“Lord Viceroy.” She bobbed a little curtsy.
“Ada,” he whispered, slipping his hands under the lapels of his coat to slowly push the fabric off her frame. He grazed her narrow shoulders and heard her gasp. The sound made him clench. “When we’re in private, call me Blake.”
“Blake,” she answered, looking up at him once again.
Damn, he loved looking down at her like this. And he’d been wrong. Ada was more special than any woman that had come before her. She’d slipped past all his defenses, making him ache with need for her. How had he ever thought another woman was more beautiful?
Gently removing the coat, he took a step back. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” she said.
That gave him exactly one day to decide what he was going to do. Marry the girl and risk being as miserable as Jack or watch another woman of true merit walk away. He surely didn’t know which he’d choose.
But for tonight, he’d set the question aside. He had a villain to catch, after all, and then he’d have all the time in the world to explore his feelings.
Chapter Six
Ada watched him walk away, bunching her hand in her skirts so that she’d not embarrass herself by reaching out to him. How had she started the day, thinking Vice a vapid ne’er do well and before afternoon repose, found herself yearning for the same man?
She shook her head. She’d yearned for him before now, she’d just talked herself out of her feelings before today. The first time she’d seen him with the ac
tress, her breath had caught in her lungs, her head had swum. But one look at the woman he’d been with and she’d known. He would never be hers. She’d pushed her feelings down and had made sensible choices.
Like Walter. He’d been what she thought was the more practical choice. If even the practical men didn’t want her…what did that say about her?
Or was Minnie right and she needed to ask for more?
And Vice. She knew the sort of woman he preferred. Beautiful, talented, and vivacious were just a few of the words that described the women he’d been linked to. None of those words described her. She was pretty, dependable, a bit shy and scared, and very awkward.
“Ada?” Emily asked, coming up next to her. “Why are you staring at the front door?”
“No reason,” she answered.
Emily touched her sleeve. “I hope you’re not upset with me. I pushed Lord Viceroy away because I wanted to protect you.”
Ada sighed. She wished Vice was still here, but she knew Emily told the truth. She also knew her cousin was hurting from her recent fight with her husband. “How could I ever be upset with you?” She turned to hug Emily. “Let’s take you down to the kitchen and see if we can’t find something to calm your stomach.”
“I’d like that,” Emily murmured. “After missing the ceremony I’d better help Diana settle into her new home this afternoon.” Emily pinched her nose. “I’ve been a terrible sister of late.”
Ada patted Emily’s hand. “You’ve had your own issues. Everyone understands.”
“You are a gem,” Emily said as they made their way down the stairs. “Come with me to Diana’s, would you? She’ll be kinder with you there.”
“Of course,” she answered. Part of her wished to stay home, if only to relive every detail of today, but another part knew her family needed her and she’d do better to keep busy anyhow. “Breakfast is drawing to a close. We’ll get something in your stomach and then we’ll go to Diana’s new home.”
Emily nodded. “We shan’t stay long. I’m sure they’re eager to be alone. But I still think it will help Diana to settle in. It’s scary to leave the family you’ve lived with your entire life.”
That made Ada pause. Emily never seemed frightened of anything. “You were nervous about leaving?”
“Of course,” Emily said as they reached the kitchen. “Excited too, of course.”
Emily crossed to the counter, finding some bread half cut on a board. “Oh, this looks delicious.”
“Day-old bread?” Ada cocked a brow.
“She’s been terribly sick,” Diana called from the doorway. “I’m glad to see you eating, Emily, and Ada, I’m glad to see you down here with her and not still outside with Lord Viceroy.”
Ada pressed her lips together. “I was only outside for a minute. I needed to convey a message before he left.”