Page 61 of The Thief
When he did not, he knocked again, waiting a minute before he opened the door. What greeted him was a sight he had never seen before. Alastair sat at the small desk he had in his room, slumped over, fast asleep.
He had fallen asleep at the desk and had some papers strewn around him. When Bard shut the door firmly, Alastair shot up, finally awake.
“What’s going on? Is everyone all right?” Alastair asked, turning quickly in the chair to face Bard.
“Yes, sir; everyone is fine,” he replied, taking in Alastair’s half-naked state.
“However, Lord and Lady Kensington and Scarlett are waiting for you in the dining room. Also, your parents are not quite finished with their morning amorous activities.”
Alastair flushed and said, “Thank you, Bard, for that wonderful thought.”
Bard tried to hide his snicker when he replied, “You are very welcome, My Lord.”
“Shall I tell them to expect you shortly?” he asked.
Alastair nodded. “Let them know I will be down shortly for breakfast. Has Sally put it out yet?”
Bard shook his head.
“That is why Lord and Lady Kensington are still waiting.”
Alastair sighed roughly, upset at keeping his future in-laws waiting.
“Help me get dressed, will you?” he asked.
Bard nodded and walked to the dressing room to pick him something to wear.
A half hour later, Alastair walked into the dining room to see the buffet fully stocked, but the other occupants of the room still waiting to eat their breakfast.
He blushed pink and said with a cough, “I apologize for my tardiness this morning.”
As they had all stood when he entered, Graham bowed and he returned it and Scarlett and Babette both curtsied.
He returned them with a short bow and said, “Ladies first, of course.”
Scarlett and Babette headed over to the table and Graham fell in behind them, Alastair taking up the rear.
“Where are your parents this morning?” Babette asked.
She didn’t see his dark blush come to his face as he replied, “They are still abed. Bard said my father was taking care of my mother as she did not seem well this morning.”
He hid his face when Scarlett turned to look at him.
When she realized why he was hiding his face, she hid hers and giggled.
“Are you all right, Scarlett?” Graham asked, a concerned look on his face.
Scarlett coughed harshly and then replied, “No, Papa. I am well. Just a tickle in the back of my throat.”
“All right, darling. Hurry along so the men can get their breakfast.”
“Yes, Papa.”
Scarlett reached out and filled her plate, gathering some delightful crisped potatoes and two banana-nut cakes.
“Is that all you are going to eat?” her mother asked.
“Yes, Mama, it is all I need. I am not that hungry this morning.”
