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Evelina’s brow knit together in confusion. “What is it that your Brother has shared with you regarding the specifics of this deal? My Father was under the impression that our two companies were to merge, and that the late Duke of Elvington pulled out at the last minute to merge with someone else.”
Thomas looked stunned. “I was told that it was the Duke of Alderleaf who pulled out. And I have no idea whatsoever who this ‘third party’ might be. As far as I am aware, no additional merger has taken place whatsoever.”
Evelina and Thomas stared at one another, both, apparently, at a loss. Thomas was the first to recover, sitting back and frowning in thought. “This is a difficult situation. I had hoped our conversation tonight would clarify things, but it seems we are left with more questions than ever.”
“What do you think we should do?”
“I’m not certain.” Thomas shook his head. “I’m not certain as of yet, anyway.” He forced a smile. “Though, who knows? Perhaps at the heart of this is nothing more than an inconvenient misunderstanding. It is possible that whatever negotiations were taking place were interrupted by the accident that cost my father his life.”
A dangerous swell of hope washed over Evelina. “If only that proved to be the truth. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of this was nothing more than a grand misunderstanding?”
“Indeed.” Thomas nodded. With sudden conviction, he straightened himself so that he was sitting at his full height. “I shall return to my Brother with the insight you’ve shared with me tonight. We will get to the bottom of this, Evelina, I promise you that.”
Evelina’s breath caught at the determination in Thomas’ voice. At some point as he’d made his promise, their bodies had gravitated closer together once more. Evelina was deeply conscious of the sharp gleam in his eyes. The heat of him, so close to her, right within her grasp—
Who knew when they would have such uninterrupted privacy again?
“Thomas—” Evelina breathed. Unable to help herself, her eyes glanced down at his lips.
Thomas must have caught the question in her demeanor. Slowly, so slowly, he lifted his hand to caress her cheek. “Evelina. May I?”
She nodded. It was a small motion, so much so, she initially doubted Thomas had even caught it.
But then he tilted her chinjust so, and brought their lips together.
