What did it matter? He was blacklisted everywhere in London, and he didn’t relish the thought of traveling south. Even Vivienne had left him feeling colder, emptier than normal. At least this way, he would be wed to a woman of his own choosing. Marcus finished off what he’d just poured, waiting for the warmth to travel through his gullet and into his gut. Only when he felt a hit of its sweet lethargic effect did he acknowledge her again.
“Tonight, eh?” He glanced at his watch. Quarter past midnight. “So, three-fifteen in the morning then?”
Miss Goodnight nodded. “Three sharp. She’ll meet you behind the mews. The duchess will have a traveling carriage readied and waiting for you.”
“Three sharp.” His future rushed at him more quickly than he’d planned. An image of him being tossed by an ocean wave danced in the back of his mind.
“Behind the mews.” His mouth could barely form the words. “Very well. I’ll be there.”
Miss Goodnight didn’t look as satisfied as she ought to, as the puppet master would.
“On one condition.” He poured out another scotch and downed it in one swallow.
“What now?” Exasperation edged her voice.
“Promise me you’ll go into this marriage with Carlisle knowing you’re good enough.” Was he slurring his words? “You may have cornered the poor fellow, allowing him nowhere to go, but my eyes did not deceive me. He had his arms firmly wrapped around you and seemed happy enough to have them there.”
“Ha!” The chortle of laughter that burst from her couldn’t have been anymore disbelieving.
“I mean it. Promise me, Miss Goodnight.”
But she didn’t rush to make such a promise. She simply stared at him with those big brown eyes from behind her darling little spectacles.
“Why did you kiss me?” she asked instead. “Twice, you did. Did you just feel sorry for me? Were you simply trying to bolster my confidence?”
Marcus would be leaving in three hours. He’d enter into a marriage of convenience, purchase some lands, an estate outside of London… and wait for his father to die? Except he wouldn’t hang around England like a proper husband. No, he’d enter into more business ventures. Perhaps invest in Nottingham and Findlay’s enterprises. Seek out new opportunities in India…
“Because I like you, Emily.”
Her forehead puckered in confusion.
“And because I wanted to.” He rose from his chair, crossed the carpet, and pulled her up as well. Standing this close to her, he entered into that field of energy always swirling around her. He’d never known a woman like her. One so stubborn and inquisitive.
“And you want to again?” She tilted her head back in order to meet his eyes. And when she did this, she exposed the nearly translucent skin of her neck.
“I do.” His voice came out gravelly.
“Three is a good number,” she nearly whispered. “It’s the number of completion. The Trinity. Ice, water, and vapor…”
What the hell was she mumbling about now? Even with her head tilted back, he had to bend his knees and dip his head to meet her lips. She felt so fragile, so vulnerable in his arms. He’d kissed her before but this time, his heart cracked a little. This was goodbye. He’d make it last. He’d make it memorable.
Little sighs of wonder escaped her as he slipped his tongue past her lips, her teeth. He soothed the tremble that ran through her by pulling her closer.
Even though he hated the thought of Carlisle having her, he knew it made sense. Carlisle would be faithful; he’d respect and honor her. He might even come to love her. Marcus pulled away but then pressed his forehead against hers. “Promise me?”
She nodded slowly. “I promise.”
It was good to end this, to bring their unlikely alliance to an end.
After she left, Marcus went in search of Crandall. Not before, however, swiping one of Prescott’s full bottles of scotch.
If he were heading out to slip his head in the noose, he’d at least soften the blow with more of the duke’s fine spirits. Good God, he was getting married. Surely, hell must have finally frozen over.
Carried Away
After the door closed behind Emily, Sophia walked over to Dev and slid her arms around his neck. “How did I get so lucky?” She buried her face in his chest, inhaling his familiar scent.
Dev snuggled her close and then reached his hands behind his neck to grasp her closed fists in his. “Let’s see what this says.” He peeled back her fingers gently and removed the note Emily had handed her.
