Page 60 of Prescription for Sin

“Like orchids,” Emma said softly. “Requiring proper incentives to thrive.”

Something dangerous flickered in Dr Moreland’s expression before smoothing into perfect courtesy. “Precisely. Welcome to the family, my dear. I trust you’ll find it an education in cultivation.”

He kissed her cheek, the gesture perfectly calculated for their audience. As he withdrew, he murmured, “Mind you, don’t overfeed the orchids. Some flowers are best kept hungry.”

Everett’s arm tightened around Emma’s waist, but she remained perfectly composed. “Thank you for the horticultural advice, Father. Though I’ve found that even the most carefully tended gardens occasionally produce unexpected blooms.”

Through the glass walls, Everett saw his father’s smile reflected infinitely—each version slightly darker than the last. The party’s music swelled, but in the conservatory’s hothouse air, three hearts beat to a different rhythm.

The valise felt impossibly light for a journey that would alter her entire future. A few changes of clothing, her medical instruments, and the notebook containing her most recent observations. Everything else would have to be left behind.

Everett waited by the carriage; his own expression full of joy. He helped her in, his touch gentle on her gloved hand, before joining her inside. As the carriage lurched into motion, Emma finally voiced the question that had been burning in her throat.

“Did you really burn my research?”

He met her eyes steadily with a crooked smile. “Could we enjoy this momentous occasion for one minute before you start your interrogation?”

He removed his gloves, then proceeded to remove hers, one finger at a time. Once freed, he linked his warm fingers through hers, slowly and deliberately sliding their palms and fingers together. Emma almost moaned at the contact. The heat and his strong grip gave her a sense of security and belonging.

“You have a few hours to interrogate me and change your mind. Let us get comfortable first, shall we?” he said.

Emma took a deep breath and acquiesced.

“Come,” he said, settling himself in one corner with one leg on the bench. He then drew her back against his chest, her bottom fitting snuggly between his legs. Emma wondered how long they’d last before desire overwhelmed them. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of their wedding night.

Alexi’s question echoed in her mind. How did she know to trust him? She answered her own question just as quickly. She knew because she had felt his passion, his tenderness, his raw emotion on her skin, in her heart, in the depth of her being.

Everett interrupted her thought by burying his nose in her hair. “To answer your earlier inquiry, no. I didn’t burn your research. I’ve hidden it somewhere safe. I couldn’t destroy your work.”

The relief made her dizzy. But then reality pressed in again. “What will you do if Arthur’s hands are tied by his political connections? If your father refuses to be held accountable?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted, stroking her arm lightly. “I was raised with certain expectations about a man’s duty to provide for his family. The idea of living modestly, of just… getting by…” He sighed, his chest rising and falling against her back. “Did you mean what you said about being content with a simpler life?”

“Yes.” Emma answered without hesitation.

She had cared for her father in a box of a room, then in a modest apartment once Alexi began working for Arthur. After Alexi married him, Arthur had offered her all the luxury money could afford, but she hadn’t felt comfortable. And now, the luxury of her sister’s home, the comforts she’d grown accustomed to… None of it mattered as much as the work. As much as…him.

“I’m not sure I could be satisfied with merely putting food on the table,” he confessed, his voice low. “I was raised to believe a man should offer his wife more than that.”

Emma looked up to see his troubled expression, seeing the conflict written in the tension around his mouth, the furrow between his brows.

“Do you truly believe you might lose everything?” she asked softly.

He kissed the top of her head as he replied, “It’s a real possibility, Emma. If the ruin extends beyond my father, to me, I could lose my medical licence. We need you to receive yours as soon as possible, so I could assist you if it came to that.”

Emma’s eyes widened. “You would be willing to be my assistant?”

“Of course,” he said, his voice vibrating in her ear. “How else will I ensure no other naked man seduces you at a cemetery?”

Emma chuckled, burrowing her back deeper into his embrace. “Where did you hide the research data?”

“At my cottage in Kent Coast. It has many places to keep secrets.”

“How will you conduct the research without earning your father’s ire?”

“I will not rock the boat until you receive your licence. After that, he shall have no hold on me. I don’t need to rely on him for anything.”

Emma sat up and turned a little to meet his gaze. “Once I receive my licence, what will you do about London Water?”