Page 12 of The Earl Takes All
“Now finish sharing your memory,” she prodded, interrupting his thoughts.
“If I tell it like Edward might have, well, it’s only because I had two months of listening to him prattle on. He does like hearing the sound of his own voice.”
She laughed lightly. “That was always obvious. He was never lacking in confidence.”
Her tinkling laugh served to lift a fraction of the pall of sorrow that had enveloped him with Albert’s death. How odd that it was she, rather than Ashe or Locke, who would provide a spark of hope that a time would come when he wouldn’t feel as though he’d gone into the vault with his brother. He wished he could tell her the truth now, wished they could share their memories of Albert.
“Arrogance, more like,” he offered. “He never doubted that we could break undetected into the large salon.”
“That was your first expedition?”
“Yes. He drew up a plan of the residence and our route—not a direct one, of course. That would be too boring. It included lots of twists and turns. He’d managed to sneak into the housekeeper’s room after she’d gone to sleep and nicked her keys. He led the way with a candle. We were terrified.”
“But you saw it through.”
“We did. The walls were mirrored. Ashe squeaked like a mouse that had been trapped by a cat when he caught sight of his reflection. It was eerie. Chandeliers and candelabras unlit, serving as anchors for cobwebs. No light except for the solitary candle. There were dead flowers in vases. Dust covered everything. Musty odor was thick on the air. I don’t think anyone had been inside the room in years. That’s what we discovered on each of our adventures: a room abandoned, no longer used. But we got bolder with our explorations, always found something that made us glad we’d ventured forth. I think that’s the reason, when we were old enough, that we began exploring the world.” He looked toward the fire. “Edward started it all. Had we ever gotten caught, we might not have begun to think we were invincible.” He turned his attention back to her. “Still, most of the memories are good ones.”
She was studying him again, as though striving to figure him out. “I’m glad you have them.”
With a nod, he finished off his wine and stood. “It’s late. I’ll see to having the servants come clean up the mess so you can retire. I also want to check on our guests.”
“Will you come back and sleep with me tonight?” Her eyes held such doubt, and he knew it had cost her to ask. He was also acutely aware that she shouldn’t have to plead with him for anything. Albert would grant her anything she desired. He was failing miserably at the task he’d set himself.
He hesitated. “I don’t think it’s wise with the babe.”
“I think we’re safe if all we do is hold each other. Until you went on this trip, I’d forgotten how much I disliked sleeping alone.”
“Yes, all right.” Then, although the words were a lie, he knew he had to say them. “I’ve missed holding you.”
She gave him that smile again, the one that tore a hole in his chest while managing at the same time to make him grateful she bestowed it. Before all was said and done, she was going to be the death of him.
Hewas going to sleep with her. But first he needed some scotch. With any luck, Ashe and Locke were still up, they’d join him, and he’d have an excuse for not returning to her bed until he was well and truly foxed.
He caught them and Minerva on his way down the wide sweeping stairs as they were on their way up. “Care to join me for a drink before retiring?”
He’d even welcome the duchess. She had a reputation for favoring spirits, for favoring all things wicked, which was one of the reasons she was an excellent match for Ashe.
“It’s been a long day, Grey,” Ashe said. “We plan to depart early tomorrow, so I think Minerva and I are better served calling it a night.”
“Sleep well, then.”
As the couple walked past him, the duchess reached out and placed a comforting hand on his arm. “In taking care of Julia, don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
He grinned. “I’m about to take care of myself in the library.” As soon as the words were out, he knew they were ones that Albert would never speak. Fortunately, Minerva hadn’t been familiar enough with Albert to know that. Ashe, however, scowled and shook his head before placing his hand on the small of his wife’s back.
“Let’s go to bed, sweetheart.”
He waited until they disappeared down the hallway to turn his attention to Locke. “Ashe was correct. While Albert and Julia have separate bedchambers, my brother did sleep in his wife’s bed. She just mentioned that she missed her husband being there. My following through on that particular habit of his necessitates a drink first. I prefer not to drink alone.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, Locke leaned back against the banister. “You’re going to go to Julia’s bed reeking of whiskey?”
“I was thinking more along the lines of scotch. I need to dull my senses so I don’t do something stupid.”
“Dulling your sensesisdoing something stupid.”
He wanted to slam his fist against a wall. He hated when Locke was right, but he saw no other option. “She’s a woman. If I climb into bed with her, my cock is going to react.”
“She’d expect that. You’re supposedly her husband.”
