Page 88 of Marigold and the Marquess
“What can Ian do if there is no evidence to link Cummings to any crime? He will have no choice but to release him.”
“Perhaps it is enough to scare him into behaving. He’ll know the Crown’s eyes are on him. He would have to be a fool to ignore the risk.”
“Greed has a way of skewing a man’s thinking.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Marigold, I need you to promise me one thing.”
“Just one? Well, you can save your breath if you think I am ever going to be an obedient wife who will sit quietly by while her husband ruins his life.”
“Oh, Lord. Why did I have to marry a Farthingale?” But his groaning laugh was affectionate and so was the kiss he gave her, a deep and heartfelt plunder of her lips.
He loved that she was always soft and giving with him.
Did she think he was not aching for this matter to resolve in the best way possible? But they would have no peace unless Cummings was dead or locked away in prison.
“I’m so proud of you, Marigold,” he said, thinking of Syd’s words as she departed. “Don’t let your arse of a husband crush your dreams. No matter what happens in the coming days, promise me you’ll attend the opening ceremony of your exhibit and give the best lecture anyone hasbloodywell ever heard. Promise me you won’t give up on the things you are passionate about. Pursue them and do not listen to anyone who tells you it is not a fit endeavor for a woman.”
He kissed her again. “You are my marchioness. You can do anything you put your heart to doing.”
He sighed as she began to cry again. “Don’t, sweetheart. No more tears, especially if they are for me. I’m not worth it. You, however, are the best thing ever to happen to me. Have I not said marrying you was bliss for me?”
She nodded. “For thirty days and our time is almost at an end. I cannot bear it, Leo.”
He hoped they would make it to thirty years.
If only they could get beyond the Cummings obstacle.
As he held Marigold in his arms, he also made an important decision about their marriage. With Denby dead and Beldon in Ian’s custody, held with enough evidence to convict him of attempting to murder a marquess, not to mention the evidence building of his involvement in a criminal organization that was about to come apart at the seams, the only threat remaining to Leo was Cummings.
It was a personal threat and nothing more, so there was no longer a reason to end his marriage to Marigold. In fact, there was every reason to further thwart Cummings by producing a son.
Gad, that sounded harsh.
He loved Marigold. Consummating their union was a way to strengthen their already strong bonds. Why not? He had never wanted to end their marriage, only meant to keep the possibility open for the sake of her safety.
He could handle Cummings. Yes, he wanted to kill his cousin just as much as the oaf wanted to do him in. But if required to save his marriage, Leo would put an army of Bow Street men on Cummings’ tail for the rest of his days.
He could afford it.
Since Marigold appeared to be calmer now, he released her and rose from the bed. She sat up and stared at him, saying not a word.
He kissed her lightly on the lips. “I may not be back in time for supper. Don’t wait for me.”
“Where are you going?”
“To talk to Homer Barrow. That’s all. I am not going to hunt anyone down. I am not going to kill anyone. If Cummings does not come after me, then I will not go after him. All right?”
Her dark curls bobbed as she nodded.
He reached over and brushed back a few wayward strands that had loosened from their pins. “See you tonight.”
He strode out of the house with his shirt still wet from Marigold’s tears, but he was not going anywhere that required him to look like a gentleman. Also, he needed the reminder of her tears to keep his ravaged soul civilized.
He had assured Marigold he would not do anything rash.
But it was a close thing.
What would he do if he encountered Cummings?
CHAPTER 15
