“Sounds serious.” Michael frowned.
“Elizabeth and I are courting,” Collin said without preamble.
Michael’s face softened. “I see you made quick work of that.” He tipped his head and blew out a breath. “Quick work. And she accepted your suit?”
Collin chuckled to himself. “While also assuring me that she is prepared to battle me to my wits’ end without mercy.”
Michael whistled, then smiled. “Best of luck with that.”
“I’m certainly going to need it.” Collin replied. “But I wanted to tell you, since before…”
Michael waved him off. “Thank you, it’s much appreciated. However, I don’t resent you, or her for that matter.”
“You’re a good man, Michael Finch.”
“I bloody well am,” he answered. “And my offer still stands that I’ll prove it if you hurt her.” He grinned, as if anticipating such an event.
“I remember.” Collin nodded, returning the smile. “Did you see the article in theTimesregarding the arrests in London?” he said, changing the subject.
“Aye, you think it’s all somehow connected?” Michael asked, leaning forward.
“I’m not sure, but it’s possible. Again, that is something that will hopefully be clarified when I hear back from the War Office.” He shook his head. “I’m going to take the night off tonight, and I wanted to let you know. I’m a little conspicuous with the eye, dashing as I am.”
Michael eyed him. “You’re a frightful sight, that’s for sure. It’s best if you at least let it heal up enough that you’re not so swollen. A fresh black eye is cause for more interest than a healing one, so we’ll plan on tomorrow. I’ll still see if I can find out anything from the pubs, and I’ll check in with Luke, see if he’s heard anything. I’ll let you know tomorrow.”
“Good plan,” Collin replied with a smile. “I appreciate your assistance, as always.”
“It’s my job.” Michael shrugged. “And it’s been…exciting. Never a dull moment since you showed up.”
“Glad I can provide entertainment.” Collin stood. “Until tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” Michael agreed and saw Collinout. When the door was closed, Collin released a pent-up breath. That could have gone much worse, but that Michael wasn’t holding a grudge was a boon, and one he hadn’t been planning on. Collin checked his pocket watch, then turned toward Elizabeth’s house. He chose to walk, keeping an eye on each alleyway and scanning the people’s faces, searching for anything suspicious.
Of course, he found nothing of note, and soon he was taking the steps to Elizabeth’s house, hoping her father was home from the college.
Collin knocked, and as he waited, let the memories from the previous evening come to the forefront of his mind. He’d distracted himself from them all day, knowing that if he allowed his attention to focus on Elizabeth and just what he was undertaking, he’d not be able to give his concentration to any of the tasks at hand.
But now, now it was time to focus on the very thing he’d been anticipating most.
Elizabeth.
The door opened, and Professor Essex welcomed him into their home.
“Good afternoon, Lord Penderdale,” he greeted Collin.
Collin returned the greeting, his gaze already searching for Elizabeth.
“She’s in the parlor reading,” her father stated, as if reading his mind.
“Thank you, Professor Essex,” Collin replied, bemused. Clearly he needed to work on guarding his expressions, but there was something about Elizabeth that made him less guarded, and hopeful.
It had been a long time since he’d felt hope, and it was intoxicating.
Collin followed the hall to the same parlor they’d used the night before and couldn’t help the smile that tipped his lips at seeing Elizabeth’s head bent over a table with books spread over its entire surface.
When she didn’t look up or notice his entrance, he stepped closer. “Good afternoon.”
Elizabeth jumped, her hand resting on her heart as she gasped. “Good mercy. Lord Penderdale, welcome!” She recovered, sending him a bashful smile. “My apologies, I was… Well, why don’t you take a peek.” She moved to the side of the table and made room for him to see the book displayed on the table.
