, a means to have a man control her and stifle her dreams of science. But marriage to Ralston was far from a prison. He had opened doors instead of closing them. Her emotions warred in what she feared was a losing battle, and her heart had a mind of its own.

And suddenly, cooking for him seemed woefully inadequate. She wanted her husband, all of him. If he would not open their adjoining bedchamber door, then she would do so herself.

After all, it wouldn’t be the first time she’d slipped into his bed.

Chapter Eighteen

‘How is married life, my friend?’

‘It’s fine.’ Ralston sat across from Adler at Jonathan’s Coffee-House the following afternoon. It was their usual day to meet, and the place was bustling. The Times, The Morning Post and The Chronicle had been delivered earlier, and the coffee house was busy with men reading newspapers, drinking the warm brew and gathering with friends.

Adler, it seemed, had other business on his mind. He stirred a lump of sugar into his coffee. ‘Truly? You appeared even more tense than usual at the House today.’

The earlier session had voted on two different bills. Ralston had avoided Lord Weber and his cronies afterwards in the antechamber. The man had a way of getting under his skin and he did not wish to give his nemesis the satisfaction of agitating him in public.

‘Weber is a thorn in my side.’ Ralston raised his coffee cup. It was too hot, and he scalded his tongue, adding to his frustration and bad mood.

Adler eyed him knowingly. ‘That’s not all that’s bothering you, is it?’

‘My wife is fine if that’s what you are implying.’

Adler arched an eyebrow. ‘She is fine. And beautiful. Why do I have the sense you are avoiding her bedchamber?’

Ralston’s spoon clattered on his saucer. ‘I’m not avoiding her bed. I already told you, it’s out of consideration.’ They had been married only a short time. Too many sleepless nights thinking of his wife in his bed. He knew his friend was right. He had given her enough time to adjust to an unwanted marriage, hadn’t he?

Unbothered, Adler continued. ‘You are fooling yourself. Visit her chambers and soon. It will help you focus on the upcoming second reading of your bill. Your arguments must be sharp and leave little room for a snake like Lord Weber to strike. The man is no fool.’

Ralston did not need reminding of Weber’s skill.

By the time Ralston returned home, he was even more tense. Jenkins took his hat and greatcoat as Mrs Hanning approached.

‘Dinner will be served in your library, my lord,’ she said.

His brow furrowed in confusion. ‘The library? Is there something amiss in the dining room.’ Had Nora decided to redecorate? He wouldn’t protest if she wanted to hire painters or a decorator. As for dinner, he’d intended to have a tray delivered to his room to work. His conversation with Adler had only added to his agitation. His political work was at risk if Lord Weber gained more supporters. As for his beautiful wife…she was never far from his mind.

His housekeeper’s face turned a shade pink. In all the years he’d known her, the competent woman had never blushed. ‘Lady Ralston has requested your presence in the library.’