Page 52 of Things We Do for Love and Science
“Does Dr. Cordelia Wright not work with you at the university?”
“Yes, of course, she’s my lead researcher, and she has been invaluable—” A few pennies dropped, and he stared at the other man. “They aremarried?”
“Oh, yes, very much so. I’m surprised you didn’t know.” Alistair swung his iron back and forth, all innocence and light.
John stared at his golfing companion and struggled to hide any outward sign of his deep disappointment. Cordelia hadn’t invited him to or even apprised him of her wedding that he, more or less, had brought about.
The banker continued cheerfully, “They did say they only had a small and quiet ceremony at the registry office. The actual church wedding will happen at a later stage, once the private chapel at Renwood Hall has been restored. Florence and I are invited.”
“Oh, I see.” Still time for her to likewise issuehimandhiswife with an invitation. He summoned a smile. “So, so, Dr. Cordelia is now the Countess of Renwood.”
“They make such a beautiful pair, don’t you think? Florence is entirely besotted with them and can’t wait for the wedding,” Alistair gloated.
“As a matter of fact, I’ve always said Cordelia would make an excellent wife for the young earl.” John warmed to the subject, since he had something to add. “Have you seen the portrait gallery at the Hall? She fits right in with the other redheads.”
“Yes, her portrait is stunning, and he even painted it himself.” The banker’s expression was smug.
John stopped and leaned on his golf club. “He’s already... Her portrait is...?”
Again Alistair Brady-Greene made little effort to conceal his pride regarding his superior knowledge of the Renwood household, and if he meant to irk John, he sure was succeeding. “Yes, yes, you can see the love and care that went into it. You must tell Lady Renwood to show it to you sometime.”
John’s eyebrows drew together, and he compressed his lips. He would have to have a serious word with Cordelia. To keep such momentous news from him was unforgivable.
Selecting a putter from his golf bag, he approached the first hole. At least in the game of golf, he stood a good chance of beating Brady-Greene.
Chapter Fifteen
Delia arrived at thegatehouse exhausted after a full day of teaching. Her students had been particularly demanding. No fewer than five of them had ambushed her in front of her office to challenge the grades she’d given them for their recent assignment. They wanted better grades without doing the requisite work.
Pierce’s request for an ‘A’ had been especially ridiculous. That bloke was delusional but, unfortunately, also the son of the university’s biggest donor. Just her luck that he had decided to study biochemistry.
She bit back a groan at the memory and shook her head to get rid of it. In a moment she would see Gabriel. It was Friday night; they were heading into the weekend and could take their time.
The mere thought of him gave her a hit of dopamine. Sometimes she worried being with him was maybe a bit too much fun. Easy to get addicted. They were too damn compatible.
After she knocked, Gabriel opened the door to her, and she more or less fell into his arms. She expelled a long breath and nestled against his solid chest. Enveloped by his familiar smell, she allowed her muscles to release their pent-up tension. A satisfied sigh escaped her.
