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“I was thinking about Widow Jane and her predicament.”
“What about it?”
“She was truly kind to us. I would love to do something for her and the other villagers. You saw the conditions they live in. Happily dancing away in a rotting inn, walking around the muddy village.”
Gabriel heaved a sigh. “Yes, I saw. But short of buying it out, I don’t see how you could help them.”
Evie raised her brow, although she was certain he didn’t see it in the dim carriage interior.
“You are thinking of buying it, aren’t you? Just remember, Bingham will try to drive a hard bargain. Unless, of course, you try to win it from him at cards. He is a big gambler.”
“Like you?” She smiled.
“No, there is no bigger gambler than me,” he said proudly, and she laughed.
Her stomach rumbled then, and she pressed a hand to her belly, embarrassed.
“Hungry, are you?” Gabriel said with a smile in his voice. “Do not worry, we shall stop for the night soon, and I shall buy you supper.”
“But we don’t have any money. Unless you borrowed from the marquess. My shilling would get us either a place to sleep or a meal.”
Gabriel threw her a wounded look. “Do you insinuate I cannot care for my wife without outside help? No. I always keep a few coins in a separate pocket while traveling. The brigands aren’t only thieves on the roads. Sometimes I get robbed in the most unexpected places.” He grinned at her.
“Don’t tell me.” She rolled her eyes and looked away. “I have to say, I am going to appreciate food more after this journey.”
“Even fish?” Gabriel smiled.
Evie grimaced. “I doubt I’m ever going to tolerate fish.”
“Imagine we are stranded on an uninhabited island. There are only coconut trees on land and fish in the ocean.” He looked at her in challenge. “Will you eat the fish I catch, or will you eat your coconuts all day long?”
Evie laughed merrily at that question. “Well, I imagine I would have to concede to your fish. As long as you cook it too. I am drawing a line on raw fish.”
“Fair enough.” Gabriel nodded. “I’d feed you.”
“Thank you.” Evie chuckled. “I suppose I lucked out picking a husband who is able to fish and cook.”
“Oh, those are not the only things I am able to do.” Gabriel waggled his eyebrows at her.
“Somehow, I am not surprised.” Evie laughed.
They reached London just before sunset the next day. Gabriel hopped down from the carriage and assisted Evie in getting down. She raised her head and studied the facade of Gabriel’s townhouse. The last time she’d been here, it was pouring rain. The building looked dark and ominous. This time, it didn’t look any more inviting. Or perhaps it just reflected Evie’s mood. She was weary and all too aware that she’d have to leave Gabriel soon.
“It is probably cold too,” Gabriel said, looking at Evie apologetically. Her misery must have shown clearly on her face. “Not the ideal environment I’d wish to bring my new bride to. I suppose now I can afford to hire more staff for this house,” he said with a shrug once they entered the pitch-black townhouse. He rang the bell by the door loudly. “Let’s hope my valet has returned before us and is sleeping peacefully.”
While they shed their outer clothing, his valet appeared in the hall, stumbling in his haste.
“My lord, my lady!” He bowed as he came toward them. “Welcome back home.”
Home. Evie’s heart skipped a beat.
“Please prepare our chambers and two hot baths,” Gabriel said in an offhand manner. “I’ll show her ladyship her chambers.”
“A bath would take hours to heat, my lord,” the valet said apologetically.
“Forget the bath then. Just warm up the rooms, will you?”
“Certainly, sir.” The valet hurried past them at a near run.
