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For a moment, disappointment flashed in her eyes. Had she been hoping for him to declare his love? She deserved it, but he just wasn’t certain he could give that to her. He’d keep her safe, he’d even be a better man, but did he deserve her heart?
She hesitated before she finally gave a quick nod. “All right. I accept.”
Tangible disappointment made him grip her tighter. Not at her acceptance, per se. He’d wanted her to say yes. But he’d not given her all that she needed, even he could sense that, and somehow, he wished to take his words back and try again.
However, now was not the moment for regret but for action. “Rush, can Natalie stay with you and Abby for tonight? Her mother will surely allow it. In the meantime, I’ll speak to her uncle and secure his support.”
“Are you certain?” Natalie asked. “Our other option is to just elope.”
He let out a rush of air. “You’ve taken my lessons to heart.”
She gave him a small smile then. “It is an opportunity…”
“I’ll not have society think I ruined you. My reputation may be deplorable, but we needn’t make yours just as bad.” He reached up and stroked her face.
Her smile softened along with her eyes. “I see.”
He leaned down, kissing her forehead. “Stay out of sight and stay away from your mother. If you don’t see her, you won’t have to see Kingsley. I’ll come to Rush and Abby’s as soon as I am able.”
She gave a quick nod of agreement as she slipped her hand into his. “Promise?”
“Promise.”
He hated to load her into Rush’s carriage, but he handed her in, Rush doing the same with Abby.
But his friend paused before he climbed in too. “Her uncle, Northville, he’s a new partner of ours.”
Ethan nearly choked on his surprise. “Since when?”
“Triston bought another club, The Den of Sins, and Northville backed him. What’s more, Northville has been investigating Gyla. You should ask him for more than Natalie’s hand. He’s a powerful ally.”
Ethan blinked back his surprise. “No wonder he was so interested in me when we first met. I thought he wanted me to marry Natalie, but perhaps…”
“I couldn’t say. The man keeps his cards close.” Rush started to climb in but then stopped again.
“I appreciate the information and the help, Rush.” He took the man’s hand, giving it a firm shake that Rush returned.
“I’ll keep her safe.”
“I know you will. Thank you,” he answered.
Rush’s mouth tightened. “And remember. For her, it doesn’t matter what you were. It matters what you become.”
Those words pinged about his head as he watched the vehicle slip from sight, then he turned back to the house to wash and dress for the evening. If Northville was a partner at the club, he knew where to start looking for the man.
A quarter hour later, having called for his own carriage, he made to leave the house, but another visitor halted him in his tracks—his own uncle.
“Uncle,” he rumbled as the man entered at the precise moment he was about to exit. “Your timing is unfortunate. I was just leaving.”
“Out for the night?” His uncle scowled, the lines of his face deepening in disapproval.
“Actually, I am attempting to locate Viscount Northville. We have pressing business.”
“Did you ruin her?” his uncle asked, crossing his arms.
“No, but if you’d like an explanation, you’re going to have to join me. Time is of the essence.”
With a curt nod, his uncle followed, climbing into Ethan’s carriage. He cleared his throat as he settled onto the bench seat.
