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Gage wasn’t wrong. Adam was provoking Gage and letting a few punches through on purpose. Because one thing had been bothering him throughout the day.

He just wanted to get the thoughts of one particular bluestocking out of his mind and her taste off his tongue.

Gage punched Adam in his teeth, and Adam tasted blood. At least one thing was working!

Ever since their kiss last night, Adam couldn’t stop thinking of Beatrice. And it was a dangerous feeling he couldn’t escape. He didn’t want to get tangled up with feelings for a woman when he was simply not free to take on the courtship.

He’d finally found a purpose worth pursuing.

This was the job he didn’t know he dreamed of. And the moment he got it, the first thing he wanted to do was share the news with Beatrice. But then the next moment, something twisted inside his stomach at the thought of leaving her.

He was free to do what he pleased for the first time in a long while. He wanted to travel, find his passion, and leave a mark on this world. A wonderful job opportunity had just landed at his feet, and a vexing innocent young miss was simply in the way.

Except that now she was the only thing he seemed to want and think about.

“And you’re right,” Gage said when Adam shook off his latest punch. What were they talking about? “I don’t want you to leave. But I can’t make you stay either. If you want to go and explore the world, widen your pool of opportunities… I can’t stop you.”

Adam stopped and lowered his arms. “Are you serious?”

Gage assumed a fighting stance. “Arms up, boy.”

Adam put up his arms, and they continued sparring lightly. “Are you truly giving me your blessing to leave?” he asked as they circled each other.

Gage shrugged. “Why is that so hard for you to believe?”

“Because last time we spoke about this, you told me in no uncertain terms to be at your beck and call. Find a wife. Settle down. Shut my mouth.”

Gage let out a chuckle. “I do want all of that for you. And for our family to be together on English soil. But you have to do what you have to do. I’ve found my purpose here in London. I hope you find yours.” Gage lightly tapped Adam on his arm and then aimed at his abdomen, but Adam blocked his attempts.

“Brother, you have gone soft,” Adam said with a chuckle and attacked his brother with a couple of powerful blows right below his elbow. “Marriage has made you all warm and cozy. If you’re not careful, Jo will turn you into a better man.”

“Don’t worry,” Gage said and countered his blows. “Jo has her work cut out for her. And you can laugh all you want, but soon enough, your time shall come as well.”

Adam huffed a breath. “I hope not too soon.” He threw a couple of light punches to try and gauge a weak spot. Gage easily evaded his strikes.

“When do you ship out?” Gage asked, circling his brother.

Adam swallowed. “I am leaving London in a fortnight….”

The ship would take off from Gravesend in three weeks, and Adam would have the chance to test his sea legs for a few miles as they’d be stopping in Norfolk and Orkney. If he failed the test, he would find his way back to London, but if not, they’d set off across the ocean after that.

Gage paused and lowered his arms. “Two weeks, huh? Have you told our sisters? Alan?”

Adam swallowed. “No. I went to Isabel this morning, but I couldn’t tell her. She was running around with Millie and Button. It wasn’t the time. I’ll tell her tonight at the family supper.”

“Good luck.” Gage chuckled and tapped Adam’s glove with his. “Come. One more round.”

Adam took on a battle stance once more, preparing for another round.

“I suppose two weeks is just enough for you to collect all your belongings and say all your goodbyes. Good thing, too, that the entire family is here.”

“Quite so,” Adam agreed.

“And just enough time to see Miss Fowley off,” Gage said with a strange lilt in his voice. Or perhaps, Adam imagined the lilt, and it was his own heart leaping in reaction to the words.

Damn. Just as he got the woman out of his mind for a moment, she crept her way into the conversation.

“How is she, by the way? Not causing any trouble, I hope?”