He shut the door behind him and strode down the hall to Reggie’s bedchamber. His nephew’s eyes widened as he opened his door to allow him in. “Uncle?”
Gawain strode past the lad and tossed his change of clothes onto one of the chairs. “Don’t ask,” he said, beginning to undress. “I am sleeping here tonight.”
“Why?”
He said nothing as he stripped down to his trousers and then settled atop the mattress with a heavy sigh.
“Truly, Uncle. Talk to me. What is going on?”
“Lady Albin is sleeping in my chamber. I’ll advise Fiona to send her packing in the morning.”
Reggie chortled. “Ah, the Silver Duke has woman troubles. I thought something like this might happen. I’m glad you did nottake her up on her offer.Bloody hell.Youdidn’ttake her up on it, did you? I mean, why leave afterward if the damage has already been done? Even if it was just a quick tumble. You know what I mean?”
“I did not touch her.”
“Good.”
“What business is it of yours whether I did or not?” Gawain glanced over at his nephew, who was gawking at him.
“Because you are my uncle and a man I admire. You ought to be setting the proper example for me.”
“Reggie, you are giving me a headache.”
“Hardly, it is that woman who is making your head pound. You seem to believe I am a young fool and always dismiss me.”
“I’m sorry if I do.” He groaned. “At the moment, you are a lot more clever than your fool of an uncle. I don’t know how to shake her off.”
Reggie stretched out in his own bed and propped himself up on one elbow. “She won’t leave until she is good and ready. So you’ll just have to make her ready.”
“And how am I to do that?” What was wrong with him? Since when did he take advice from that young whelp?
“You ought to declare yourself in love with another woman.”
Gawain laughed. “Oh, really?”
“Yes, really. And I know just the one.”
“I am not going to pretend to be in love with any of those peahens Fiona invited here. They are for you and your friends.”
“What about Lady Cherish?”
Gawain sat up. “Cherish?”
“Yes,” Reggie said with a nod. “She is beautiful, kind. Intelligent. Charming. I saw how the two of you danced together. You are a perfect fit. And may I add, she knows how to make you smile. Oh, not that insincere smile you cast everyone. You have asoft one just for her. Lady Albin would believe you if you claimed to be in love with Cherish.”
Gawain’s teeth were clenched and he was now gnashing them. “Not her.”
“Why ever not? She is perfect.”
Yes, she was perfect. Which was why he intended her for his nephew. “Shut up, Reggie. Go to sleep.”
“I can’t. My head is still in a spin.” His nephew had his eyes open and his hands casually propped behind his head, determined to hold a conversation. “Didn’t Cherish look pretty tonight?”
Gawain sank back atop his mattress. “Yes, Reggie.”
Lord, yes.
“Let’s be serious now, Uncle. Is Cherish the reason why you would not spend the night with Lady Albin? You like her, don’t you?”
