The Formidable Earl (Diamonds in the Rough #6) - Sophie Barnes Page 0,112

who immediately started clearing a path by pushing and shoving people aside.

Once again, Simon was glad to know Ida wouldn’t be staying aboard this ship and forced to face such rough treatment. She maneuvered her way toward him until she was finally there, within arm’s reach. Her dress was filthy. Haphazard locks of hair fell against her cheeks and over her shoulder.

“Simon.” The word was but a croak as he pulled her into his arms and embraced her. She shook against him while sobs filled her throat. “Thank God you’re here.”

“Shh…” He smoothed his hand over her back. “Everything will be all right now.”

“I love you,” she whispered against his chest.

Cupping her cheek, he smoothed his thumb over her skin until she was gazing at him through watery eyes. “I love you too. With all that I am.”

His mouth met hers as he held her to him, supporting her with his strength while assuring her with his kiss that he would always come for her, no matter what. Easing back, he brushed the tears from her eyes with his fingers and tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ears. “Come on. Let me take you home.”

Keeping one arm securely around her waist, Simon guided her back up to the top deck where he thanked the captain for his help.

“I’ll have one of my men row you back to shore,” the captain said as he shook Simon’s hand. He then offered Ida a short bow. “My apologies for the way you’ve been treated. I’m glad Lord Fielding reached us before it was too late to save you.”

“Thank you.” Ida leaned against Simon as if seeking comfort, so he made sure to hold her close and infuse her with reassurance and hope.

“I’m never letting you out of my sight again,” he said once he and Ida were back in the hackney and heading for Mayfair. “And we’re getting married as soon as possible, so I can protect you with my name.”

During their walk back to the hackney, he’d told her of Mr. St. John’s arrest. Now, comfortably seated with her beside him, he held her hand tight while she rested her head against his shoulder.

“I still can’t believe I’m here with you. It feels like a dream.”

“A wonderful one,” he whispered against the top of her head.

She nodded and they rode on in comfortable silence until the carriage drew to a gentle halt. Simon opened the door and stepped down onto the pavement before reaching up to help Ida alight.

“What are we doing here?” Her brow knit with confusion. “I thought you would take me to Bedford Street.”

With a shake of his head Simon guided her up the front steps of Fielding House. “Miranda isn’t there anymore. She’s here with the rest of the servants. And besides, this is to be your home, so I see no reason why you should not start using it right away.”

She gaped at him. “We are unmarried.”

“That will soon change,” he insisted, not breaking his stride.

“People will talk.”

He paused on the front step and turned to face her. “Do you care?”

“No, but—”

“Then neither do I.”

Dumbfounded by the degree to which Simon had changed, Ida entered his home – soon to be their home – and instantly wished she could hide from the butler who came to greet them. But if the man found any fault with her filthy appearance, he gave no indication of doing so. Instead, he welcomed her with deference and promptly began issuing orders to footmen and maids with the sort of efficiency that left her in awe.

“He’s very good,” Simon told her once everyone had been given a task and a hot bath was being prepared. “All my servants are. I’ll introduce you to them properly in the morning. But first—”

Ida gasped as he swept her up into his arms. “What are you doing?”

“Taking advantage of your weakened state.” He grinned down at her while starting up the stairs.

Her arms wound their way around his neck, and she pressed her cheek into his solid warmth. “I can’t say I mind.”

A satisfied rumble and the press of his hand against her back were his only responses, but it made her feel more secure than any words ever could have. He turned at the top of the landing and strode toward the door at the end of the hallway. Two footmen carrying a large brass tub followed them into what turned out to be a spacious bedchamber. Maids bustled about, heating water over