“Why, Everdon, perhaps you have forgotten,” he said smoothly to Jeremy, “that we have recently embarked upon a new enterprise together. The Lancashire coal mine? A worthy business, supplying England’s industry and warming her homes.”
All eyes turned to him. Gideon pressed on, voice steady, lying brazenly to protect his friend.
“Jeremy’s expertise has been invaluable. He lent not only his fortune but his keen judgment to the venture. I should not have dared it without him.”
Jeremy stared, astonished, then inclined his head with gratitude.
“Modesty prevented me from putting it in… such words,” he stammered.
Lord Merrick’s brows lifted. He leaned back, impressed despite himself. “Coal, you say? A solid trade. England thrives upon it.”
Gideon smiled thinly, though his insides twisted. Another mask, another lie, though not for long. Jeremy would indeed have his partnership, if only to honor the tale Gideon had spun. He would not risk the lie being discovered, tainting him as well as Jeremy.
First Stafford and now Everdon. My reward is becoming diluted. Who will take a piece of it next?
Dinner eased after that. Merrick thawed, Isabella glowed, Catherine’s eyes shone with pride, or so Gideon hoped. He did not quite dare to believe in that hope.
The guests rose from the table. The conversation had flowed to music and accomplishment. Catherine had volunteered her ability on the pianoforte, though modestly confessed how long it had been since she practised. She did not tell them that it had been limited to a few stolen moments at Haventon when her Aunt and Uncle were not at home.
Subsequently, after dinner, the guests moved to the music room, on the floor above. Catherine felt a strange warmth stirring within her chest. Aaron had not merely rescued Jeremy; he hadsacrificed a piece of his own pride. He had tied himself to Jeremy publicly, binding his friend’s name to a venture that she knew meant a lot to Aaron. Not for advantage, not for applause, but for Jeremy’s honor and Isabella’s happiness.
Earlier, he had shown compassion to Sally, kneeling on the floor to protect the young maid from the sharp glass.
How many Dukes or even Baronets would do such a thing? He showed kindness, compassion… humanity.
Now he gave freely of his reputation, apparently caring nothing for himself. These were not the acts of a hardened criminal, nor a man of cruelty. They were the acts of a man striving, perhaps fumbling, perhaps uncertain—but striving nonetheless for goodness.
In a quiet moment, as the others gathered about the pianoforte, Catherine caught his sleeve.
“That story you told,” she murmured, “about the mine and Jeremy’s involvement…?”
Aaron’s eyes met hers, steady. “It was not entirely true, but it will be as soon as I can speak to my solicitor and Sir Obadiah. I will not risk Jeremy’s reputation on a falsehood. I promised him partnership, and I shall keep that promise.”
Her breath caught. “Even if I were to leave you?”
Something in his face faltered, then hardened. “I think that is what you mean to do.”
She shook her head, her voice soft but firm. “You must not presume to know my mind.”
Surprise lit his eyes. He gazed at her as though she had spoken a miracle.
Catherine turned quickly, cheeks flushed, and sat at the pianoforte. Her fingers found the keys. She played, hesitantly and carefully at first. A fumbled note brought embarrassed glances from the guests, but Isabella began to sing, and Catherine found it easier once her playing was not the only sound in the room.
Music spilled forth, filling the room with warmth and light. Isabella’s sweet voice entwined with Catherine’s playing. Her parents smiled fondly. Jeremy gazed at Isabella with awe and devotion.
But Catherine felt only Aaron’s eyes upon her. Heat bloomed in her chest, running to her cheeks, her fingers trembling on the keys. When at last she dared glance up, his gaze had not wavered. The Merricks saw it too. Lady Blackmere whispered to her husband, who patted her hand with an approving nod.
For the first time, Catherine felt the glow of being seen as part of a happy marriage. To the world, they were not a fractured pair forced together by the cruelty and addiction to gossip of their society, but husband and wife, bound by music and glances.
And in that glow, Catherine realized something new—shewantedit to be true.
As the Merricks prepared to depart, Bella pressed Catherine’s hand with delight.
“You have done it! Father may yet consent. Jeremy’s seriousness impressed him, and your husband’s tale of business sealed it. He also said that if the Duke can find such a match in you, then his judgment is clearly to be respected. Which reflects positively on his having Jeremy as a friend!”
Catherine grinned, heart buoyant with relief. All seemed to be falling into place. She looked across the hall to where Aaron was talking with Blackmere, Everdon, and Daleshire. His gaze slipped to hers over their shoulders, and she felt the contact like a spear to the heart. He looked handsome, divinely so. No longer the savage prince but instead a regal statesman.
Bella squeezed her hand and then went to her mother, who stood by the door. In the brief moment that Catherine stood alone, Mr. McKay appeared at her side. The butler’s face, usually impassive, now bore lines of deep concern.
