Page 52 of The Scholar's Key
One decision could change everything.
But before she took that step forward, there was one question she needed answered.
Whether Noah felt anything for her.
CHAPTER19
Noah sat at the breakfast table, opening the paper before him. It had become his custom to read the news of the day with his first meal, and he would then go continue his research. He enjoyed this life, this routine. He could see a future like this. There was only one thing missing.
Percy.
For a moment – just a moment – he allowed himself to picture her waking up next to him, her hair tousled and her smile satiated, before she would sit at the table beside him to begin their day together. Perhaps there could be children, if he was ever so lucky. Then he would continue his work, doing something that fulfilled him, for as long as it might take.
He ran a hand over his face, washing the image away.
Because it wasn’t meant to be. So there was no point in even considering it.
He was not the type of man she had an interest in. She was only giving him any attention at all because she had made him into a shadow of a man she desired. She didn’t care for who he truly was, and that was all he wanted – a woman who loved him for himself.
However, that didn’t change the fact that he couldn’t stop thinking about her, that he went to sleep with her on his mind and woke up with her in his heart.
He sighed as he opened his correspondence, slicing open the first seal with the letter opener that his servants had placed next to him.
“From Ashford,” he murmured, his brows rising as he read it.
“Well, I’ll be,” he said before placing it on the table, his first thought was that Percy would certainly be interested in the news. He supposed she would learn of it herself, however, as Ashford’s sister was likely to write her.
“There you are,” his uncle said as he walked into the room, surprising Noah, for at this hour he had usually already left to work at his bank.
“Here I am,” Noah said. “Is all well?”
“All is just fine,” his uncle said. “I wanted to talk to you about your time here.”
“Oh?” Noah said warily, wondering if he had overstayed his welcome.
“Yes.” His uncle nodded. “We have very much enjoyed having you in our home.”
“Thank you,” Noah replied. “I appreciate everything you have done for me.”
“I was wondering how you are finding your work. Do you need any additional introductions?”
“You have been a great help, Uncle. I do appreciate all you have done in introducing me to so many families in Bath, and I have quite enjoyed my time here.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” his uncle replied, slapping him on the shoulder. “If you need an excuse to stay here so that you can continue courting the Holloway girl, however, just say the word and I can help.”
“Lady Percy?” he said, pretending to be surprised. “I am not courting her.”
“No?” His uncle sat back in his chair, taking a sip of his coffee. “You could have fooled me.”
Noah shook his head. “I am not planning on marrying. At least, not a woman like Percy.”
“Why not?” his uncle asked, raising a brow. “She’s quite beautiful.”
Noah chuckled without any humor. “That is part of the problem, Uncle. She is beautiful. She is from a well-connected family. She possesses a lovely countenance. And she likely comes with a very sizeable dowry, not that I am privy to such information. I am the last person she would be interested in marrying, and I am sure I’d be far from her father’s first choice.”
His uncle shook his head. “You are a good man, Noah. You should not think so little of yourself.”
“I am only telling the truth.”
