“Miss Darrow needs rest.” Theo was eager to leave before Aaron said something to chase Miss Lovelace away.
Sadly, Aaron failed to hold his tongue.
“Most women make a fool of themselves over Gentry.”
Miss Lovelace shot Aaron a questioning look. “They do?”
“He is married to his work.”
“And you think I am searching for a husband?”
“You seem eager for his company.”
The lady laughed. “Do you know how hard it is to get professional men to give a lecture to ladies? Practically impossible.” She took a step towards Aaron, but his firm stance didn’t falter. “I cannot afford to fail, Mr Chance. Encouraging gently bred ladies to visit the club is crucial to my survival.”
Aaron did not remind her women lacked the gumption needed to run a club. Nor did he suggest an Aldgate address would deter a certain class of lady.
“Tell me whose services you seek, and I shall ensure they make themselves available to you.”
Miss Lovelace stumbled a little. “You will?”
“I’m not in the habit of saying things I don’t mean.”
That was a lie. Every word spoken to this woman was intended to push her away and keep Aaron’s armour intact.
“What would you want in return?”
Aaron did not need time to think. “For you to remain on your side of the street. For you to close your curtains before you undress for bed. For you to pick someone other than Gentry to give a talk on the humours.”
While the lady stared at him, dumbfounded, Theo crouched beside Miss Darrow. The need to see her resting comfortably in bed and to talk without interruption had him scooping her into his arms.
“I am taking Miss Darrow upstairs.”
Aaron nodded. “Come to my study when she’s settled. I want to know what Daventry said today and how you plan to tackle these mounting problems.”
“Will you arrange for Mrs Maloney to come and sit with her?” Theo’s gaze fell to the woman in his arms. Fate had dealt her a poor hand. It was up to him to shuffle the cards and redress the balance. “Miss Darrow shouldn’t be alone, at least not for the next twenty-four hours.”
“I’ll visit Mrs Maloney and explain the situation.”
Aaron was being surprisingly accommodating.
“Thank you.”
Theo was about to leave when Aaron called, “You have my full support in all matters. I just ask that you keep me informed of your plans. I’d rather not hear the news from Daventry.”
“I trust your counsel.” Keen to show Miss Lovelace there was no finer man than Aaron, he added, “You always act in the best interests of this family. No one’s opinion matters more.” Aaron was the anchor that kept them all grounded.
A silent look passed between them.
The unbreakable bond of brotherhood.
“Whatever you need, it’s yours,” Aaron said.
Theo thanked him again but was conscious of the woman in his arms—the only woman he had ever held like this—and so made his excuses and withdrew.
Miss Darrow’s eyes fluttered open when he reached the stairs, and she smiled, albeit weakly. “I think you enjoy playing the knight errant. Perhaps that’s why you stole my sewing box. So you might display the qualities of a hero.”
“I’m hardly a hero. I’m the scoundrel who stole your box so I had something to trade for your arousing kisses.”
Her hand came to rest on his heart. “You owe me a forfeit,” she uttered as he mounted the stairs. “That’s not why you stole my box.”
“No, but you do have the mouth of Venus.” And he was more than happy to pay a penance if it pleased her. “Kissing you is like drinking the nectar of the gods. And don’t challenge me on that. I mean every word.”
“I believe I’m supposed to say thank you.” Her smile faded, and he felt her strength seep from every muscle as she nestled into his chest and closed her eyes.
Fear crept into his heart.
What if this was their last conversation?
What if he never got to truly make amends?
What if guilt would forever be his companion?
Chapter Eight
Eleanor woke to find herself in a dark bedchamber—Mr Chance’s bedchamber. The midnight blue curtains were drawn, though she could hear the hustle and bustle of daily life outside on the street. Dogs barked. Carriages clattered over the cobblestones. A costermonger proclaimed his apples were the juiciest this side of the Thames.
