Page 75 of Ruined by the Wrong Earl

By the time she was finished, she felt a thrill and her heart was pounding. Once again, she scanned the audience, looking for the only person whose opinion mattered. At Ralston’s wide grin, a warm glow flowed through her. She suddenly realized his approval meant more to her than that of any member on the panel.

Chapter Twenty-Two

After Nora’s presentation was finished and she collected her notes and stepped away from the podium, she felt shaky as her body adjusted to the rush of adrenaline. Members of the small audience, other scientists that had attended, all wanted to meet her. She thanked the Society members and made sure to seek out Mr Collins.

‘Your presentation was informative. You did not disappoint, Lady Ralston,’ Collins said.

‘It was,’ Ralston said, as he approached them.

After chatting with Collins a few moments longer, Ralston led her away and she was able to speak freely. ‘How did I do?’

His grin made her lightheaded. ‘Your voice didn’t waver, and you concisely answered every question asked. I say we should celebrate! You barely ate this morning. Are you hungry?’

‘I was so nervous, I couldn’t eat. Now I’m starved!’

His arm around her waist felt right and good. ‘We are not far from Threadneedle Street and the Cock Tavern is known for its famous turtle soup.’

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’d like that.’

Before they could depart the building, Miss Lyons came up to them. ‘Pardon the interruption, but may I have a word alone with Lady Ralston?’

Nora looked at Ralston, and he nodded in encouragement. ‘Go on. I’ll wait in the carriage.’

‘Of course.’ Nora followed Miss Lyons to a separate antechamber. Two tables crammed the room, and books were scattered across the surfaces. A globe rested on a cabinet by the window.

Miss Lyons’s eyes looked as big as an owl’s behind her thick lenses. ‘I have heard many presentations during my eight years on the Society board. Your study of seashells was different.’

The woman was difficult to read, and Nora could not tell if the statement was complimentary or not.

‘An opportunity has arisen and, as a woman, I thought to offer it to you. We received a royal grant and three of us will be travelling to the Continent to meet and live with scientists in Venice to share our studies for a year. We would like you to join our contingent.’

Nora blinked. The opportunity to travel to the Continent and meet and gather with other like-minded scientists had been a dream. First, the offer to present to the Society. And now this. The lightheadedness she’d felt earlier returned with a rush.

‘I—’

Mrs Lyons raised a hand. ‘No need to decide now, Lady Ralston, but we will need an answer by the end of the month.’

Nora nodded. ‘Yes, thank you. Thank you!’

She met Ralston on the street waiting by their crested carriage. He looked at her expectantly. ‘Well? What did she say?’

A moment of hesitation made her freeze. Looking into her husband’s expectant gaze, her voice was trapped in her throat. She couldn’t speak. The opportunity had been her professional goal for as long as she could remember, but things had swiftly changed. She would have to leave Ralston for an entire year, even longer if one considered the travel time. What she’d desired, longed for, suddenly did not hold the same appeal if it meant leaving him. Even more confusing, she knew he would not stand in her way, and the decision was her own.

She was aware of Ralston watching her, waiting for her response. She opened her mouth, then shut it. When she finally spoke, the lie easily slipped from her lips. ‘She said she was particularly interested in my notes and asked to visit our home to see more.’

His grin enhanced his attractiveness. ‘See? I knew it. She was impressed. We must welcome her.’

A stabbing guilt pierced her chest. She wasn’t ready to reveal the truth, not until she could organize her thoughts. Only then could she tell him everything.

Deciding one’s future took immense effort. It also resulted in much anxiety. After a quick meal, Nora waited until Ralston left to meet Lord Adler before she took herself to her science room. Surrounded by her books, shells and microscope, she lowered her head to her hands and rubbed her temples. She should be jubilant, thrilled, at the very least, feel a sense of accomplishment.

Instead, she was torn. Her life had taken an unexpected turn. She’d never wanted to marry and now she found that she liked her husband.

No, like was too weak a term.

She’d fallen deeply in love with him.

She looked forward to their time together, whether it was during breakfast or an evening meal in the dining room. He was clever and their conversations were never boring.