Page 73 of Her Daring Earl
Eliza was not particularly pleased that Madeline was involved although Fitz seemed to understand her concern.
She sat on the edge of his bed and watched him prepare for the evening in which all was to be set in motion.
He was so handsome that it was difficult to prevent herself from becoming distracted. He had always been strong and well-built, but it seemed to her that his torso and abdomen were even more well-defined than they had been previously. Perhaps it was due to the weight he had lost because of the poisoning and subsequent illness. She would have to ensure that he returned to his full health.
The rosiness had returned to his cheeks and his grin more frequently covered his face.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked, catching her stare in the mirror.
“I find you are all too tempting,” she said, walking over to him, catching the edges of his untied cravat and using them to turn him so that he was facing her. She had asked him if shecould help him prepare instead of his valet and he had readily agreed.
“Allow me,” she said, focusing as she concentrated on her knot. She hadn’t known how to tie one before they had married, but she had loved learning how to do so.
Little did he know, but she was not going to allow him to do this alone.
His mother and sisters had finally returned to London. Initially, Fitz had thought it best that they remain at Appleton, but Archibald had convinced him that he and his men could keep them all safe if they were within the townhouse together, as long as none of them ventured out alone. They had been practically ecstatic, even if they were not yet participating in the events of the season. Hopefully, this would all come to an end soon.
Eliza was most pleased with their arrival, for not only did she have additional company, but she had someone she knew she could convince to aid her in her scheme.
“There,” she said, patting the cravat once she had finished. She tilted her head so that it looked straight. “You might have to redo it.”
Fitz looked in the mirror and laughed before shaking his head.
“No. I like it just like this.”
“It’s crooked!”
“You did it. It’s perfect.”
Eliza’s heart swelled as she smiled up at him. He reached out, donning his jacket and securing it before leaning down and kissing her on the lips, bringing his hands to her upper arms.
“I love you more than anything in this world, Eliza. I promise you that we are going to put an end to this threat tonight and that I will keep myself very safe, for I know that is what means most to you.”
“It most certainly does,” she said. “Do not go back on your word.”
“I promise,” he said. “Now, allow me to properly kiss you goodbye and goodnight before we go downstairs and have an audience.”
“You think I will be going to sleep in your absence?” she said with a choked laugh. “How could I?”
“You have been rather tired lately.”
“Still… I cannot imagine ever sleeping not knowing that you are safe.”
“I understand,” he said, leaning in and placing a kiss on her forehead. “I love you. Keep that baby safe, all right?”
There was such intent in his eyes that Eliza wondered if there was a chance that he suspected she had her own plans in the works, but he simply kissed her once more before holding out his arm to escort her downstairs, where his family awaited, along with Archibald and a few of the men who would remain for the family’s protection.
Eliza took a breath. Soon this would all be over, and they could welcome their child to a happy, threat-free life.
She had to hope that would be true.
CHAPTER 25
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Dot whispered in Eliza’s ear as the carriage pulled up a few businesses down from The Scarlet Rose.
“No,” Eliza answered truthfully. “But at least we do have protection.”
The carriage door opened to reveal a very wary detective standing on the other side. Mouse, as they called him, had profusely tried to talk them out of this plan, but when he realized that the women were going to go ahead with or without him, he had reluctantly agreed to accompany them.
