There was a stunned moment of silence before Lord Hawkridge cried out and clutched his jaw.
“That is for the insult shown to your wife, for speaking ill of her when in company.” Noah drew his fist back again, and his uncle flinched. “I would wager you’re the one who cannot sire an heir. Everything about you is rotten to the core. My father knew it to be true. My grandfather knew it, too.”
Eva stepped forward. She curled her fingers around Noah’s bulging bicep and eased his raised arm to his side. “All the more reason you should not waste your life exacting revenge. This ingrate isn’t worth the time or trouble, and I pity the woman who has to suffer his vile condemnation.”
The woman who deserved Eva’s pity appeared like an apparition in the doorway. Her gaunt face and pale complexion spoke of months of sustained torment.
“Your father had the utmost respect for Mr Ashwood,” the wraith-like figure said so quietly the words were barely audible. “Can we not welcome him as family and put this dreaded business behind us?”
Lord Hawkridge stared at the frail creature as if he wished to banish her back to the nether realm. “Remove yourself, madam. You have not been summoned.”
The lady managed to rouse strength from somewhere. “Does it matter which Ashwood bears the title? Does it matter if your nephew is the heir?”
Lord Hawkridge ground his teeth. “I’ll not have the son of a wastrel take the seat.” He jabbed his finger towards the door. “Now, why don’t you go for a walk in the garden, my dear. With luck, you’ll catch a chill and bring a speedy end to all my problems.”
Eva held her temper, but it took a tremendous effort not to punch the lord. “Come, Mr Ashwood,” she said, staring down her nose at the pathetic toad in the chair. “There is no point wasting your breath, and I refuse to let you risk your life for this worthless creature.”
“Go to hell!” the lord retaliated. “And take that useless bint with you.”
“Miss Dunn is right, Uncle,” Noah countered. “A lead ball to the chest is too good for you. When you take your last breath, I pray the Lord delivers a fitting punishment. A humiliating end for the deplorable way you treat your wife.” Noah tugged the cuffs of his coat. “In the meantime, I intend to ensure Peel is aware of your complicity. I intend to spend my waking hours ensuring every peer in the land knows of your cowardly misdeeds.”
Noah did not give him a chance to reply. He captured Eva’s elbow and led her out into the hall, ignoring the muttered curses emanating from the study.
Lady Hawkridge was already climbing the stairs, no doubt keen to remove herself from the whip of another vile tirade.
“Gertrude,” Noah called.
The lady gripped the rail with bony fingers and glanced back over her shoulder. “I shall be fine, Mr Ashwood. Do not concern yourself with my predicament.”
“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 approaching 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
