“You should not have to suffer like this. As you know, I own an estate in Gloucestershire. Say the word, and you may retire there at your earliest convenience.”
Eva’s heart swelled at his generosity. She might have fallen in love with him all over again were she not already besotted.
“That’s extremely kind, sir, but I refuse to run from my responsibilities.” She turned and continued her solemn walk as if ascending the crude wooden steps to the gallows.
Knowles and William were waiting at the front door.
The butler thrust a wicker basket into Noah’s arms and whispered, “Mrs Drysdale assembled a few items for you, sir. She knows how you love her almond cake and plum jam.”
Noah’s eyes shone with genuine affection. He asked Knowles to pass on his thanks, clutched the butler’s shoulder and added, “Should Lady Hawkridge ever need assistance, send word to me in Wigmore Street.”
Knowles nodded.
Noah cast a wistful glance along the hallway as they all departed.
They climbed into the carriage, travelled for a few minutes in silence until Eva said, “One cannot help but fear for Lady Hawkridge’s mental state. Perhaps I could write to her, encourage her to accept your offer.”
Noah sighed and brushed his hand through his hair. “Hawkridge won’t let her leave. He needs someone to blame for his misgivings. I made the offer because I want her to know she has somewhere to go should the situation become unbearable.”
“It’s hard to believe you’re from the same family,” she replied.
“Why do you think my grandfather left me everything that wasn’t entailed?”
No one spoke for a while, not until Mr Cole said, “When we return to Hart Street we need to update Daventry on our findings.” He repeated what Lord Benham had told them about the last time he’d seen Howard.
“Very well,” Noah replied. “We need to tell Daventry about the second blackmail note. And I need to visit the Turners.” He gave Eva his full attention. “I pray they’re responsible for kidnapping your brother, and not Manning.”
“I don’t think it matters either way.” It was strange, but she had already resigned herself to the fact Howard was dead. A man could only dance with the devil so many times before getting burned.
“But the Turners can wait,” Noah suddenly said. “Once I’ve updated Daventry, I have an appointment I cannot postpone.”
“An appointment?” Eva feared he would return to Duke Street alone and seek to end the bitter feud with his uncle.
But the corners of Noah’s lips curled in the sensual way that made her heart thunder and her muscles weak.
“It’s Wednesday,” he said. “I have something important to do.” His sinful gaze swept over her body. “Something that cannot wait.”
Chapter 16
The anger simmering in Noah’s veins dissipated the moment he glimpsed Eva appro
aching on the garden path. It was six in the evening, and the sun shone while making its slow descent. The warm breeze ruffled his hair, blew away the bitter emotions that had plagued him since beating a confession from his uncle’s lackey.
Despite the constant trickle of water from the fountain, he heard the crunch of Eva’s footsteps on the gravel path as she passed through the willow tunnel. She appeared from between the fragrant pink rose bushes, her eyes bright, her smile dazzling.
“Well,” she began, taking in the picnic laid out on the blanket. Her gaze drifted to the enclosed garden and the borders teeming with vibrant summer flowers. “This is certainly more private than the park.”
“It’s my sanctuary.” A place where he came to relax and forget about the traumas of the day. “No one will disturb us out here. The topiary hedge prevents anyone from spying on us from the upper windows next door.”
“I trust we have Mrs Drysdale to thank for the picnic.”
“She liked to spoil me when I lived with my grandfather and has filled the basket with my favourite delicacies.” Although nothing could surpass the sweet taste of Eva Dunn’s lips. “And I’ve brought a book of lewd poems should you wish to hear the words of a genius.”
Eva arched a coy brow. “Are you attempting to seduce me, Mr Ashwood?”
He glanced at her plain grey dress, noted that her breasts were not as high or firm. “It seems you’re in the mind for more than a picnic, Miss Dunn. Either that, or I need to dismiss the maid.”
The temptress smoothed her hands from her breasts to her hips. “Stays are most inconvenient when frolicking in the garden.”