Moonlight and the Duke (Cherish and the Duke #2)

Chapter Eight

S ince Eden insisted on staying with her father for what was left of the afternoon, Connor returned to Lynton Grange without her. But he chose to walk back on his own, leaving his carriage and driver at Chestnut Hill in the hope she would follow soon after him, since there was still the matter of her mother to address. The woman could not be sent back to Eden’s home while her husband was still there recovering from her attempt to do him in.

How did Eden endure the pair? How had she turned into the extraordinary woman she was despite all their attempts to damage her? Well, he thought sadly, they had done quite a bit of damage. They had left her wary and distrustful of marriage.

This was a terrible thing for Eden, who had so much love to give.

He strode briskly along the familiar path between their homes, breathing in the country air that was a mix of fragrant woods, damp earth, and salty sea breezes. The sun filtered through the rustling leaves and spread dots of light amid the shaded walk.

“What a coil,” he muttered as his conversation with Eden began to sink in.

He had agreed to kiss her. Not just agreed, but actually been the one to raise it first and offer to do it out of a sense of moral obligation and other feelings he did not care to think about.

Had he completely lost his mind?

Yes, he must have. How else was he to explain his profoundly apish jealousy? The thought of anyone other than him kissing Eden had his body in turmoil.

Yet a simple kiss between them would change everything, especially if things went further than an innocent touch of their lips.

Ha! There was nothing innocent in the scorching way he meant to ravage that delectable mouth of hers.

But what then? He could not in good conscience turn Eden into a convenient bed partner, much as he found himself aching to do so. “Hell and damnation,” he muttered, raking a hand through his hair. When had this come about? When had they gone from merely being friends to…whatever this was?

She deserved better than to be his mistress. Gad! That sounded awful. He had never had a mistress in all his years, nor did he desire to take one on now.

Not to mention, it could never be Eden. She deserved to be loved and adored. She deserved to be treated with respect. Indeed, there was no one more deserving than Eden, and no one he admired more. If he ever bedded her, it would be as his wife.

He could never be intimate with her on any other terms. She was his to protect, even from himself.

Was this not precisely how he had gotten himself into this coil? She had wanted a first kiss and meant for Lord Aubrey to be the one to provide it. But that wretch was going to break her heart—Connor just knew it and felt it in his gut. Eden could never let down her defenses and allow him in.

This was the primary reason Connor wanted to step in first and kiss Eden. She was smart, but innocent when it came to matters of love. What were Aubrey’s intentions?

“Hell if I know,” Connor grumbled, unwilling to consider the other reasons he needed to kiss Eden and keep Aubrey away from her.

Why was he so possessive when it came to her? Did she not have the right to secure a joyous future?

“But not with Aubrey,” he muttered, knowing that lord could not possibly be right for her. He was too slick. Too attentive. Too… wrong for her.

His mother accosted him the moment he entered his home. “How is Eden’s father? Dare I ask? Is he alive?”

“Yes, alive and howling like a banshee as Dr. Weaver put stitches in his head,” he said as they hurried into his study before he was surrounded by the peahens vying for his attention. He closed the door to afford them privacy. “Evans had the presence of mind to have the doctor summoned immediately. He was already there when we arrived. Eden’s father required about six stitches on his forehead, but one would think he had to endure six hundred. The man is an infant. Speaking of which, how is Lady Darrow?”

“Eden’s other infant parent?” His mother sighed. “Soaking up the attention.”

“What a surprise.” Connor did not bother to hide his sarcasm. “We’ll have to put her up here for the night. She and her husband cannot be left alone together at Chestnut Hill.”

“What about Eden? Will she stay with her father?”

Was it wrong of him to hope she would not? He wanted Eden here with him. “I don’t know yet. Her staff is fully capable of caring for him, but she might decide to remain by his side on the chance he takes a turn for the worse. Whatever her decision, we will keep her mother overnight and see what comes about tomorrow.”

His sharp-eyed mother studied him. “I hope Eden does return to us. Lord Aubrey has been asking after her.”

Connor grumbled something apishly unintelligible.

His mother pursed her lips as she studied him. “Why don’t you like him?”

He rubbed a hand across the back of his neck, irritated with himself for allowing his feelings to show. “Who says I don’t?”

“Oh, let me see. How about your every word and action? I am your mother, Connor. I don’t give a fig about that Silver Duke never-going-to-marry nonsense you keep spouting. Or in your situation, the never-marrying- again nonsense. You cannot hide your feelings from me.”

“And just what is it you think I am hiding?”

She ambled to his desk and distracted herself a moment with the apology letters his children had written him that were sitting atop his pile of work. He had read them over and over because they were so innocent and heartfelt.

This had been Eden’s idea. He now had these precious mementos from his beloved heathens because of her.

His mother looked up at him once again. “You are feeling confused.”

He snorted. “That isn’t very helpful.”

“You like Eden, but have no plans to do anything about her. That is, you had no plans until Lord Aubrey came along and trespassed in your territory. It is not right of you, Connor. Eden is not a piece of land to claim as yours. She is a lovely young woman who deserves better than what you have given her…which, I might add, is nothing at all.” She approached him as he stood with a shoulder casually leaning against the fireplace mantel. “My son, do not close yourself off to marriage.”

He snorted in response.

“Very well, remain stubborn about it. I was hoping you might find a nice girl among my house party guests, but I was mistaken.”

“I’m glad you finally realize it. They are—”

“I say this because you have already found the girl. You’ve had three years since poor Mary died to get to know Eden and fall in love with her. You needed time and distance to get over the loss, but it is now well past time. Oh, I know you and your Silver Duke friends are all about maintaining your freedom. And do not tell me again that you already have your heir and spare, or I will club you over the head just as Lady Darrow did her husband.”

He held up his hands in mock surrender. “Why is this conversation suddenly turning violent?”

“It is not violence but frustration,” she said with a sigh. “Open your eyes, Connor. Look at what has been in front of you all along. Do not lose this woman you love because you are foolishly equating freedom from the bonds of matrimony with happiness. If you say nothing, then Lord Aubrey will win her hand.”

“You think I am in love with Eden?”

“I do not think it. I know it.”

“Do not presume to know my mind,” he shot back for no reason other than to be difficult. He did not like his mother prying into his affairs.

“Fine, two can play at this game.” She cast him a fierce look that warned he was not too big to have his ears boxed by his mother, even though he was a full head and shoulders taller than her. “I meant this house party to be for you, but I have changed my mind,” she said with a huff.

He groaned. “Could you not have changed your mind before inviting everyone here, sparing us all the inconvenience?”

“No, I could not have. If you dislike the intrusion, then take yourself off for the rest of the week. Your presence is no longer required. You are unnecessary, so go away. This house party is now held entirely for Eden’s sake. I am going to find her a husband before the week is out.”

“A husband? Among that motley lot?”

“They are a prime lot, and Lord Aubrey is obviously the best of them. He seems perfect, does he not?”

Now she was just trying to rile him.

“He is young, handsome, and sincerely appears to like her,” his mother went on. “So, keep to your Silver Duke pact and live out the rest of your days a shriveled old man. But I am going to do all in my power to see Eden happily matched.”

That said, she was about to leave, but turned back to him again. “Consider this a declaration of war.”

Before he had the chance to respond, Eden’s mother burst in. “At last, you are back!”

Great, now he had to deal with this woman’s high drama. Well, she had to be anxious about her husband’s condition, even if the reason was merely to save her own hide.

She was followed in by Lord Aubrey and his irritating sister. Yes, Persephone was beautiful and charmingly coquettish, but she was little more than a spoiled child.

She wasn’t Eden. She lacked Eden’s quiet grace and intelligence.

And he couldn’t stand her flirtatious giggles and eyelash batting, as though dust particles were incessantly falling into her eyes.

“Well, Your Grace? Is my wretched husband alive?” Lady Darrow asked, taking on the role of put-upon victim.

“Yes, he lives. Dr. Weaver is with him now, sewing stitches in his head. I think it is best you stay here tonight. My housekeeper will have a room prepared for you, and—”

“Oh, I can take Eden’s room. You’ve given her a lovely bedchamber. I doubt she’ll be using it tonight, since she will want to stay with her father. She always takes his side,” she said with a practiced pout.

Did this woman believe her pouting would endear her to anyone? Connor itched to toss this irritating woman out of his house. “That chamber is Eden’s to use as she wishes for the duration of the house party. You will have a room of your own, and it will certainly not be Eden’s.”

“I do not see why—” She took a step back in response to his glower.

“Have I not made myself clear, Lady Darrow? That is Eden’s room. I will have you sleep in the barn if you dare attempt to take it over for yourself.”

Everyone gasped.

He thought he was behaving with remarkable restraint. “I’ll send word for your lady’s maid to bring over whatever you’ll need for tonight and tomorrow morning.”

“Let me carry that message,” Aubrey said, stepping forward.

The ladies leaped at his offer, both Lady Darrow and his own traitor of a mother eagerly agreeing to the suggestion. His mother cast him a victorious smirk.

“All right,” he said between clenched teeth, unwilling to be pushed into declaring himself for Eden. Whatever he felt was between him and Eden alone, and would be dealt with in due course.

He tried to go about the business of playing host for the next few hours, but he was going out of his mind with annoyance by the time supper came around. Neither Aubrey nor Eden had returned, and to make matters worse, his children were acting up again.

His mother must have taken pity on him, for she chose to come to his rescue as he stood in the entry hall with Priscilla crying in his arms and asking about Eden. “I miss her, Papa! Where did she go?”

Why was Eden suddenly everyone’s darling?

His mother took Priscilla’s hand when he set his daughter down. “Priscilla, why don’t you and I draw a pretty card for Eden’s father to wish him well? I think Eden will be quite touched by the thoughtful gesture.”

“All right, Grandmama. But I can do it myself.” His daughter smiled brightly, obviously taking to the idea with enthusiasm. She ran upstairs with Millie. That now took care of his youngest.

“I’ll leave the boys to you,” his mother said, and sauntered onto the terrace to join their other guests. The older crowd was seated in the shade and sipping tea while the younger guests were playing lawn games.

Unable to think of what to do with his boys, he decided to allow them to participate in a round of pall mall. It seemed harmless enough, just knocking a ball to a wicket.

Yes, harmless—until they started going at each other with their mallets.

Connor quickly put an end to that idea and sent them up to their bedchambers for an early supper while they still had all their teeth intact and did not require stitches. Dr. Weaver had done enough stitching for one day.

They gave little protest, not because his sons respected his wishes—they decidedly did not—but because they were growing boys and could eat an entire bear in one sitting if given the opportunity. They would behave for food.

This left Connor alone once again to entertain Persephone and the other peahens still flocking around him. He could not possibly be all that charming, and his jests could not be all that hilarious. But the women dutifully tittered and giggled and complimented him on his wit. Persephone did not stop clinging to his arm, as though she had taken a proprietary interest in him.

Well, the girl was in for a rude awakening. Nobody had claim to him. He was a Silver Duke.

He finally managed to slip away with an excuse that he had work to do before they met again for supper.

He retired to his quarters and enjoyed a moment of solitude before it was time to wash and dress in more appropriate formal attire for their dinner party, after which there would be dancing, as well as card tables set up for those who did not wish to dance.

Once ready, he happened to peer out his window and notice the carriage he had left at Chestnut Hill for Eden’s use now coming up the drive.

By fortunate circumstance, he had his binoculars atop his bureau. He grabbed them and peered at the approaching conveyance. Not that he was in the habit of spying on his guests. He merely had them conveniently at hand because he meant to join Eden and his children on tomorrow morning’s excursion and had prepared in advance.

Although who knew what Eden’s plans would be now?

He saw the lovely girl seated beside Aubrey, chatting with him and smiling as Connor’s team of horses, under his coachman’s steady control, made their way into the courtyard. It was not jealousy that had him setting aside his binoculars and hurrying downstairs to greet her.

No, not jealousy. He was too old for that nonsense. Was it not neighborly good form to express concern?

“How is your father?” He reached for Eden and placed his hands around her waist to lift her down, purposely keeping hold of her lithe body a moment longer than was necessary before he released her because he knew it would irk the interloper.

Aubrey noticed. His eyes narrowed and he tossed Connor a challenging frown.

Eden appeared oblivious to the tension between the two men. She answered his question cheerfully and with unmistakable relief. “My father is now comfortably settled in his bedchamber. Cook has prepared his favorite meal. Evans has brought up a selection of books from my library for him, although I think his eyes will strain if he attempts to read on his own. Most of my staff are educated, so any one of them can read aloud to him while he rests his eyes. I have left instructions for someone to sit with him throughout the night. I’ve left it to Evans to make the assignments. They’ll take four-hour shifts this first evening. I’ll look in on him tomorrow morning, as will Dr. Weaver.” She glanced toward his house. “And how is my mother?”

He arched an eyebrow. “Oh, she’s made herself right at home.”

Eden winced. “Sorry. I thought she might. How are the children?”

“Completely unmanageable and barely surviving without you,” he said with a soft laugh. “Priscilla is preparing a card for your father while the boys are doing their best to eat me into impoverishment.”

She happened to smile just as the sun reappeared from behind a cloud.

Yes, this was what Eden was—pure sunshine.

“I’ll look in on them before their bedtime,” she said with a shake of her head, and then spared a glance at his attire. “Oh, am I too late for supper?”

“Not at all. Run up and change. We’ll wait for you to come down before I have Brewster ring the dinner bell.” He noticed a trunk perched in the rear of the carriage. “Your mother’s things? One of the footmen will carry it up to her bedchamber. I’ll assign Sarah to assist her for the duration of her stay.”

“Thank you. That is very generous of you.”

He cast her a wry smile. “I’ve taken the liberty of placing her at the opposite end of the hall from your chamber.”

She laughed again. “That sounds perfect.”

“I thought it might.”

She thanked him once more and hurried into the house.

Connor now turned to Aubrey, who had remained standing by the carriage during his and Eden’s brief exchange. He did not like the fellow, nor did Aubrey appear to like him. Nevertheless, they maintained their gentlemanly facades.

He grudgingly thanked Aubrey for assisting Eden. “She seems relieved. Crisis averted. But how is she feeling, really?”

To his credit, Aubrey did not toss back a whimsical response. “Shaken, I think. She hides it well, pretends to take their antics in stride. But I’m sure their constant battles get to her. She has remarkable composure. However, if one looks closely, one can see she is fragile.”

“Yes, she is,” Connor replied, his tone intended to send this lord a warning. “That’s why she will be seated beside me tonight.”

“So you can protect her?” Aubrey frowned. “Why? I can assure you, she will be just as safe with me.”

“As I said, she stays by me.”

“Do you intend to court her, Lynton? Is this what your glowering at me is about? Then consider the gauntlet tossed. From what I gather, you had three years to declare yourself and have not done it. Too bad, old man. You’ve lost your chance, for I intend to court her…and I do not like to lose.”

That said, he marched off.

Connor knew there was a reason he did not like the man. Nor did he trust him, no matter his declaration about honorably courting Eden.

Now in thoroughly ill humor, he joined his other guests in the drawing room.

There was not much of an evening breeze tonight, and the room felt oppressively dank and hot. Even more so as Persephone and the other young women swarmed around him like bees around a hive. He tried to pay attention to their conversations, but it was impossible to manage while they were all chattering at him at once.

Just to be perverse, he made several particularly inane comments and was curious as to how they would respond. He received nothing short of adulation because none of these girls would ever be honest with him and call him an idiot. A duke idiot. And this made all the difference to them.

He was a duke and they would endure the labors of Hercules to become his duchess.

Of course, their motives did not excuse his own behavior. He was being an ass tonight. All this fake admiration was getting to him.

He tossed out another ridiculous comment. They clapped and smiled and regarded him with worshipful eyes.

He resigned himself to a long evening.

These ladies were not to blame for his ill temper, but they were doing nothing to make it better. However, he resolved to be on better behavior. He forced a smile and complimented each on their lovely gowns. He told them how beautiful they all looked this evening. “Indeed, you are all quite…sparkly.” The array of diamonds was blinding.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” they replied in a chorus of giggles.

Then Eden walked in.

His heart soared.

It took her a moment to spot him, even though he was hard to overlook because of his height. He was usually among the tallest in the crowd.

She released a breath and smiled at him.

His heart soared again.

He was about to make his excuses and detach himself from his hen roost to greet her, but Aubrey’s parents scurried over to her first. In the next moment, Aubrey entered the drawing room, for he had also needed to change his attire before joining them for supper.

Connor nodded to Brewster to sound the bell.

Aubrey escorted Eden into the dining room but frowned when he realized Connor had indeed placed Eden beside him and stuck Aubrey at the other end of the table between his own mother and Eden’s mother. Across from him, Connor had purposely placed two older gentlemen who spoke of nothing but the Newmarket horse races.

Connor had also taken care of seating arrangements at his end of the table, placing an older gentleman who was deaf as a post to the right of Eden and a countess who was already too deep in her cups to remember anything of what transpired tonight to his left. This way, he and Eden could hold a conversation without worrying about being overheard.

Lord Aubrey scowled at him from his end of the table. What did the bounder think? That Connor would ever give Eden over to him?

This was his home. His battleground.

His Eden.

“I’m all right, you know,” Eden said softly in his ear once they were seated and the first course was about to be served. “You did not need to keep me close to you.”

Yes, he did. “I wanted a chance to chat with you at leisure and make certain both you and your father are truly all right. Especially you, Eden. No one looks after you.”

“And you feel that you must take up the laboring oar? I will survive on my own, as I always have.” She glanced up at the footman and smiled as he served her the soup course, a popular white soup in veal stock.

“It is not a labor but a pleasure,” Connor replied once he was also served. “I’ve said it before—you are mine to watch over.”

She laughed lightly. “You do not need to be such a protective ape around me, although I will admit it feels nice. Lord Aubrey was just as apish on the ride back here. Has something been added to the drinking water lately? I haven’t had this much attention from gentlemen since my debut Season.”

“Did he say anything about kissing you?”

Her delicate eyebrows shot up. “My, we are getting personal. You’ve told me what you think about who should give me that first kiss. I have duly noted your offer. But I do not need you to be a third parent attempting to control my life. The two I was given are more than a handful for me.”

Parent ? Did she regard him as old and doddering?

He set down his soup spoon, since he no longer had much appetite.

She sighed. “You are glowering at me.”

“You called me a decrepit oaf.”

She blinked. And blinked again. “I said no such thing. What an arrogant lout you are. How in heaven’s name did you come to that conclusion? Merely because I compared you to my parents? My mother would certainly not appreciate being considered old and decrepit.”

She cast him a mildly admonishing look. “Connor, you are the handsomest man at this table. Surely you know this. Indeed, I am sure you know it. You would not be thought of as a Silver Duke if you weren’t devastatingly handsome. But you are also quite stubborn and arrogant when you want to be. As you are now. Stop scowling at me.”

“I am not scowling at you.”

“Then what would you call that fierce expression on your face? You will have all the little partridges quaking in fear if you do not start smiling.”

“They are peahens, not partridges. Nor do I care what they think of me.” But he eased back in his chair and managed a small smile. “You think I am handsome?”

She rolled her eyes. “You know you are. Stop angling for compliments. Do you not get enough from your adoring diamonds?”

“You were a diamond, too. Need I remind you? But all right. It is more important we speak about what happened today. I’m glad your father will survive. Are things back to their normal routine?”

“With us? Are you asking about my looking after the children?”

He nodded. “What are your plans for tomorrow? I’ll take them if you need to be with your father. They are my responsibility, after all.”

“In truth, I would much rather be with them. Let’s keep to our plan. My father will be all right. I’ll walk over with the children in the morning just to make certain. Then I’ll have Evans order my rig hitched so we can ride to the cliffs to bird watch for an hour or so before I take them into town for the St. Matthew’s church fair.”

“Will you eat in town? The fair is a major event and the town will be quite crowded. Should I have Cook prepare another picnic basket for you?”

“There will be plenty of food stalls at the fair. But it would be wonderful to have a little something extra, some scones and fruit perhaps, to carry in our pouches for the morning.”

“Consider it done,” he said with a nod.

“What are your plans for tomorrow, Connor?”

He groaned. “My preference would be to go with you, but…”

“You have your guests to entertain. I understand.”

“I’ll try to get away for a little while, if I can. Perhaps bring some guests into town for the fair. And I’ll postpone my usual morning ride, push it back an hour so that I can walk to Chestnut Hill with you and the children.”

He glanced around the table to the men. “The riders among them won’t mind an hour’s delay. Since I am the local magistrate, is it not right that I should look in on your father?”

“You know it isn’t necessary.”

“I know, but I would like to be there with you.”

She glanced down at her hands. “Um…”

He waited for the footman to clear away their bowls. Neither of them had bothered to finish their soup, which was delicious, but his cook would be overset to learn he had hardly touched it. “What is that sound of hesitation?”

“Lord Aubrey is going to join me and the children tomorrow. He has wanted to spend some time with me and I saw no harm in allowing it, especially since your three children will serve as my chaperones. Not that a woman my age needs to be chaperoned.”

“Why did you not mention it earlier? Then you do not need me at all tomorrow? You should have stopped me as I was mentioning my plans just now.”

“Your presence is always welcome, Connor.”

“And so is Lord Aubrey’s, it seems.”

“He asked and I saw no harm in it. That is all there is to it. I have not forgotten our earlier conversation about his intentions. I am not going to leap into his arms, and certainly never in front of your children.”

“Eden, it should be never at all,” he said as the churning in his gut arose once again. This irritation had nothing to do with his food or the general condition of his stomach, which was in excellent shape. He was not so ancient as to require a nightly physic. “I’ve made a decision.”

“Oh? Do you mind telling me what this monumental decision is?”

“We are all going with you. We’ll load up the carriages and bring along every guest who wishes to join us for bird watching and then the fair.”

“You want to bring your bevy of peahens to watch birds with us? Do they even have sensible shoes? I do not need any of them slipping and tumbling off a cliff.”

His eyes widened in horror. “You don’t take my children climbing to the top along those precarious ledges, do you?”

“No, of course not. We set up our watch from the beach below, or from a low ledge. One that is secure and has plenty of room for all of us. I would never risk anything dangerous with your children, especially the boys. You know how they always shove each other around. They do it playfully, of course. But they are often quite rough with each other.”

“That’s boys for you.”

“You big boys are no better. Are you going to behave around Lord Aubrey, or must I keep the two of you apart?”

He grinned.

“I’m serious, Connor. You had better be nice to him.”

“Or what? I shall be spanked and sent to my room without supper?” His grin turned even more wicked. “I wouldn’t mind if the punishment came from you. I find you quite appealing when you talk like a priggish schoolmistress.”

“Connor, honestly!” She kicked his shin under the table, which was draped in an exquisite lace tablecloth no doubt smuggled in from the city of Nantes.

The next courses came out. Connor’s footmen carried in silver trays stacked with racks of lamb, game fowl baked in ornately decorated pies, and an enormous fish that had been smoked for days, along with the usual array of potatoes, leeks, onions, and peas.

Desserts came out next, an array of cakes, tarts, flummery, and blancmange.

Connor noticed Eden stifling yawns by the time the ladies were ready to retire to the parlor for tea and sherry. He, too, was eager for the evening to end. But it was tradition for the men to remain seated around the table with their glasses of port wine and cognac.

He drew back Eden’s chair when she rose along with the other ladies. “There’s to be dancing later. Has Aubrey already claimed the first dance?”

“Yes, he has. But I think I am going to beg off and simply go to bed before the dancing starts. I feel so weary.”

“You’ve had quite a trying day.”

She nodded. “But I’ll look in on the children before I retire. Sarah told me that Priscilla was crying for me earlier. I’ll give her a kiss goodnight and make certain she is ready for tomorrow’s excursion.”

“I’ll check on them later, too. But I won’t be able to escape before the dancing ends. They had better be sound asleep by then.”

“I’m sure they will be. Well, goodnight.” She left his side and sought out Aubrey to beg off their dance. Connor knew he was being petty to enjoy Aubrey’s disappointment, but he also understood that he could not have it both ways with Eden. If he chased away her suitors, then he had better be ready to stand in their place.

He was ready, but this was not a discussion to be had amid a houseful of guests.

He endured hours of dancing, managing to be snared twice by the ever-persistent Persephone. Finally, as the clock in the entry hall chimed three, Connor completed his round about the house to make certain all doors and windows were secured. Usually, Brewster attended to this duty. But the hour was late and his staff had worked hard all day. They would be working hard again tomorrow and every day afterward until the infernal house party ended.

Feeling quite tired himself, he made his way upstairs to look in on his children before retiring to his own bed.

He peered first into the rooms his sons occupied, his heart warming as he saw their angelic faces in innocent repose. They were such little demons when awake.

He next walked into Priscilla’s room.

Blessed saints.

He thought his heart would melt at the sight.

Lying beside Priscilla, her arms wrapped around his daughter, was Eden. Both of them were sound asleep.

Connor had never seen a more beautiful vision in his life.

He did not know whether to leave Eden where she was or carry her back to her bedchamber. As he was debating with himself, Priscilla poked Eden in the ribs. Then again. Eden would be black and blue by morning if she remained in Priscilla’s bed.

“Up you go, Eden,” he murmured, lifting her in his arms. “Put your arms around my neck.”

She did so, but he wasn’t certain she was aware of what she was doing, since she clearly was not awake. He carried her down to her room, taking care not to be noticed as he made his way along the hall.

All seemed quiet, no one stirring at this late hour.

Well, some guests might be bed-hopping. But any who were would have hopped to their assignations by now.

At least, he hoped so. There would be questions raised if he were caught with Eden in his arms, especially since they were headed to her bedchamber.

In truth, he did not care if they were caught. Perhaps a scandal was the push he needed to shed his Silver Duke reputation and marry. He could see himself happily married to Eden.

In fact, it scared him knowing just how happy she might make him.

Would Eden feel the same?