From here on in, no one was going to slander his wife.
Thus, although Hawk had pressing Quorum business, he’d stopped at the present gathering first. He wandered through the displays, which included models of analytic engines inspired by the designs of Babbage, various steam-driven mechanisms, and even a few hybridization experiments involving plants. As intriguing as some of the exhibitions were, Hawk was not here for the science today.
“Hawksmoor, well met.”
Turning, Hawk saw his host approach. Harry Kent was tall and built like an athlete, yet his unruly dark hair and spectacles gave him an intellectual air. Oddly enough, he was in his shirtsleeves, with something strapped to his chest. The contraption consisted of a fabric pouch, with leather straps extending over Kent’s broad shoulders and circling his hips. In the pouch was a sleeping infant, the tiny dark-whorled head nestled beneath Kent’s cravat.
“One of your creations?” Hawk asked in a low, amused voice.
“They both are,” Kent said with a grin. “Although Mrs. Kent did most of the work where little Tobias is concerned. As for the carrier, necessity is the master of invention.” His bespectacled gaze turned rueful. “The nursemaids were at their wits’ end trying to get Tobias to sleep. After careful observation, I realized that he likes to snooze when there is noise and movement. The sling, which Mrs. Kent has dubbed ‘the Sanity Saver,’ allows him to be carried while keeping one’s hands free. I’m thinking of patenting it.”
“It will be a smashing success, no doubt.”
Kent gave him a sly look. “Perhaps you would care to be put on the waitlist?”
Hawk’s face heated. At the same time, the image of Fiona ripe with his child sent a primal rush through him. He did not know when duty had become desire, when he’d begun to have that old dream again. Of having a home full of life and love like the one he had grown up in.
“Perhaps,” he said thoughtfully.
“Nothing would please Garrity more. And God knows we at Great London National Railway prefer him in a happy state,” Kent said with feeling.
Kent happened to be business partners with Hawk’s new papa-in-law, operating one of the most successful railway companies in England.
“I shall keep it in mind.” Hawk cleared his throat. “If you’ll pardon me, I came to speak with an acquaintance.”
“By all means.” Kent bounced the Sanity Saver, which had begun to wriggle. “Since Tobias is awakening, I’d better set up the rock blasting demonstration. That will put him out like a light.”
They parted ways, and Hawk went through the rooms, looking for his target. He spotted her in the library; she’d been cornered by Lord Tumley, a well-meaning but droning fellow whose sagging jowls put one in mind of a bullfrog.
Hawk bowed to them both. “Good afternoon.”
“Hawksmoor,” Tumley said cordially. “I’m surprised to see you here. If I had a lovely young bride such as yours, wild horses couldn’t drag me away, sirrah.”
Melinda had a pinched, annoyed mien. The lines that creased her narrow features betrayed a history of malcontent. Hawk wondered what he’d ever seen in her.
He inclined his head. “As my lady volunteers for philanthropic causes, I had some free time.”
“Charitable and charming.” Tumley sighed. “You’re a lucky chap, old boy.”
“Indeed. What man wouldn’t wish to be married to a saint?” Melinda said snidely.
Hawk kept his tone pleasant. “Lady Ayles, I was hoping for a few moments of your company. Given your expertise in botany, I thought you might help me identify some of the rare plants on display.”
Melinda’s sulky expression vanished. Triumph flared in her eyes.
“I would be glad to assist, my lord,” she nearly purred.
He offered her his arm, hiding his distaste when her fingers dug possessively into his sleeve. Her countenance turned positively gloating when he led her into the secluded orangery.
She aimed a coy look at him. “Why have you arranged for us to be all alone, I wonder?”
“I wished to have a word in private,” he said.
At the word “private,” she smirked. “Bored already? I knew you would tire of that chit.”
“The opposite is true. I have never been more content,” he said coolly.
Her eyes slitted. “Then why in blazes did you seek me out?”
