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Chapter Thirty-Four
That which I would discover the law of friendship bids me toconceal.
—Shakespeare,Two Gentlemen of Verona
Nicholas stared atthe terrace and the mirage of gardens beyond. Rain pelted the glass, washing the sight away again. Two more days had passed, and the blackguard had made no move. The waiting was wearing.
“Nicholas, do sit down. You are doing damage to the carpets with your pacing. You’ve not touched any food. Nan has sent your favorite cheeses and bread,” Catherine said.
The scent of freshly baked bread registered. Catherine sat on the sofa, her legs drawn up under her gown, an unopened book on her lap. Lord, but she was beautiful. The fire lit her face golden in the dim library. August. It should have been warmer, but it had turned unseasonably cool.
She patted the seat beside her, and the invitation was irresistible. The long days had been softened by the nights with her. She was an incredible woman. He sank onto the sofa, leaning in to kiss that impertinent little nose. She set her book aside. He picked it up.Coelebs in Search of a Wife.
“Have you not finished with this yet?” He remembered finding her asleep in the sitting room on the night of their wedding. He recalled the scent of her, bringing her to pleasure. His cock stiffened.
“Truth be told, I haven’t started it. I am not sure I wish to read of someone else’s trials in finding love.” She glanced up, her eyes darkening in response to what she must surely see in his.
“We can’t…” Her voice was gruff, unconvincing.
“Who says?” He shifted. Lust could be damned uncomfortable. He looked around the richly appointed library, his father’s domain until his illness.Well, damn it all—Nicholas’s domain now. Why should he not enjoy his wife here?
He ran a finger along her décolletage, exposing the smooth ivory skin hidden beneath the periwinkle fabric. A sharp rap cut the exploration short. Catherine’s face fell. She was clearly as disappointed as he felt. Although, she blushed charmingly, while he just wanted to shout at whoever had knocked. They both sat up, adjusting their clothing.
“Enter,” Nicholas begrudgingly commanded.
“Lord Thornwood has arrived,” Fredericks said, his face expressionless.
A surge of relief washed away any irritation at being interrupted. Nicholas had many legal questions, and Thornwood would be able to answer them. Despite the surety of his title, Thornwood had specialized in law. He’d thought it would aid in his political judgments. The man had an admirable dedication to humanity. Nicholas counted on that, their long-standing friendship, and the rules of courteous form that Thornwood always insisted upon, to ensure discretion.
“Show him in.”
Fredericks closed the doors before going to retrieve their guest. He seemed more himself these last few days. Both Nicholas and Langford had kept an eye on him, but there was no sign of anything untoward. Perhaps there was a simple explanation for the man’s odd behavior that day. Unfortunately, there was no way to ask Fredericks about it without tipping him off, if indeed he was the culprit. More, it would be insulting. If Nicholas was wrong, he’d offend the old man. He shook his head. Some military man he was, worried about a servant’s feelings.
Irritated, he stood and brushed at his trousers, then moved to the desk on the opposite side of the room. He shuffled papers around, impatience making him restless. Hopefully Thornwood would be able to guide him through this mire.
The door opened again. Fredericks announced Lord Thornwood before stepping to the side to admit him and then quietly closing the door behind him.
“Thornwood, good of you to come again.” Nicholas stepped out around the desk.
Thornwood strode directly to him, taking his hand, pumping it enthusiastically. “I do apologize for my delay. It was unavoidable.” He released Nicholas’s hand. “I am honored you have need of me. I have let many things in my life slip and feel less connected than I used to. It does my heart good to know there is someone in need of my friendship, my company.”
Nicholas was taken aback by the easy confession. Thornwood was always in control. It seemed they were all missing something, seeking something.
“I must say,” Thornwood continued, “I was worried about you after my last visit.” He raised his hand to Nicholas’s shoulder. “The tension at both your wedding and the dinner party was tangible. It was not my business to ask, but it was clear that neither you nor your bride were happy with the circumstances. I assume that is why I am here?”
A discreet cough from Catherine caught the earl’s attention. He swung around and spotted her sitting very much composed on the sofa.
“Lady Walford.” His complexion deepened to a rich scarlet. “I do apologize, I had no idea…I mean…I mean…hell.”
Her delightful laughter filled the room as she stood and approached the earl, reaching out to touch his arm. “No need. You are correct. The tension was unbearable, and you had every right to be concerned for your friend.”
She moved to Nicholas’s side. He wrapped an arm around her waist, smiling in triumph. He brushed a kiss across her hair, withholding his own laughter at Thornwood’s look of surprise.
“But you’re to worry no longer. We have reconciled our differences. Haven’t we?” She beamed up at Nicholas, and his heart skipped a beat. It was not only her beauty that thrilled him but the truth in her words. Despite the trial they’d faced, he knew their love was finally on solid ground.
“Then may I make my congratulations once again.” He bowed toward them. “And this time, they are genuine and heartfelt.”
“Thank you, my lord. Your goodwill is much appreciated. Nicholas was just about to eat. Would you care to join him? The bread is fresh from the oven.”
