“A cold cream, eh? Some sort of whatnot for ladies?” Mr. Decker stroked his chin.
“Apparently it was all the rage amongst her friends in New York City,” Sidney confirmed, pride bursting in his chest as he thought of all she had accomplished in her absence. She had become a mother and an entrepreneur, all on her own. “Naturally, I would not presume to conduct her business affairs on her behalf. I merely thought to facilitate a meeting between the two of you for business purposes.”
“You are in love with your wife,” Mr. Decker observed shrewdly.
“Desperately,” Sidney confirmed.
“A hell of a thing, is it not?”
“Misery,” he muttered.
“It gets better, Shelbourne,” Mr. Decker reassured him, grinning.
“A man can hope.” He sighed, for it seemed he had much work to do before Julianna would trust him.
Part of that had been his own foolishness. But part of it was also down to her refusal to trust him.
“A handsome chap like you should be able to win her over. You’ve charm aplenty.”
“Charm is not nearly enough, I am afraid. If you do not wish to meet with Lady Shelbourne concerning the cold cream, I understand.”Hell, he was not certain Julianna would welcome his interference or if she would box his ears.
But Sidney was willing to take the risk.
Willing to take any risk for her.
Every risk.Allthe bloody risks.
“I would be more than happy to meet with Lady Shelbourne and learn all about this venture of hers. I merely enjoyed watching you squirm a bit.” Mr. Decker chuckled, unrepentant. “You and Lady Shelbourne shall join Lady Jo and me for dinner. My wife will send the invitation.”
The carriage slowed as they reached the Black Souls club’s front façade.
“Thank you,” he told Mr. Decker. “I appreciate it more than I can say.”
“Coming to the club?”
“Going home to my wife,” he said.
Supposing she had come home, that was.
Mr. Decker tipped his hat. “Best of luck to you, Shelbourne.”
Sidney hoped like hell he did not need that luck.
Chapter 21
Mistakes? I have made more than I care to count. The first was not asking her to marry me the moment I met her. The worst was ever letting her go. We both allowed our pride to become an obstacle for our hearts. I cannot change the past, nor can I regain the time we lost together. However, I can secure the future.
Our future, together.
~from the journal of Viscount Shelbourne, 1885
Julianna returned to Cagney House and made her way immediately to the nursery. Although she had only been gone for a few hours, she had missed Emily. And, truth be told, she had missed Emily’s father as well.
She had not, however, been prepared for the sight awaiting her when she crossed the threshold. Not Johnston and Emily, as she had expected. But Shelbourne. Knowing it was time for Emily’s afternoon nap, she had opened the door slowly, quietly. He was rocking Emily, his hand running over her back in soothing circles, softly singing to her.
The pleasant timbre of his baritone washed over her. Crept into her heart.
As did the way he held Emily in his arms, so tenderly. The love in his voice as he sang.
