Page 42 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
Edward thought about it for a moment but then shook his head. Sir Richard could ferret out any possible information that Edward could want, but he was also extremely indiscreet. Sir Richard had been a friend when Edward was injured, and Edward did not want to get him into unnecessary trouble. If there was one thing Edward was sure of, it was that he was dealing with extremely dangerous men who might kill his friend as soon as look at him.
“You are kind to offer Richard, but no thank you. Curiosity killed the cat, they say.”
Richard gave him a crooked smile. “Oh, but I am no cat.”
As the conversation drifted onto other avenues, Edward continued to muse on Richard’s words. If the people involved in Lord Nobert’s blackmail were the same people involved in Jonathan’s murder, all he had to do was crosscheck which names appeared in both cases. He was beginning to think that even if he found the answers he was seeking, justice might be a little more difficult.
I don’t care what I have to do. Iwillavenge my brother.
Chapter Seventeen
Three agonizing days.
That was how long she had to wait before Edward came home. In between helping Lily to make a painting that they would present to him when he arrived, she switched between fear that he had run away and excitement for what would happen when he returned.
When they heard the carriage trundle up the driveway, both she and Lily leapt to their feet, leaving the painting they were working on on the table, to run to the door. Notley was already opening it, an indulgent smile on his face. “Just a few more minutes, ladies, and he will be here.”
Ava knew that she should feel embarrassed for her eagerness, but she just didn’t care. She hadmissedEdward. She could hardly fathom how it was possible for her to miss someone when she barely knew him, husband or not. But then he stepped out of the carriage, his hat hiding his face from view, and her heartstarted hammering with joy. Before she could jump into his arms, however, Lily beat her to it.
“Papa!” She threw her arms around his neck as he picked her up and hugged her tightly. Ava hovered in the background, beaming at them both.
“Oof!” Edward said. “Did you grow bigger in my absence?”
“No, silly, it has only been three days,” Lily giggled, smacking him lightly on the shoulder.
“Only three days?” He sounded shocked. “It feels like three years!” His eyes flicked toward Ava, and she shivered at the heat directed her way.
“Did you miss us?” Lily asked innocently.
“So much.” Edward looked sincere.
“We missed you too,” Ava said softly.
Edward gave Ava another searing glance before offering her his arm. “Come, let us settle in, and you can tell me what my girls have been up to for the last three days.”
“We have a surprise for you!” Lily exclaimed, and then her face fell. “But it’s not finished.”
Ava just smiled. She could barely bring herself to talk. Just being near Edward was evoking all these emotions in her. She could hardly breathe. Her hands were trembling just the slightest bit, and she felt inordinately shy. She also wanted to be as close to Edward as she could and was glad of the arm he offered her. They walked together to the parlor. Mrs. Sutton walked in not a moment later with a tray laden with tea and various confectioneries.
“Oh, you are fast,” Edward said sounding impressed. He had taken the love seat, Lily in his lap, and pulled Ava down to sit beside him. She went willingly with a tiny giggle and then covered her mouth in embarrassment.
He reached out and circled her wrist, smiling fondly. “Don’t be embarrassed. I love to hear you laugh.”
Her cheeks heated as she smiled, once again bereft of words. Mrs. Sutton poured their tea—and a cup of milk for Lily—before leaving them alone.
Edward turned to Lily. “So what is this present you have for me?”
She shook her head, ducking it shyly. “It is a surprise.”
“What? You will not even give me a hint? Take pity on an old man.”
Lily thought back and chortled. “No,” she said laughingly, “’sa secret!”
Edward turned to Ava. “Mama, will not you tell me?”
Her cheeks hurting from smiling, Ava shook her head. “I am sorry. You will just have to wait.”
Edward had rarely had such a good day. Yes, he was tired from his travels and worn out from his dealings with the Home Office, but coming home to Lily and Ava had made up for all of it. Just listening to Lily chattering away about every little, tiny thing that she had done for the past three days was a balm for his soul. Listening to that while Ava favored him with the warmth of her fond gaze was more than he could ask for in this life.
