Page 112 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

“That still leaves Lord Dominic on the loose,” Evangeline said. “Jonathan will be so disappointed. I think he considers Lord Dominic a friend.”

Half an hour later, a knock sounded at the library door. “It’s me, Evangeline.”

“Jonathan.” She rushed to the door to turn the lock. He and Crispin entered.

“Farrin and Wolfe are on the run again,” Crispin said. “We found the doctor and his wife tied up in the bedchamber. Their two servants were locked in the cellar.”

“What about Lord Dominic?” Sophia asked.

Jonathan cocked his head. “What about him?”

“We deciphered the letter.” Evangeline sighed. “You need to see it.”

Forty-four

Evangeline kissed Jonathan goodbye at dawn. It was hard to believe they had shared their wedding night in this room only a few hours earlier.

“Are you sure Uncle Charles should accompany you and Crispin?”

“We’re outnumbered without him, love.”

Jonathan wrapped her in his arms, hugging her tightly. The delicate scent of sweet almond oil lingered in the air, and she closed her eyes, wishing fervently to return to their earlier blissfulness rather than risking everything.

When he released her, he said, “Your uncle is stronger now.”

She nodded. He had regained much of his strength after several good meals. She was probably being overprotective. And perhaps he would be an asset when Jonathan had to face Lord Dominic.

“I’m sorry about Dom. You trusted him and considered him a friend.”

He turned away to collect the water bladder from the desk. “We were colleagues.”

His tone was even, detached. But she had seen his face when he read the letter. There had been a camaraderie between the men that went beyond simple colleagues. Lord Dominic’s betrayal must be a terrible blow. She understood Jonathan needed to close off that part of him now.

Once he had gathered his saddlebag, he smiled and walked up to her. “Show me your Wing Chun moves. I want to know you can fend off advances from admiring young men in my absence.”

“The only young man at the villa is four, and he won my heart long before you did.”

“Blasted Taavetti. Looks like I’m destined to always be second choice.”

“Never!” She pecked a kiss to his cheek. “You’re my only choice, and I love you.”

His playful smile faded. “I love you, too. Soon this will be over, and we can start our life together.”

“Forever.”

He pulled her close again, burying his face in her curls. “Forever,” he murmured and kissed her once more.

After the men rode out on horses from Lord Dominic’s stables, Evangeline couldn’t fall back to sleep. She peered out of the window to find Sophia’s bedchamber across the courtyard aglow. Her sister would be worried for Crispin, too. Instead of fretting in isolation, they could keep each other company.

She dressed quickly and grabbed the oil lamp to find her way to the other wing without walking into a wall. As she reached the main staircase leading to the ground floor, the end of the corridor lit up. Sophia rounded the corner carrying her own lamp.

“You couldn’t sleep either?” her sister asked.

Evangeline shook her head. “I should be dead asleep. I’m exhausted.”

“An excellent wedding night then?” Sophia asked.

Evangeline smiled. “It’s memorable.”