The Passion (Notorious 2)

Nicholas raised an eyebrow. "You're not proposing I emulate you, I trust. If I recall, Dare, the last abduction you engaged in landed you in a duel and caused you to shoot your closest friend."

With a rueful laugh, Clune shook his head. "That was clearly a mistake, one I infinitely regret. But I am not advocating anything illegal, or even immoral. Carrying your wife off for a passionate interlude would be well within the law and your rights as a husband."

"You have my curiosity aroused," Nicholas replied cautiously. "What are you suggesting?"

"A quiet love nest where you can persuade your bride to your way of thinking. At the very least, Lady Aurora would find it… stimulating."

"And I suppose you have a specific nest in mind?"

"In fact, I do. I have a house in Berkshire that would prove ideal for your purposes – completely secluded and well-staffed with discreet servants. I have yet to meet a woman who was not captivated by its exotic… ah… charms."

When Nicholas didn't immediately respond, his lordship brought up another point. "It would have the further benefit of removing you from London for a time. It wouldn't hurt for you to make yourself scarce just now, my friend. Damien Sinclair asked about you this afternoon. He noticed the resemblance between you and the American who was a guest at our gathering of the Hellfire League three years ago."

"I thought perhaps he might have remembered me."

"You are taking a risk by remaining here, Nick."

"I know," he said thoughtfully.

It was indeed risky, chancing discovery by staying in London to be near Aurora, especially when he was making so little progress.

Nicholas grimaced. That reckless urge of his to defy fate was one of Aurora's chief complaints, and it had been the biggest bone of contention with his father as well. They had fought over it until the last, when the older man lay dying. Nicholas had never quite overcome his guilt for being such a disappointment to his father. He'd sworn then that he would settle down and fulfill his responsibilities – yet here he was, neglecting his shipping business and risking his life for a possibly hopeless cause.

Aurora was still fiercely resisting his pursuit, in part because she deplored his recklessness. She would be happier if he simply left England…

Frowning, Nicholas turned that reflection over in his mind. Perhaps he could use that argument with her – that it would be safer for him to leave town…

"I would be more than pleased to put my house at your disposal," Clune offered, interrupting his thoughts.

"That is extremely generous of you," Nick answered. "Let me consider it."

He did intend to give the idea serious thought. Having time alone with Aurora, without the strict constraints of society to dictate her every action, could indeed break the impasse between them, as well as give them a chance for intimacy that could lead to deeper feelings…

It would also lessen the risk of discovery, Nicholas reminded himself. And his well-honed instincts for danger told him that time was running out.

He would have to act in regards to Aurora, and soon.

* * *

The impasse broke the following day, in a manner neither of them expected.

Raven was having a final fitting for the gowns she would wear while visiting her grandfather this summer, and she wanted Aurora's guidance. Knowing Harry wouldn't be comfortable in Lady Dalrymple's home and that Raven's aunt wouldn't welcome a rambunctious ten-year-old boy, Aurora left Harry in her butler's charge. Nicholas planned to call that morning to keep Harry occupied with a game of chess.

It was late afternoon by the time Aurora arrived home. When she heard strange sounds emanating from the drawing room, she gave Danby a puzzled glance.

"I believe Mr. Deverill and his young lordship are practicing fisticuffs," the butler informed her as he relieved her of her veiled bonnet.

Her heart leaping to her throat, Aurora moved swiftly past him. When she reached the drawing room door, she came up short. Some of the furnishings had been pushed aside to clear a space in the center of the room, and both Nicholas and Harry were in their shirtsleeves, brandishing their bare fists.

"Yes," Nicholas was saying. "Keep your hands up, even when you attack. Like this…" He demonstrated, assailing an imaginary opponent with a flurry of jabs.

Aurora went cold. Fear squeezed her heart, along with a fierce anger. "What in God's name are you doing?" she demanded hoarsely – and unnecessarily. Quite clearly he was teaching Harry to fight.

Nicholas straightened and turned to face her, as did Harry. The boy's young face was bright with excitement. "Rory, come and see what I have learned," Harry began.

Her irate gaze remained riveted on Nicholas. "I asked what you are doing."

"I heard you the first time," he replied mildly. "I am teaching him the basics of self-defense, although he could use a qualified instructor."