Page 98 of Tempting the Reclusive Duke
He lifted her hand to his lips. "Such romantic words. However do you manage to make me sound like a beneficial mathematical theorem?"
"Would you prefer poetry? Roses and moonlight and all that?"
"From you? I'd prefer honesty. Which you've just given me." He kept her hand in his as the carriage rolled on. "We're going to be happy, you know. Unconventionally, complicatedly happy."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
They found Thornbury in his office, practically bouncing with excitement. The usually composed scholar resembled nothing so much as an enthusiastic child who'd discovered a particularly interesting game.
"Miss Whitcombe! Your Grace! Perfect timing!" He gestured them to chairs, though he remained standing, too energized to sit. "The most wonderful development. Your preliminary findings on the Byzantine collection—I shared them with Lord Hastings at the Royal Society."
"Without my permission?" Eveline felt a flash of concern.
"Oh! No, not the details. Just the general theory about regional variations. He was intrigued...no, more than intrigued. He wants to fund an expanded project."
"Expanded how?" Adrian asked, his hand finding Eveline's again.
"A comprehensive survey of Byzantine manuscripts across multiple collections. Six months fully funded, with a team of assistants and travel budget for examining collections in Oxford, Cambridge, even Edinburgh." Thornbury finally sat, leaning forward eagerly. "Miss Whitcombe, this could revolutionize our understanding of medieval manuscript transmission."
"It's... enormous," Eveline managed. "The scope alone would require..."
"A project director with vision, expertise, and innovative methodology," Thornbury finished. "In other words, you."
"The board has agreed to this?"
"Hastings's funding comes with influence. The board is delighted at the prospect of the museum leading such significant research." He pulled out a folder. "The terms are generous. Lead researcher salary, publication rights, and the best part is complete autonomy in designing the project structure."
Eveline read through the proposal, her heart racing. It was everything she'ddreamed of; serious scholarly work, recognized and funded at the highest levels. But...
"The travel requirements," she said slowly. "Extended periods away from London. That could be complicated given..." She glanced at Adrian.
"Given our impending marriage?" Adrian supplied calmly. "I fail to see the difficulty. I've always wanted to tour the university libraries. Consider me your devoted assistant."
"You can't be serious."
"Why not? I have a tolerable understanding of Latin, excellent organizational skills, and I promise to carry all the heavy manuscripts." His smile was pure mischief. "Unless you'd prefer to leave me behind to pine dramatically?"
"Your Grace," Thornbury interjected, "while your enthusiasm is appreciated, this would be serious scholarly work. Not some sort of... honeymoon tour."
"Mr. Thornbury," Adrian's voice took on its ducal edge, "I hold a double first from Oxford and have published three monographs on classical history. I assure you, I understand the nature of scholarly work."
"You've published?" Eveline turned to stare at him. "You never mentioned..."
"Under a pseudonym. Ducal authority tends to overwhelm academic merit, so I chose anonymity." He shrugged. "The point is, I'm perfectly capable of contributing to serious research. If you'll have me."
"This is highly irregular," Thornbury muttered.
"Everything about our situation is irregular," Eveline said firmly. "But if Lord Hastings wants innovation, why not start with our project structure? Two lead researchers, complementary expertise, shared vision."
"You're suggesting a partnership?" Thornbury's eyebrows climbed toward his hairline.
"I'm suggesting we stop pretending brilliant women must work alone to be taken seriously," Adrian said. "Eveline's insights drive the project. I provide support, additional perspectives, and yes, the social weight of a ducal title when useful. Partnership."
Thornbury looked between them, and Eveline could see him recalculating. "It would be unprecedented."
"Good," Eveline said. "Precedents need setting. Women scholars shouldn't have to choose between professional advancement and personal happiness."
