Gawain rolled over to blow out the candle and fell heavily back onto the spare bed. “Stop asking questions.”
“Why won’t you admit you like Cherish?”
Gawain emitted a snore.
“Fine, don’t answer me. I know you like her. So do I. If you won’t court her, then perhaps I will. Actually, there is no perhaps about it. If you do not want her, then I am going to court her. What have you to say about that?”
“Not a thing, Reggie. Go to sleep.”
Reggie sighed. “Fine, but this is not over. If you do not want that gem of a girl, then I shall have her. Goodnight, Uncle Gawain.”
*
Gawain awoke earlythe next morning after a troubled sleep that was all of his own making. His nephew had finally noticedCherish and was ready to pursue her with the objective of marriage.
Why did this make him feel so wretched?
He quietly washed and dressed, then headed downstairs in the hope of finding himself alone in the breakfast room. After yesterday’s activities, he expected everyone to sleep in late and was not pleased to find Katie waiting for him. Well, she knew his habits.
“Good morning, Lady Albin.” He kept to formality as he went to the sideboard to fill his plate with kippers and eggs. What a nuisance to find her here. Was she going to follow him everywhere he went?
“Bromleigh, enough of your games. We need to talk.”
“Not a chance.” He intended to grab a quick bite then go for his usual morning ride. The sun was shining and it promised to be another fine day.
Indeed, it would have been perfect if not for the presence of his former love.
“I know you are still angry with me for what you think I did. But it is time you forgave me. I shall forgive you, too.”
He glanced over at her. “What have I done that requires it?”
“You were beastly to me yesterday. It is time you realized your mistake and came back to me.”
He sighed and took a seat across the table from her, motioning for a footman to bring him a cup of coffee. “Why are you here, Katie? What do you really want from me?”
She took a sip of her tea and then daintily set down the cup. “Is it not enough to simply want you?”
He laughed. “Yes, for some women. But never for you. Does Fiona know you are still here?” Someone must have helped her into her clothes and styled her hair this morning.
She arched a perfectly formed eyebrow. “I have no idea. One of Lady Shoreham’s valets summoned the housekeeper when he found me in your bed. The poor man was quite shocked.”
“Don’t tell me—he found you naked.”
She grinned. “Oops.”
“I’m glad one of us finds humor in the situation.”
“I assume Lady Shoreham has been told by now, since this is her house. Why are you so put out? I am a countess. She is not about to refuse me if I choose to remain.”
Gawain held back a chuckle, for Fiona would toss the King of England out on his regal derriere if she were of a mind to do so.
He wanted Katie out of here. It was bad enough these footmen were listening in and now knew she had spent the night in his bedchamber. Naked. Hopefully, they also understood he had not remained with her.
Odd how her perfect hair and perfect smile, and every other detail of her perfect self, now irked him rather than tempted him.
He finished his breakfast, took a last sip of his coffee, and then rose. “I’m off.”
Her eyes widened. “Where are you going?”
