Page 64 of Ruined by the Wrong Earl

‘He had to leave for business.’ Before slipping from her bed early that morning, he’d kissed her lingeringly. She’d clung to him, wanting him to stay, but knowing he had business to attend. ‘He must garner support for his bill.’ She knew he was facing an uphill battle, and it had been on his mind. His troubles disturbed her.

‘I see,’ Candace said, her eyes never leaving Nora’s face. ‘I’m concerned for you. Marriage must be horrid.’

Nora set her teacup on her saucer with a chink. ‘Candace, no. To the contrary, I have found marriage to Ralston quite…pleasant.’

Sara pressed her hand against her chest. ‘Is he that magnificent in bed?’

‘Sara!’ Candace admonished. ‘Look at the bags under her eyes. Surely, she is suffering.’

Clearly, Candace’s past had tainted her views on men. Nora reached out to take her sister’s hand in hers. ‘I assure you, Candace, Ralston is not mistreating me. We were up late last night.’

After a heartbeat, Candace blushed. ‘I see.’

‘He has upheld his promises,’ Nora said. ‘I wanted to do something in return. I visited Ani and asked her to teach me how to cook.’

Candace blinked. ‘You did? I can’t imagine you in the kitchen. You always avoided it when we visited Ani in the past.’

It was true. Her willingness to tackle a task she’d previously had no interest in must sound shocking. But Nora was glad she’d done it and was proud of her efforts. Ralston had enjoyed the food. As for what came afterwards…she was glad for that, as well.

‘You like him,’ Candace said.

‘Yes. I suppose I do.’ Her feelings had grown and blossomed. Even though she’d never wanted to marry, now that they were together, her future seemed bright.

Sara sighed. ‘I hope to find a similar match.’

The front door opened, and Ralston’s unmistakable voice sounded in the corridor. Moments later, he appeared in the drawing room.

Nora’s breath hitched. He looked stunningly virile in a navy coat of superfine buff trousers, and Hessians that hugged his calves.

‘Good day, ladies.’ He bowed and grinned. When he turned to Nora, an intensity flared through his gaze. A tingling sparked in the pit of her stomach, and she struggled to subdue the dizzying current racing through her. She knew how broad his shoulders were beneath his tailored coat and how muscled his thighs were beneath his trousers.

Candace greeted him politely. Sara giggled.

‘Ladies, I dare not take much of your sisterly time. I merely wanted to say hello.’

‘Did it go well in the House?’ Nora asked.

‘It was fine,’ he said.

She immediately knew something was off. Beneath the polite veneer, there was a slight tensing of his jaw. Nora wanted to inquire further but now was not the time and place.

After he left the room, Sara surprised her by speaking first. ‘Is his lordship under stress?’

‘I agree. Something is bothering him,’ Candace said.

‘You both can tell?’ Nora was surprised at her sisters’ observation.

‘If he is treating you well and you are happy, then tell us how we can help you help him,’ Candace said.

Nora had been wondering how she could aid Ralston herself. Maybe brainstorming with her sisters was what she needed. ‘He seeks to pass a bill to limit child labor, but there is a lord with influence who is opposing him.’

‘Then you must try to dissuade the lord,’ Candace said.

Nora pursed her lips. ‘How? I don’t exactly know Lord Weber or his cronies.’

Sara sat forward on the sofa. ‘Think of Lord Weber’s circle. Is he married?’

Nora thought back. ‘Yes. Lady Weber attended my science salon. But it’s not exactly as if we are close friends.’