“Very good, sir. Of course. If you have need of anything, please let one of the footmen or maids know, or you are welcome to speak to me or Mrs. Jenkins, my ladywife and housekeeper to Lord and Lady Kerr.”
“You are too kind sir,” Mary said sweetly.
The butler nodded. “Dinner will be served in just under two hours, Sir, Miss.” With an eye-crinkling smile the man left, closing the door behind him.
The latch clicked, echoing through the room.
“What a sweet man.” Mary veritably floated to her trunk and flipped it open.
“Indeed.” Gabe finally allowed himself the frown that had been begging for release. He strode purposefully for the decorative puce washbasin and splashed some water from the pitcher inside. The fire in the hearth filled the room with warmth, its light flickering over the chaise and armchairs that sat closest to the fireplace.
“And how nice that he works in the same household as his wife. That is rather rare, you know.”
Gabe removed his cravat and pulled open his collar. “How happy for him,” he grunted.
Mary whirled on him, all fiery displeasure. Gabe fought a groan as he glanced at her reflection in the mirror. He quickly bent, putting his face toward the water.
“What is it that displeases you so,darling, the kindly elderly man and his wife’s contentment in life, or thecalamitoushappenstance of your being here with me?”
Gabe picked up a towel and dabbed at the droplets on his freshly washed face and neck. He could not very well answer her question without sinking deeper into whatever hot water she had placed him in.
Then her words came back to him…I know that you do not like me…You must become accustomed to being in close quarters with me, touching me…even kissing me. For pity’s sake, you’ve had mistresses, I’m certain, you know what outward appearances would be expected of us at such an event.
No, Gabe had never had a mistress. Lovers, of course, but never a mistress. Too messy, too needy, and a damn sight too expensive for what one gained in return. He had never been particularly fond of the idea of someone sponging off of him for sex, money, and jewels. It smacked of desperation. He had also never been desirous to put anyone in a position of danger, which, as a spy for the Crown, he would inevitably do. But he did know what would be expected of him on this assignment, for appearances sake. So as much as he would like to disabuse Mary’s belief that he did not like her, now was decidedlynotthe time
She was correct, however, that they should continue this assignment not only as amicable partners, but with a common understanding of what was expected of them.
He turned, strode back to stand before her, clasping her hands in his. He determinately ignored the jolt of awareness traveling up his arms and the goose flesh that followed in its wake. “My apologies, Mary. My behaviour has been unpardonable.”
Shock lined her features as she gazed at him in silence.
He chose his words carefully, for one never knew when one would be overheard. “This journey did not begin as well as it should have, but I am very pleased to be here with you, sweetheart.”
Awareness dawned and Mary’s surprise turned to understanding. She notched her chin higher and cut him a withering glance. “I should hope so, Tony.”
He bent to kiss the back of her hands. “Come, darling, we must prepare for supper. Let us unpack.”
