“From that comparison, I surmise that youhaveexperienced love, Chen,” Hadleigh quipped. “But I concur. Love has a way of making itself known, whether one is prepared for it or not. To me, the real question is how to ensure that love reaches its full potential.”
“Trust,” Cullen said promptly. “You must trust your better half to know what they’re doing. Just as they trust you.”
“Acceptance is vital as well,” Hawk said.
Knowing Fiona’s insecurities, he understood that she yearned to be loved for who she was. And he was determined to give her everything she needed.
“Undoubtedly.” Hadleigh coughed in his fist. “Speaking as the husband of an Angel, I will admit that it has not always been easy to accept the gambles my duchess chooses to take. Even though I have the utmost respect for her abilities.”
“If Fiona can accept my work, then I can do the same for her,” Hawk said.
“You are a scholar, my lord.” Hadleigh arched his brows. “While your work is unquestionably fascinating, I do not see many hazards involved.”
Hawk took a swallow of whisky before saying wryly, “You would be surprised.”
Thirty-Three
Snuggled under Hawk’s arm as the carriage swayed along, Fi tilted her head up at him. “Did you enjoy yourself tonight, darling?”
“Indeed,” Hawk said. “I like your friends.”
“I knew you would. And they adore you, of course.” Trying to sound casual, Fi asked, “What did you talk about in the study?”
Did Livy’s plan work?Did the other husbands convince you that we Angels are capable of handling anything? That you have nothing to worry about and should support my passion?
“You know the rule of gentlemen. What is discussed in the study, stays in the study.”
“Fine. Then I won’t tell you what we ladies talked about.”
Hawk gave her an amused look. “I already know what you discussed.”
“I doubt that very much.”
Especially since she and the others had talked about their case. Mrs. Fisher had just returned from a business trip and was scheduled to pay Charlie a visit tomorrow.
“You discussed the fact that Pippa is with child,” Hawk said. “She is hoping for a girl who can start a society with the Hadleighs’ daughter and continue the tradition of female friends wreaking havoc together.”
“How did you…” Fi narrowed her eyes. “Mr. Cullen spilled the beans, didn’t he? Pippa said it was supposed to be a secret for a few more weeks.”
“She told you.”
“That’s different.”
Hawk raised his brows.
Realizing she didn’t have a leg to stand on, Fi muttered, “You gentlemen gossip far more than ladies do.”
“If it makes you feel any better, the bulk of our conversation involved being the husband of an Angel.”
Exactly as planned.In the drawing room, Fi had been on pins and needles, wondering how the men’s talk was going. The others had tried to reassure her.
“Don’t worry, dear. I coached Hadleigh on precisely what to say,”Livy had said blithely.“At this very moment, my husband is convincing yours that we are brilliant and capable and that he has nothing to worry about.”
“I just asked Cull to give his honest opinion.”Pippa’s tone had been dry.“I thought it would be helpful for Hawksmoor to hear another husband’s experience.”
“Was it useful to commiserate?” Fi joked.
Hawk smiled slowly. “Quite.”
