Page 20 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

“Especially when one is determined to make a strong impression,” Henley added, his tone light, though his eyes were not.

Eliza inclined her head, accepting the observation without confirming it. “One does what one must.”

“A philosophy we seem to have in abundance at this table,” Edwin murmured.

It was quiet.

Too quiet to be meant for anyone else.

Eliza did not turn her head, but she felt it—felt the intention behind it, the deliberate placement of the words.

“Indeed,” she replied, just as softly. “Though some are simply better practiced.”

A pause.

Then—

The faintest huff of laughter from him, quickly disguised beneath the lift of his glass.

Conversation resumed around them, the moment dissolving as easily as it had formed. Pere had already launched into another complaint, Henley countering with ease, Hawthorne adding fuel where it was least needed.

But Eliza no longer followed it as closely.

Her attention lingered.

Not on his words.

But on the space between them.

On the understanding that had formed there—unspoken, unacknowledged, and entirely undeniable.

Like recognizes like.

She had thought it a simple observation.

It was not.

It was a warning.

And what unsettled her most…

Was that she did not wish to retreat from it.

Chapter Nine

As Edwin stepped into his curricle, he tugged his shirtsleeves and set the flowers just out of sight next to his feet. It was an intentional yet thoughtful gesture, and he was certainly both of those that morning. Lady Molly had agreed to a turn around the park, and he was going to make every moment count. As he snapped the ribbons, he led the curricle toward Mayfair. He thought through the whole morning thoroughly. He’d arrive exactly five minutes early to her residence, with the intention of appearing eager, as if he couldn’t wait to see her. Certainly, that would endear him further to her; women always wanted to be wanted. Before he would help her alight into the carriage, he’d offer her the flowers. She could keep them or leave them at home, giving them to the butler if she wished, but he wanted her to have the option—proving he had thought ahead to her preferences. She’d notice such a small gesture and, even if she didn’t rationally consider it, somewhere in the back of her mind she’d allocate that to his character being thoughtful. It was a perfect plan, all that was left was the execution.

As he arrived, he pulled out his gold pocket watch and checked the time. Exactly five minutes early. With a grin, he stepped from the curricle and waited for the footman to mind the horses. He took the stairs to the door with a measured pace—he wanted to appear eager, not desperate—and knocked at the door. After a short pause, the butler answered, and bid him to wait a moment.

Edwin stepped back and rocked on his heels a few times before the door opened once again and Lady Molly stepped out. Her cheeks bloomed in a faint pink as she smoothed her lavender day dress.

“Lady Molly.” Edwin bowed then offered his hand, giving a charming smile that seemed to make her blush deepen.

“Lord Devon.”

“Lovely as always, lavender suits you.” He gave the practiced compliment and guided her toward the curricle.

She followed him easily. “Thank you, my lord.”