Page 45 of The Marquess of Secrets

Robins nodded. “Very true, although this may be one way to catch him with the pharmaceutical goods. Him trying to sell them. We should keep that avenue open.”

“I agree,” Harrison said. “Continue with your surveillance, Robins. Gather as much information as you can.”

“I will testify,” Lydia interjected. “About his vile habits and his thievery plan.”

Robins nodded as he removed the notebook from his pocket and scribbled in it.

Harrison smiled.

That’s my brave girl.

His admiration grew, along with more intense emotions becoming harder to ignore.

“Then, if there is nothing else, my lord, I will take my leave.” Robins stood.

“Do stay in touch. Youngston?”

The butler stepped into the room. “Yes, my lord?”

“Please escort Mr. Robins to the front entrance. Anytime he or his men come to the door, they are to be admitted immediately without question.”

“Yes, my lord. Mr. Robins?”

After slipping his notebook into his side pocket, he reached for his cane, then touched his forelock.

“My lord. Miss Chesterton.”

Once they were alone, Lydia buried her face in her hands, her delicate shoulders shaking.

Harrison immediately moved to her side and gathered her into his embrace.

“You are not being pursued by the police. You are not a suspect. Not all is lost, Lydia.”

She sniffled against his coat and nodded. After several moments, Lydia laid her hands against his chest and gently pushed him away.

Harrison grasped her chin and met her gaze. Her eyes were red, her lower lip trembling.

“What is it? What is going on, Lydia? Why did you take your meal in your room last night? Why are you pulling away from me?”

“I don’t know where to begin.”

“We’ve been honest with each other, don’t stop now.”

She gazed up at him, sadness reflected in her eyes. “I wish I’d met you two years ago, but how and where? Seeing you’re the heir to a duke, our paths never would have crossed. I became upset when you mentioned your search for a wife. How completely inappropriate.”

Lydia sighed wistfully. “I’m attracted to you, and I have no business saying this to you, let alone feeling it. I thought it best to keep my distance. You see, I must take control of my life once again. I must stop living in fear. I don’t wish to be this scared, cowed woman any longer.”

Harrison’s heart soared at her declaration of being attracted to him.

“I don’t make of habit of seducing vulnerable women. Or bring them to my home. But I have, haven’t I? Perhaps not the seducing part, but I’ve wanted to. God, how I’ve wanted to. The attraction is mutual. What do we do now?” he murmured.

“I’ll take your offer of assistance of finding me a nursing position far from here. And I believe we should do this as soon as possible.”

Well.

Harrison released her chin. “You’re hardly recovered enough to take such a step forward.”

“I’m feeling stronger with each passing day. Perhaps we could find me a position in a town or village; I could take a room nearby and continue to recover. I will reimburse you as soon as I’m earning my way. Meanwhile, I still would like to assist you at the terminus. I need to feel useful, and I need to be able to pay you back in some way for your generosity and kindness.”