Page 52 of Dare to Love a Duke
Wise, perhaps, yet she heard herself say, “I’d have to check with Elspeth and Kitty. This is their home, too.”
“Of course.”
She left him standing on the back step as she hurried toward the kitchen. What he asked of her... she wasn’t certain if it was a good idea, or a disastrous one.
I want him near me,her yearning soul murmured.Just a few days. What could it hurt?
Once in the kitchen, she quickly explained his request to her friends. “He needs a place to make sense of his thoughts. Only that.”
“Surely there are fine hotels and inns where he can be alone,” Elspeth said with a puzzled frown.
“It’s not his own company he craves.” Kitty sent Elspeth a knowing look.
“He’s my employer,” Lucia pointed out. With a good deal more assurance than she felt, she said, “There will be no encore of our night together.”
Once again, Kitty and Elspeth shared a speaking glance.
“Stop doing that!” Lucia exclaimed.
“It’s your well-being that concerns us,” Elspeth said tenderly. She moved to Lucia and stroked her hand down her face. “The most pressing question is whether or notyouare comfortable having him here.”
Lucia’s heart swelled with the pain/pleasure of her friends’ concern. They knew her so well, and wanted what was best for her. Not many in this world could claim the support of two strong women.
“I can protect myself,” she said, again hoping that the confidence in her words could serve to convince herself. “Moreover, it can’t hurt to have the ear of a duke for three days. Powerful allies are always a worthwhile investment.”
If she framed his stay as something that could work to her benefit, so much the better.
“Then our doors are open to him,” Kitty said after a moment, and Elspeth nodded in agreement.
Excitement pulsed through Lucia’s veins at this announcement. But, she reminded herself, she had to be wise and practical and approach his sojourn as a calculated decision rather than giving in to softer needs.
She found Tom leaning against the doorjamb, his arms folded across his chest. He straightened at her approach.
“It appears that the Orchid Club now accepts boarders,” she said.
The flash of his smile struck her right in the center of her chest. “Grand.” He picked up his valise and followed her to the kitchen.
Elspeth and Kitty broke apart, their whispers stopping abruptly at Lucia and Tom’s entrance. Oddly, a measure of nervousness skittered through Lucia to have Tom finally meet her friends.
“I’m Elspeth, Your Grace,” Elspeth murmured as she dropped into a curtsy.
“And I’m Kitty, Your Grace.” Kitty also curtsied.
“None of that,” he said warmly. “For the next three days, I’m merely Tom O’Connell, one of the staff.”
Lucia frowned at him. “You cannot mean toworkduring your time here.” A dukeworking? It was beyond fantastic.
“I can and I shall,” he said, decisive. “I’ll not be a sponger. While I’m under your roof, I’m yours to command.”
Heat washed through her. Oh, if that didn’t give her ideas... She willed her blood to calm as she said in an admirably businesslike tone, “If that’s so, your timing can’t be faulted. Tonight, we’re hosting a night of performances of scenes from the Lady of Dubious Quality’s books.”
His expression brightened as he grinned. “I know them well. Very educational. Got a much-read copy ofThe Highwayman’s Seductionbeneath my bed.”
“You and half of London,” she said drily. “We’ve spread the rumor that the author herself might actually appear. She’ll be masked, of course. But the excitement that she might be in attendance is sure to bring in more guests, which means there’ll be more work for the staff.” She arched a brow. “Are you prepared for a long night of exhausting labor? If not, now’s your opportunity to withdraw your offer with no harm done.”
He suddenly looked very imperious, and exceptionally ducal as he raised himself up to his full height. “Don’t insult me.”
Was it terribly wrong that a flush of arousal coursed through her to see him at his most aristocratic? “Scusatemi.”
