A Study In Seduction(112)

Hadley cleared his throat. “Well, Lord Northwood, if that is your intention, then the council is forced to accept your resignation and wish you well on your journey.”

The rumble in the room erupted into a sea of chatter as people surged forward to speak to the council and Alexander. A group of men surrounded him, several reaching to shake his hand and others to chastise him.

“Disgraceful, Northwood.” One man scowled at him. “The lot of it.”

“Good riddance to you,” another representative muttered.

“Pay them no mind,” a third man said, dismissing the naysayers with a shake of his head. “Most of us are well aware of the good works you’ve done, my lord. I agree with Hadley and wish you well.”

Lydia turned to her colleagues, steeling herself against the urge to run to Alexander and… and what? She didn’t know whether she wanted to hit him or kiss him senseless. Perhaps both.

“We’ll take our leave, please, gentlemen,” she announced. “Our work here is done.”

They loaded up their books, rolled pages of calculations, stacked papers. Lydia snapped her satchel closed, grabbed her pointer, and strode toward the exit while trying very, very hard not to turn for one last look at Alexander.

“Lydia!” His urgent voice rose over the noise of the crowd.

Lydia’s stride hitched as a brief hope edged past the despair, but then his words echoed through her mind. I intend to leave.

And why should it matter? He knew as well as she did their relationship could never be, so shouldn’t she simply wish him Godspeed on his journey and cherish what memories they had?

Of course, her heart did not care what she should do. It only cared what she longed to do.

“Er, Miss Kellaway?” Lord Perry touched her elbow to indicate she needed to keep moving as the crowd rustled behind them. A wall of people closed between her and where Alexander stood.

Lydia swallowed, gripping her satchel tighter. She straightened her shoulders and continued to the lobby.

“Lydia!” Frustration filled Alexander’s voice.

A tremor shook her. She quickened her pace, trying to conceal herself within the circle of her colleagues. She could not face him, could not allow him to see how the mere thought of him leaving nearly broke her heart in two.

“Gentlemen!” Sebastian’s voice now, lifting over the cacophony. “Gentlemen, drinks served in the meeting room!”

The voices surged in appreciation as the men began making their way across the hall. Unable to help herself, Lydia glanced back once as the crowd parted in front of Alexander.

He pushed forward, his fists clenched, his expression determined. Their eyes met across the distance, and the dark frustration radiating from him prickled the hairs at the back of Lydia’s neck. Her chest constricted as she turned away.

Dr. Grant pulled the door open and held it while she hurried into the entrance hall. Her colleagues bustled around her, their voices humming with confusion and concern over the haste of her departure.

“Is the carriage ready, Lord Perry?” Lydia stopped, searching the crowded street in front of the building. “Please, we must hurry—”

A curse sounded behind them, followed by the bang of a door.

“Lydia!”

She froze. The other mathematicians turned, their stances guarded as Alexander stalked across the hall. His expression clouded, his hair disheveled and hanging over his forehead, sweat beading his brow, he looked like the devil himself come to collect her soul.

Several of the mathematicians crowded closer to Lydia in a semicircle of protection. As Alexander neared, she schooled her features into an impassive expression, even as a swarm of emotions rioted through her.

“Lydia.” Alexander stopped, his chest heaving. An instant passed as his gaze swept over the other men, and then he made a visible effort to regain his composure. He took a breath and exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair. “Gentlemen. Lord Perry, Dr. Sigley, my deepest thanks for your efforts on my behalf.”

“Glad to help, my lord, though you ought to know assisting Miss Kellaway was foremost in our minds.”

“As well it should have been, Dr. Sigley.” Alexander straightened, his gaze going to Lydia. Her heart fluttered at the sensation of that mere look, urgent and insistent. “I… a moment alone, Miss Kellaway?”

The mathematicians rustled around her. At least two of them puffed out their chests in warning.

“Lydia.” Her name was an entreaty. “Please.”