Page 89 of Tempting the Reclusive Duke
"Don't be too careful," Eveline advised, helping him blot the worst of the spill. "Some of the best discoveries come from happy accidents. Though perhaps we should move the inkwell to a safer position."
They spent the next few minutes reorganizing Morrison's workspace, and Eveline was struck again by the easy camaraderie that had developed between them. Three scholars united by curiosity, the differences in rank and circumstances fading beneath shared enthusiasm.
Harriet arrived promptly at four, sweeping into the library with her usual energy.
"Show me immediately," she demanded without preamble. "The contract, the terms, everything. And then explain to me how you're not floating several feet above the ground."
Eveline laughed, retrieving the contract for her friend's perusal. Harriet read with intense concentration, occasionally exclaiming at particularly favorable terms.
"This is magnificent," she declared finally. "Also, Adrian clearly had a hand in negotiating. These royalty percentages are unheard of for a first-time translator."
"I may have offered some suggestions," Adrian admitted. "But the work itself earned the terms. Cadwell was genuinely impressed by Eveline's samples."
"Of course he was. Our Evie could make a shopping list sound lyrical in translation." Harriet settled into a chair with the satisfied air of a general whose campaign has succeeded. "Now then, tell me about the museum project. And Morrison, don't hover by your desk pretending you're not desperately curious. Join us."
The young man looked to Adrian for permission, relaxing when he received an encouraging nod. Soon all four of them were engaged in animated discussion about Eveline's various projects, the conversation flowing from Byzantine manuscripts to translation theory to the practical challenges of managing multiple commitments.
"You'll need to be careful not to overwhelm yourself," Harriet warned. "Three positions, plus the pressure of publication deadlines would exhaust anyone."
"I'll manage," Eveline assured her. "The work seems to energize me rather than drain me."
"And she has help," Adrian added quietly. "She's not alone in this."
The look that passed between them must have been revealing, because Harriet's eyebrows rose toward her hairline.
"I see," she said, her tone laden with meaning. "Well then. Morrison, tell me more about this palimpsest. It sounds absolutely fascinating."
She skillfully redirected the conversation, but Eveline caught her friend's knowing glances throughout the rest of tea. When it came time to leave, Harriet insisted on a private word.
"Walk me out," she commanded, linking arms with Eveline. "Morrison, Your Grace, lovely to see you both."
Once in the hallway, she turned to Eveline with an expression of mixed delight and concern.
"You're in love with him," she said without preamble. "Really, properly, desperately in love. And he with you."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Only to someone who knows you well. The way you look at each other, move around each other—it's like watching a dance." She squeezed Eveline's arm. "Are you happy?"
"Terrifyingly so," Eveline admitted. "Everything is happening at once; the positions, the publications, Adrian...sometimes I feel I might fly apart from sheer joy."
"And the future?"
"Is complicated and uncertain and probably scandalous." Eveline smiled despite the concerns. "But also full of more possibility than I ever dared imagine."
"Good." Harriet hugged her fiercely. "You deserve every bit of happiness coming your way. Though do try not to work yourself to death in pursuit of scholarly glory."
"Says the woman who just accepted a position with London's most demanding bluestocking."
"Lady Beatrice is a delight. Did I tell you she's working on a treatise about women's intellectual capacity? She's using me as a research assistant and example simultaneously." Harriet's grin turned wicked. "She particularly enjoys my accounts of your achievements. Living proof, she calls you, that women's minds are equal to any task."
They parted with promises to meet soon, and Eveline returned to the library to find Adrian and Morrison deep in discussion about the letter to Cambridge.
"All well?" Adrian asked, looking up as she entered.
"Very well. Harriet approves of everything, especially the contract terms."
"Sensible woman." He held her gaze a moment longer than necessary, heat flickering between them despite Morrison's presence.
