Page 103 of The Duke and the Lady in Red
Reaching up, she cupped his jaw, feathered her fingers through his hair. Sometimes she wished she hadn’t grown up at such a young age, been forced to run off and survive by any means possible, but then if she hadn’t, she might have never met him. There would have always been something missing in her life. She would have felt its absence without truly understanding what it was. This man had taught her what it was to share a goal with someone, to work together, to have a common bond. “Where my brother is concerned, you think of so many things that he might want or need that never occurred to me.”
“He’s your baby brother. You would protect him with your dying breath. For me, he’s a reminder of youth, how fleeting it is, often filled with unfortunate choices and yet some of them provide us with the best memories. And he’s someone with whom I can share all the wicked things I’ve done through the years. He’s replaced Lovingdon as my partner in debauchery.”
“You’ve proven my point,” she said. “Do you know how much it would please him to know that you hold him in such esteem? It would make him feel ever so manly, ever so accepted.”
“Perhaps you can tell him later. Meanwhile, let’s finish the dance, then find a darkened corner. I’m in want of another kiss.”
And she fell just a little bit further in love with him.
It was half past one when Rose found Harry sitting in the gentlemen’s parlor with Merrick, Sally, and Joseph. And Aphrodite. She sat beside him on the sofa, holding his good hand, stroking it with her long, slender fingers, while her smile radiated warmth and gentleness. When Harry looked at her, Rose could see that he, too, had fallen a little bit in love.
“Is it time to go?” Harry asked.
It might have sounded like an inquiry to the others, but she heard the weariness in his voice, knew that he was ready to leave—no matter how desperately he might wish to stay. She also knew that he had no desire to hurt anyone’s feelings, that he didn’t want their leaving to be on him. So she took on the responsibility. “I’m afraid it is,” she said kindly. “It’s quite late, my feet hurt, and I’m dreadfully tired.”
He turned his attention to Aphrodite. “I have to leave now.”
She cupped his face, kissed his cheek. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
Rising with grace and elegance, she began to walk away. Avendale stopped her and exchanged hushed words that Rose couldn’t decipher.
Sally got out of her chair and gave Harry a hug where he was sitting. “Thanks, duck, for the fun evening. We miss having you with us, but what adventures you’ve been on.”
“They’ve been the best, Sally, but I’ve missed you, too.”
“We’ll come see you for dinner tomorrow,” Merrick said as he clapped him on the shoulder.
Harry nodded, although his movements seemed more laborious and slow. “Yes, all right. That would be grand.”
Joseph stood and helped Harry to his feet. He merely gave Harry a sharp bob of his head, which Harry returned before walking over to Rose. “I’m ready.”
Avendale was waiting for them at the door that led into the main gambling salon. When they arrived, Rose saw the gauntlet of people—footmen, croupiers, musicians, commoners, and nobles—queued up across the gaming room until they reached the entrance.
“They’d like to say good night,” Avendale said.
And so they did. The gentlemen shook his hand, the women kissed him on the cheek or gave him a hug. Kind words flowed.
“Lovely to meet you.”
“Thank you for joining us.”
“Pleasure.”
“Take care.”
Rose thought she would never, ever be able to thank Avendale enough for the gift of this evening. No matter what she promised him, no matter what he asked, it would never be enough.
They were quiet in the coach as they traveled home. Rose was absorbing the night. She suspected Harry was doing the same. Gerald was waiting in the foyer when they arrived.
“Master Harry, I take it you had an entertaining evening.”
“I did.” He looked at Rose. “I would like a drink, though.”
“Didn’t you have enough at the club?”
He nodded. “But I want one more with you, with you and the duke.”
“My library or yours?” Avendale asked.
