Page 97 of How to Start a Scandal

‘You have no idea,’ Seth said drily. ‘He would take two hours to shave my face if I let him. And I wish that was an exaggeration.’

‘He only wants to make sure you’re perfect.’ Violet ran an assessing touch over his jaw and nodded. ‘I don’t believe it gets much closer than that.’

Seth put his arm around her and pulled her against his good side. He breathed in her delicate powdery scent and let his thoughts drift back to how that perfume was more enhanced along the sides of her neck when he’d kissed her there, when they’d spent the night loving each other.

More and more in the last few days, he found his memories wandering from recollections of violence, death and war. Instead, they were replaced with ridiculous moments of a cat named Hedgehog, tender ones with the woman he loved, and even amusing ones like when he’d fallen through the gap in the hedges between their homes.

Those were the memories he wanted in his mind. And he had a lifetime to build them with Violet.

‘Your mother’s jewels were all recovered with the exception of the bracelet found in Bath that you purchased.’ Violet glanced up at him, as if she was worried he might not wish to discuss Mr Pattinson.

Seth nodded. ‘I’m pleased they were all intact. And Mr Pattinson’s remains were handled accordingly?’ His chest ached with the loss of the man’s life. Seth knew what he personally was willing to risk to save his sister and his wife. He could only imagine what he would do to avenge a daughter who had been wronged as egregiously as Pattinson’s had.

‘I handled it personally,’ Violet said. ‘Nash is seeking any additional living relatives, but is not hopeful.’

‘He’s already up and about?’ Seth chuckled. ‘And to think you were worried about me. The man was run clean through.’

‘You tough men.’ Violet rolled her eyes in playful exasperation. ‘I’m told Harold and Burton are already back to work as well. Your mother claims Harold’s stops are getting smoother now.’

‘As long as Mother is happy...’

Violet tapped his arm in light chastisement. He chuckled and drew her against him more tightly. Soon they would be at Dalton Manor, away from balls and soirées and societal obligations—where the days would stretch out with leisure time and sunlit skies.

He looked forward to picnics and horseback rides through the property. All of them with Violet. And some day, perhaps even with their children.

‘Dare I ask what that smile is for?’ She tilted her head, studying him.

‘I’m wondering how many children we’ll have.’ He pressed a kiss to her brow. ‘You’ll be the most wonderful mother. Felicity agrees with me. She’s already requested six cousins.’

Violet’s eyes went wide. ‘Six?’

‘We’d best get started.’ Seth nudged her back against the door frame. ‘The sooner the better.’

Violet bit her bottom lip and he knew she was weighing his injury against the call of desire. He knew well how he’d find her when she looked at him like that—wet and hot with need.

Someone cleared their throat behind Seth. ‘Forgive me, my lord.’

Seth turned to find Gibbons intentionally averting his gaze. ‘Lord Rawley is here to see you. I’m afraid he’s rather insistent.’

Seth cast a regretful look at his beautiful wife and backed away. ‘Yes, of course.’

‘He’s in the study.’ Gibbons gave a light bow.

Seth thanked his butler, pressed a kiss to Violet’s lips with a murmur of promise for later and made his way to the study. Rawley was not at the seat in front of the desk as Seth had expected. Instead, he was by the decanter of brandy with an empty glass in his hand.

He caught sight of Seth and quickly set it aside. ‘Forgive me, I needed...’ He straightened. ‘I took your advice.’

Seth lifted his brows and wondered how Rawley had built up the temerity to go to Lottie’s. He must truly like Caroline as much as he claimed to. Seth slowly walked to the decanter. ‘Would you like a brandy?’

Rawley’s cheeks went pink. ‘I already had one.’

Seth smirked. ‘When did you start drinking like Kentworth?’

‘When I knew I had to come here.’ Rawley padded the trembling fingertips of his hands together.

A smile crept over Seth’s lips. Caroline had been beside herself with melancholy since Seth’s decision that they remove to Dalton Manor until Parliament reconvened. She’d hoped to hear from Rawley, who had been disappointingly silent.

‘Did you mean to ask me something?’ Seth poured the man another brandy which Rawley took without hesitation.