For the first time, however, Geoffrey would not be consigned to a dressing room or nearby servants’ quarters, but rather, provided with an apartment very much the equal to the rooms rented to Donovan and Bernard.
“My apologies,” the proprietor soon said to the group.“We are quite full.I can offer my largest chamber to the duke and his companion, but I’m afraid the room you and your wife have rented is located one floor above.”
One room.
One.
Presumably with just one bed.
Sorcha made a commiserative expression.“Do you mind terribly, Southbury?We didn’t know you would bring a friend, and the rooms in Marrywell fill months in advance.We can try another inn, but the fact of the matter is—”
“It’s…fine,” Donovan croaked.He hoped it was fine.He had not yet dared to glance at Geoffrey for confirmation.
“We should have requested adjoining rooms,” Sorcha muttered.
“Well, if it’s all the same to you, then it doesn’t matter to us,” said Bernard with his customary good cheer.“We may see you two when we break our fast, and perhaps attend some of the same activities.”
Some of the same activities.Perhaps.
Donovan began to realize the enormity of what he’d done.His younger brother, who had long been convinced that he alone was his elder brother’s social keeper, had taken Geoffrey’s presence as a sign that Bernard was free to have a true holiday of his own.He could celebrate his anniversary with his wife at his leisure and pleasure, without any need to hover over a sibling whose legendary standoffishness had likely made Bernard despair of the duke even leaving his chamber.
The duke turned and met his valet’s eyes.
Only someone who had known the man for as long as Donovan had would recognize the sparkle of impish amusement in Geoffrey’s brown eyes.
“Mr.Vachon,” said Donovan.“Would you be so kind as to instruct our respective servants on where to deliver our luggage?”
“Of course,” Geoffrey murmured, and slipped off to explain the change in plans.
The footmen would not even blink.Not for the first time, Donovan was very grateful that his extremely well-paid staff could be trusted to keep the confidences of their eccentric master.
“He seems like a bang-up chap,” said Bernard, and clapped the duke on the shoulder.“He’ll keep you in line.”
“And possibly be the first to find a wife,” Sorcha teased.“You might hold a dukedom, but Mr.Vachon is very easy on the eyes.”
“Oy!”Bernard clapped his hands to his chest and staggered as if struck by an arrow.“Have these twelve years together caused your eyes to wander?”
“Never!”Sorcha protested, wrapping her arms about him.She cupped a hand to her mouth and stage-whispered to Donovan, “At least—not much.”
“Grrr.”Bernard rubbed his nose against his wife’s and gave her a quick kiss.“When I get you into that bedchamber…”
She held up a finger, from which dangled a single brass key.“What are you waiting for?”
Bernard tossed Donovan a not-particularly-apologetic look.“You’ll forgive me if my wife and I leave you and your friend to your own devices?”
“I shall manage,” Donovan agreed magnanimously.
Bernard and Sorcha disappeared up the stairs as if in a puff of smoke.
Donovan shook his head fondly, an emotion he might not have experienced had he been forced to witness the lovebirds’ endless amorous high jinks from an arm’s length away for the entire holiday.
He turned from the staircase in time to see Geoffrey approaching.
“Message delivered,” the valet murmured.
“I fear we shall not glimpse my brother and his wife again until the holiday concludes,” Donovan informed him.
“Oh no,” Geoffrey said with a blank face.“Whatever shall we do in their absence?”
