Page 67 of The Marquess of Secrets

“Very good, Robins,” Harrison nodded. “Well done.”

Taylor hurried in and gathered up Huntsford’s firearm.

“Huntsford will need medical care, for he is under the influence,” Lydia murmured. Then she cleared her throat and spoke louder. “The withdrawal from the opium.”

Why she even cared about Huntsford’s fate—well, she was a nurse.

“Mrs. Eaton, is there a dispensary here? Do you have cocaine?” Harrison asked.

Mrs. Eaton stepped forward, shock still registering on her face.

Huntsford could have spoiled Lydia’s chances of working here. For what Huntsford put her through, she should let the miserable man shiver and vomit in a damp prison cell.

“Yes, there is. And we do have it.” Mrs. Eaton replied.

“Robins, I’ll gather up the drug and follow you into Hastings. It will assist in treating the worst of his withdrawal symptoms,” Harrison interjected.

Robins nodded as he pulled Huntsford to his feet.

Lydia’s ears were ringing from the gunshot, but she was surprisingly serene, at least calmer than she thought she would be. Unless she was in shock. Be damned if she would go to pieces. Not anymore.

A wave of relief covered her. It was over. She could truly move on with her life.

Harrison gathered her into his arms. “If anything happened to you, I would have ceased to breathe.”

One gasping sob escaped, but she kept her tears in check. And she held on to this magnificent man for dear life.

* * *

What a day. Despite disturbing the peace of the residential home, Mrs. Eaton insisted the position was still open if Lydia wanted it. She accepted wholeheartedly. After the double wedding, she would move into the room and begin her work.

Once they returned to Gransford Manor, the explanation to Harrison’s family was the next hurdle to overcome. The duchess insisted on tea and cakes and gave her a hug for good measure.

Philomena and Eliza were particularly empathetic, for they had similar tales. After a hot bath and a rest, she joined the family for dinner. Despite the circumstances, the food was enjoyable, and the conversation lively. The family made her welcome as one of them, and she was grateful.

Now standing on the balcony looking up at the stars, she allowed herself a quivering smile.

This was a new beginning.

Strong arms encircled her waist from behind, pulling her close. With a contented sigh, she leaned her head back, resting against the warmth and strength of Harrison.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look in this white gown?” he murmured. “How it lovingly caresses your curves. You are stunning, my Lydia.”

She closed her eyes, reveling in the closeness, the feel of his hard body molded against hers. The softness of his beard rubbed against her neck. The heat of his passionately spoken words.

“I want nothing more than to take you upstairs to my bed, make love to you all night. But only at your invitation. When you’re ready.” He kissed her neck, then tugged playfully on her earlobe. “And I should not have said that aloud.”

Lydia turned in his arms, clasping his cheeks, meeting his gaze. “I want that. I do. I love the passionate way you talk about what you want. But I need time. I will be starting my new position tomorrow. I have a favor to ask. When you have done so much for me already.”

“What is it?”

“That we have no contact for a while. Allow me to heal. Recover. Think about what I want next.”

She asked a great deal. In effect, she was asking Harrison to wait for her until she was ready to enter into a relationship, whatever that would entail. Presumptuous of her considering they hadn’t discussed mutual love in any meaningful way. Perhaps all he wished for was an affair.

“How long a period? I will agree to whatever you say.”

So understanding.