She could trust no one but herself.
And yet…
Asher trusted her and would prove it by testifying on her behalf.
Everly was made humble by this.
And suddenly, her heart gave a flutter. It was something she’d begun to feel in Asher’s presence days ago, yet she’d quieted it quickly.
It took her far longer to do it now.
* * *
“What now?” Valiant asked as they walked into the house. Her eyes were more vibrant than they’d been in recent months. It seemed as though Lady Beaumont was finally climbing out from under her sadness.
Asher prayed her smile never faded. “I’ll have Robert follow Fallen to see if he goes to meet anyone.”
“Why?” Everly suddenly asked. She’d not said more than a whispered thank you to him in the carriage.
Asher started for his office. “If I’m right about the sort of man he is, then Fallen will now be working to get his story in line. I will make sure he fails.”
Valiant clapped her hands. “Capital.”
Asher rang for tea and then settled into his chair.
A maid brought in a letter for Everly, and she noticed it to be a reply from Preshea. She put that aside for the moment.
“And if he does not fail?” Everly asked as she settled into the settee by the fire not far from him.
A fire was in the hearth. The day was cool. It had rained earlier and now, to Asher’s great dismay, it looked as though it would rain again.
He loathed April. “If Lord Fallen happens to find a way to make his story work, then I’ll still testify.”
His sister sighed. “Oh, this may be the second boldest thing I’ve ever seen you do! I must write Lore and Hero!” Valiant rushed out the door. “And Beatrix! And Brinley!” Her voice faded down the hall.
Asher kept his gaze on Everly’s, but then he recalled the displeasure of last evening and looked away.
* * *
Everly thought to follow Valiant from the room. It was not wise for her and Asher to be alone, especially with the way she was currently feeling.
Asher’s show of chivalry had evoked longing within her.
She’d need time alone to safeguard her heart again.
Still, she was too curious to leave. She had questions and knew she’d be restless without answers.
When he’d looked away from her, she’d thought she’d seen regret in his gaze. Did he have second thoughts about testifying?
“I didn’t ask you to be my witness,” Everly said.
He stared down at his desk. “I vowed to see you free of this. I shall see it done.”
His vow.
She couldn’t help but remember what else he’d vowed to do—or rather not do.
He’d not make any more advances. There would be no more touching and, indeed, he’d only ever allowed her to place her hand on his arm when they’d entered and left Lord Fallen’s property. Otherwise, there’d been none of the affection he’d given her at the constable’s office or even in the carriage.
That was now bothering her, she admitted.
Asher looked relieved when the maid came in with a tray. Did he wish for her to leave him alone?
She would once she had her answers. When the maid left, she asked, “Why? Why would you testify for me? You weren’t with me during the entire party.”
He gave her a look that made it clear that he questioned her logic. “Everly, you and I both know you didn’t steal those diamonds.” He offered her a cup.
“No,” she countered. “I know I didn’t steal the diamonds. You know nothing.” She lifted her cup to her lips and was shocked by the taste.
Coffee. Only sugar. Just as she liked it.
She stared into the darkness of her cup and then looked at Asher.
He stood and began to pull on his collar, though he neither unbuttoned the top or loosened the cravat, even though it was clear he wished to do both. “I know.”
∫ ∫ ∫
2 0
“How?” Everly asked, unwilling to let the matter rest. “How do you know I didn’t do it?”
He began pacing, seeming restless. “What does it matter? You’ll be free.”
She knew she would be, but just in case, she decided it best to build her own defense. She’d find other witnesses while Asher dealt with Fallen.
She’d not fail Asher. She’d not take what he was giving her for granted. “You don’t have to do this.”
Finally, he looked at her. His gaze was tormented. “I know. Do you plan to go back out today?”
The question seemed to come from nowhere. “I… yes, if Valiant feels so inclined.” Aside from speaking to those who’d attended the party, she also needed to see to the women at her house.
“I would rather you wait until it stops raining,” he said. “The weather is unpredictable.” He moved to the window and frowned.
“I enjoy the rain.” She’d enjoyed listening to it as a child on the days she’d been kept in the attic. The rhythmic melody always soothed her.
Asher’s head turned so quickly that she was surprised when his neck didn’t crack. He was surprised by her words, but then he shook his head and looked away again. “Do whatever it is that pleases you.”
Why did he sound so resigned?
She felt herself being drawn to take his advice and remain inside, but then also felt a part of her rebel against the very notion. Would she yield to another man? Even one who went beyond the call of duty to see to her welfare?
She decided to open her letter.
Preshea made note that all was well. They’d had an increase in numbers. Now there were twelve women at the meetings. One a banker’s daughter. This made Everly glad. It was never a requirement that a woman be titled to come to her discussions, only that she had a passion for mental growth.
Miss Fairchild was also doing well, though she wished for a better telescope. Everly had tried to find one, but many fell apart from the inside.
She sighed and closed the letter before looking at Asher.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
As though she’d tell him. “Nothing.”
Then she decided she would give in to his wishes. Just this once. “I suppose I can make my calls later or even another day. I’m sure not everyone has arrived in London yet. Another day wouldn’t hurt.” She’d spoken the words before her conscious could stop her.
She was rewarded for her surrender when his shoulders relaxed. Still, his hand reached for his cravat and then dropped again.
“Just undo it.”
He frowned in confusion yet still managed to look like an arrogant aristocrat.
She smiled at him for what felt like the first time in weeks, though their little argument had only happened last night. “Undo your cravat. You know you wish to.”
“Not in front of you.” He looked away.
“Would you do so in front of Valiant?” she asked.
He turned to her again. “Of course.”
“Then by all means.” She motioned the rest of her sentence with her hand.
He didn’t budge.
She held his gaze and then put her letter down before coming to her feet. She crossed the distance to him and reached for his cravat.
“I thought we agreed not to touch each other.”
“I won’t touch you.” She resumed her movement. “Just your cravat,” she whispered.
* * *
The starched fabric seemed to whisper in her hands, and Asher found himself hoping for her touch. Just a knuckle or the brush of a finger.
He couldn’t believe how desperate he sounded in his own mind.
Hadn’t they just discussed boundaries the previous night?
He’d tried to stop looking at her, tried to stay away from her. He’d kept on his cravat, because he’d feared she’d think he was being lewd.
Was she being lewd?
Likely not.
It had conclusively been her idea that they cease whateve
r romance had been growing between them.
When she was finished, she slipped the material off his throat and Asher moved his head with new joy.
“Here.” She handed him his cup of coffee. “It always makes me feel better.”
He watched her now as she drank, wondering why she was being so kind to him.
Gratitude.
Gratitude had stopped her from going out into the rain. Otherwise, Everly would have boldly left without another word.
As the rain fell quietly just a foot away on the other side of the wall, he realized just how much he didn’t want or need her surrender, whether it came from gratitude or not.
He didn’t want to care about her and could only hope this situation came to an end exponentially.
“Hopefully, we will know more by today,” Asher said. “If all goes as expected and Fallen tried to cover his lies, this very afternoon we could be heading back to the country to clear your name.”
She placed his cravat on his desk and turned to him. “I could not hope for more. It would be the best outcome.”
“Then you and I can go our separate ways,” he went on. “I’m sure you’re anxious for things to return to the way they were.” When he’d easily avoided her.
“Well, there’s no reason I need wait that long before filling my schedule.”
“Then I should expect you to be gone most evenings.” And much too tired to join him for breakfast. That left only the middle of the day, and Asher could easily spend those hours at his club while she was in residence.
“Actually.” Everly looked around the room. “I was thinking that you could host here.” Then she looked at him. “There’s truly no reason you shouldn’t. The house has not been used since the night of Beatrix’s ball.” The ball had taken place just days before his father’s death and its ballroom had remained unused since.
“I don’t host,” Asher said.
“No reason not to start now,” Everly said with a grin. Her gaze returned to the walls and ceilings. “This house is far too beautiful to keep to one’s self.”
He straightened, feeling a sense of pride at her words. Still...
“You don’t understand,” Asher said. “I don’t host. I don’t participate in London Society.”
“Sure, you do,” Everly countered. “You went to the Reddington Ball. You’ve gone every year.”
How did she remember that? “I go out of obligation, not for the enjoyment of it. I don’t host.”
Heat entered her gaze. “You hosted at the castle,” she countered.
“Beatrix and Valiant hosted,” he said. “Beatrix is not here, and Valiant is in mourning.”
She placed her hands on her hips and blew out a breath. “You need a wife.”
His lungs constricted, making it impossible for him to speak. Yet he felt his eyes bulge.
Everly did not take her words back. “It’s true. You have a lovely home and not simply because of its design but its feel.” She approached him again. “This room, for instance, it’s quite comfortable for an office, don’t you think?” She glanced around.
Asher found himself doing the same as he tried to regulate his heart.
The colors were dark, as were its furnishings. The wood gleamed. The velvet glowed in the fire.
It was a very intimate room. Relaxing.
“My father enjoyed spending time together,” he said. “Lore and Valiant played on the floor. Hero and I took the couch, sometimes reading aloud or to ourselves. My mother often sat in the chair you were just occupying, remaining close to my father, especially after...” He shook his head. “My father rarely demanded she leave the room while conducting business. He enjoyed her presence just as much as he did her thoughts.”
“Were you much like your father?” Everly asked quietly. “Did you enjoy Lady Mary’s involvement in your business?”
“Lady Mary didn’t wish to be involved in those matters.”
Everly moved away. “Of course.”
He narrowed his gaze as his eyes followed her across the room. “What does that mean?”
Everly stood by a blue and gold wall with a geometric motif in the wallpaper. “Nothing.”
“You clearly meant something by that,” he said. “Do you believe I lied?”
Their eyes locked over her shoulder. “I believe you incapable of lying.”
He was capable. He lied to himself often. “Then what did you mean by your comment?”
She shook her head and looked away again. “I would rather not say.”
“Finish your thoughts, Lady Everly.” He often dreamed of reasons to detest her, never being able to find one. There was never any hope of his attraction for her waning. “Did you mean to insult Lady Mary?” If she had…
When she still didn’t answer, he walked over to her.
“Speak your mind, Lady Everly, just as you do so often.”
∫ ∫ ∫
2 1
Everly couldn’t remember the last time she’d heard Asher taunt anyone. He’d certainly never taunted her, though, as he’d just stated, Everly was never inclined to hold her peace.
But how to reveal her thoughts without revealing her heart?
“What did your words mean?” Asher was leaning closer, trying to see her face. “Was Lady Mary lacking in some way, because she chose to pursue those things that would attract normal ladies?”
Everly pressed her lips together. Was he trying to insult her? It was working.
Her face burned.
Asher crowded her in, his chest nearly touching her arm, his body large compared to hers. “Do you think Lady Mary beneath you, because she enjoyed depending upon her husband to see to her needs?”
The flame of embarrassment spread through her body, scalding her neck. She placed her hands against the wall. “No.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“No?” Disbelief filled his voice. “You know, we gentlemen do more than just control our wives. We’re good for other things.”
“Such as?”
A mistake.
He was breathtaking when he lowered his guard to show emotion. His eyes were vibrant.
She licked her lips. “What else are gentleman very good at?”
“Making sure a lady is not punished for a crime she didn’t commit.” His voice was rough. His eyes dipped to her lips.
She pulled in a breath and waited.
He leaned forward but stopped just a breath away.
Everly swayed forward, barely an inch, but Asher kept himself just out of reach.
His gaze rose and hit hers. “And any true gentleman keeps his promises.” Then he turned and left the room.
My lady, I vow to treat you just as I would any other.
From this moment on, you can rest assured that there will be no advances, because I will not make any again.
This, I vow.
Everly closed her eyes.
Had she made the right decision when she’d confronted Asher?
It was too late to regret it now.
And what did it matter? He’d hated her before. It should be of little consequence that his feelings would be renewed.
And yet, Everly hadn’t felt this alone since she was a child.
Asher was clearly angry. He thought she’d insulted his wife—a woman she hadn’t known until this very moment that he still cared for deeply.
She didn’t think Mary lacking in any way. Everly worried for herself.
For the first time in years, Everly wondered if the issue was not the rest of the world but herself. It was unlikely that Asher had even gotten the chance to put Mary in her place, because the woman had known it and had likely enjoyed being there.
Had her father been right all along? Was Everly simply a bad girl?
“No,” she whispered aloud. Her father had been a hard man. She was sure none of her other friends had ever been starved as a child or locked in a room without a window or way or escape. Everly knew what it was like to be held in heat strong enough to suffoca
te and cold brutal enough to numb her fingers and toes. She couldn’t count how often it had happened, likely once or twice a week. Sometimes for a few hours.
Often for days at a time.
Her father had purposefully kept no standard time for her punishment, another punishment in itself that had made Everly mad.
But what if she’d not been right to begin with?
It wasn’t as though she wished to be a man. She loved being a woman. She loved her curves. Her gowns and slippers.
Though Asher had been surprised by Lady Christensen’s obsession over him, it didn’t mean he was unaware when a woman was attracted to him.
And to Everly’s continued astonishment, he also knew how to stroke a woman’s heat with barely a glance. She’d been so very wrong about the Duke of Ayers.
Even now, her mouth ached for his lips. She closed her eyes and tried to remember the feel of him three nights ago. She could not recall enough of it to satisfy her.
She pressed her fingers over her lips.
Asher would never touch her again, as was made evident when he pulled away from her just moments ago.
Everly was confused. What did she want from him? An affair?
No, all she wanted was to be free, just as she’d been before everything changed.
Yet now, Everly wondered at what cost her freedom had come and would come again.
* * *
“Did you say something to Everly? She is not herself as of late.”
Asher looked up two afternoons later as his sister strolled into the parlor. He’d just returned from his club, where he’d met with gentlemen who’d been present at the party. They all remembered exactly what she’d been wearing. The pants were forever stamped into their minds just as they were Asher’s.
He’d known that many were attracted to Everly but hearing them speak of her beauty had Asher ready to strangle the entire lot.
He’d left quickly.
Robert, his footman, had uncovered very little by following Lord Fallen. The man had gone to his club once and then hadn’t left the house after that. It was impossible to read any of the notes he sent out or had brought in.
Valiant sat next to him. She wore lilac today, a color that often made one question her eye color. Was it the family blue or something else?
The Perfect Duke (Valiant Love) (A Regency Romance Book) Page 10
