Everything is going to be fine.
Everything is going to be fine.
Everything is going to be fine.
Nick woke early and, rather than go downstairs for breakfast, addressed all of the correspondence he’d ignored for far too long. Knowing he would be marrying Eve and starting a family soon, he needed to take his responsibilities in hand.
He would one day inherit from his father and be called on to manage the dukedom but had no wish for that day to come anytime soon. He owned a small personal estate not far from Brighton and he would have it prepared so that he could take Eve there.
Just as he was completing a letter to the steward he’d neglected for far too long, sounds of vehicles rolling into town had him rising to look out the window. The sleigh Dash and Jack had driven away in, followed by a rather ancient carriage, pulled to a halt outside of Lady Tannenbaum’s house. Nick couldn’t help but smile as he watched Dash assist Lady Noelle to her aunt’s door, but also, the look on Jack’s face as he watched the other girl… Holly.
A flurry of activity ensued as Lady Tannenbaum stood watch over the luggage, but Eve was nowhere to be seen. Nick rubbed his hand along his jaw and wondered if he should send for Tomlin, his valet. Eve’s aunt hadn’t given them even a moment alone after she’d arrived. His heart raced as he anticipated seeing her shortly.
Of course, he’d have to shave and dress. Eve was a lady. She was his intended.
And then he froze.
He hadn’t, in fact, officially asked for her hand. He scratched his head.
Had he?
He’d told her he loved her. Nick frowned. How had he forgotten such an important detail?
But she would accept him tonight.
She’d returned the sentiment this time and by God, she had been the one to declare her feelings first. Replaying the moment in his mind had him quickly donning the trousers and linen shirt he’d shed the night before with every intention of racing across the square and rectifying the situation immediately. He’d not wait all day to have her promise.
One glance in the looking glass, and he realized he’d have to shave. Wasting the days away inside of a taproom with Jack and Dash was one thing, presenting himself with the intention of asking for a lady’s hand, quite another.
Nearly an hour later as he donned his greatcoat in the inn foyer, Nick was to be delayed once again as Dash and Jack stepped inside. The former looking quite pleased with himself, the latter, somewhat the opposite.
“What the hell did you do to your face?” Jack stared at him.
Nick reached up and touched his chin. Shaving was not something a gentleman ever ought to approach with expediency in mind. “Who pissed in your tea?” he rejoined.
“He’s just angry because his lady isn’t as easily corralled as he’d imagined. Mr. Rudolph!” Dash caught the innkeeper’s attention. “A hearty meal and ale, if you please, good sir.” In an altogether different demeanor than the day before, his dukish friend dropped a jovial hand on Nick’s shoulder. “And I owe you a drink. Imagine that. You were right for once.”
“Of course, I was right.” Nick hesitated but then allowed Dash to lead him into the private dining area they’d commandeered since their arrival. Eve wasn’t going anywhere now that her sisters had returned. He’d allow them to settle in before presenting himself at Lady Tannenbaum’s door.
Dash leaned back his chair and locked his hands behind his head. “My bachelor days are over.”
But Nick was staring at Jack. “You and Lady… Holly? She won’t have you? You’re a bloody earl, for God’s sake. And only partially ugly to boot. What the hell did you do to fall out of her favor?”
A few kitchen servants entered with tall pints of ale and plates of various meats and cheeses and a basket of bread.
Jack narrowed his eyes at Nick. “You’re so bloody knowledgeable about women and their dispositions and whatnot. I’ve done damn near everything—wooed her, talked to her—by God. And it’s not as though she’s immune to my charms.” He threw back a healthy swallow of the ale. “Women are impossible.”
Nick knew exactly what the trouble was. “Did you try telling her you love her?”
Which only earned him a deeper scowl.
Dash went on as though Jack’s troubles were easily surmountable. “I’m not going to wait around before making Noelle my duchess. I’ve got to get my hands on a bloody special license. If only…”
Nick set his ale back on the table. “What?”
“Her father is a wastrel.”
“Damned Everly. The blighter has Holly all twisted up over what she needs in order to marry.” Jack stared at the plate he’d piled high.
“You are going to have to tell her you love her, you know.” Nick shook his head. But Jack and Dash had touched on something that he had been contemplating. “Eve struggles with her father’s abandonment as well.”
“Eve?” Jack’s brows furrowed.
“Noelle’s oldest sister,” Dash supplied.
“I knew it! She’s the minx who brought the pie, isn’t she?”
Nick nodded.
Almost as though he’d summoned her with his words, Eve peeked her head around the corner tentatively.
She seemed reluctant to enter so he rose and met her at the door. Knowing his friends were looking on curiously, Nick stepped outside and drew her to a private alcove off the foyer.
“How is it you look even more beautiful today than you did last night?” Not giving her a chance to answer, he claimed her lips for a brief kiss before realizing she was holding a dish between them.
Her eyes shifted to the door and then down to her hands. “Would you mind very much if we postponed dinner tonight?” When she lifted her lashes to
