“No, but Lady Adair has agreed to make a substantial contribution to a women’s refuge. Were it anyone else I would have refused. But I would not be sending Cole to save Sophia Adair. I rather hope the lady might save him.”
Noah feared Cole was beyond saving, that he would always blame himself for his wife’s death. But one had to believe that love could break down walls, cross barriers. “Then you have my support, but be prepared. Cole is certain to refuse.”
“I’ll wait until we return to London tomorrow before informing him of my decision. I don’t want you breaking up a fight between your friends on your wedding day.”
Daventry gripped Noah’s shoulder and agreed to inform him of Cole’s decision before crossing the room to join Sloane and D’Angelo.
The conversation with Daventry occupied Noah’s thoughts until Eva approached. She came up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
“You seem distracted,” she said. “Are you annoyed I’ve left you alone for so long?”
He gathered her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles. “I could never be annoyed with you. But perhaps now is the right time for me to give you a wedding gift.”
Eva’s eyes widened. “A gift? But I have nothing for you.”
“Love, I can think of many ways you might make amends.”
She batted him playfully on the arm. “All pertaining to us stripping out of these clothes I assume.”
“Undoubtedly.” Noah withdrew the note from his pocket and handed it to her. “Once you’ve read this, I hope you’ll want to ravish me senseless.”
“We could sneak away for half an hour,” she said, quickly peeling back the folds. After squinting to study the missive, she handed it back to him. “You read it. I haven’t my spectacles to hand.”
Noah read the note from Lord Benham granting Eva permission to visit Clara.
Eva slapped her hand to her chest in surprise. “I cannot believe it. How did you—” Excitement danced in her eyes. “Did you bribe him? Threaten him?”
“I gave him my assurance your brother will never set foot on English soil again. And I suggested, as Lady Hawkridge, you would be a good ally. Clara will be welcome in our home, but should you wish to visit Northumberland, I would insist on accompanying you.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Regardless of the fact they were in company, she flung her arms around his neck. “Let’s go for a walk in the garden, somewhere quiet and secluded, so I may show you the depth of my gratitude.”
“Cole is wandering about aimlessly, and we’re sure to stumble upon him. Catching us in a clinch will probably drive him deeper into despair.”
“Then let us retire to our bedchamber.”
“I have a better idea. The study is closer, and you know I’m rather partial to polished surfaces.”
Eva laughed. “Do you intend to perch on the desk and display your muscular thighs to advantage? Like you did on that first day when you were eager to gain my attention?”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “You were so busy scribbling you failed to notice my manly attributes. And though Mr Lydford is willing to publish anything you write, you never did tell me your idea for a plot.”
She arched a brow and lowered her voice. “I thought I could write about a woman who falls madly in love with her enquiry agent while embroiled in a tale of mystery and mayhem.”
Noah moistened his lips. “Intriguing. On their wedding day, does she lead him into the study and have her wicked way? Does she push him back onto the desk and take his manhood into her mouth? Does she straddle his thighs and ride him to Nirvana?”
Eva smiled and captured his hand. “No, I was going to suggest she join him in his business, become the first lady of the Order, but I much prefer your ending.”