“I’d been dreading the morning,” the duke said, “but you’ve just given me a reason to look forward to it.”
A mischievous smile curved on Geoffrey’s face.“Just one reason?Humph.I suppose I shall have to work… harder.”
Donovan chuckled and gave him a soft kiss.“You can count on it.”
Chapter12
The next morning, Donovan made love to Geoffrey, then ordered breakfast to his bedchamber.Not simply to prolong the time he had with Geoffrey.But because Donovan had decided not to let him go.
Not without a fight.
Donovan had been awake all night, alternately watching Geoffrey sleep and doing his best to arrange an offer the duke hoped his valet would be unable to refuse.
Pensively, Geoffrey set down his tea cup and brushed invisible lint from his trousers.“I suppose it’s time for me to go.”
“Not yet.”Donovan poured them both more tea.
Geoffrey furrowed his dark brows.“Are you trying to extend my employment by another fortnight?”
“I am not,” Donovan assured him.
“Then I fearIshall not extend the pain of separation by forcing us both to endure a protracted goodbye.Unless there is some reason for me to tarry?”
“I’d like to think there might be.May I have one last moment of your time before you go?”
Geoffrey’s brow furrowed in confusion, but he held up a palm in acquiescence.“By all means, your grace.I am, as ever, at your command.”
“I’d like to change that.”
Donovan moved his cup and saucer aside and withdrew a rolled document from beneath his coat.
“That wasn’t there when I dressed you,” Geoffrey said.
“It arrived with the toast and eggs.”
“What is it?”
“Something I put into motion at dawn.”Donovan held the scroll out for Geoffrey.
His valet did not take it.
“What is it?”he repeated, his voice tight with apprehension.
“I hope, an answer to our predicament.Did you enjoy playing the role of independent gentleman with me during our holiday?”
“You know I did.”
“What if you didn’t have to pretend?”Donovan shook the scroll.“Take it.”
Geoffrey accepted the parchment with obvious unease.“What have you done?”
“Even a duke, with all the position’s advantages, cannot make our stations equal.But Icangive you your independence.”
“You mean my dismissal.”
“I don’t want you to be my valet, Geoffrey.I want you to bemine.”
“That’s all you had to say.”
