I assisted him out of the bathtub. This time, I snuck a peek at his impressive, yet flaccid, cock.
Oh the things I want to do to that. To you.Images flashed through my mind as I imagined the pleasure I would bring him.
Over and over and over again.
I dried him off and dressed him in his finery. Tonight, the Marstons were coming for dinner.
Henry had attempted to put off the engagement, but Mr. Fortescue held firm that the most illustrious family in the country must be accommodated. They were headed to Scotland for the winter, and so, needed to be welcomed as guests before their departure.
Why anyone would go to Scotland—north of where we were—heading into the winter was quite beyond me. Alas, I learned early on not to question the butler. Be that my father—or nowFortescue—the men usually knew best. Had the best interests of the family at heart.
Whether Henry wished it or no, he had responsibilities that simply could not be delayed any longer.
As well, Miss Blanche Marston was of prime marriageable age. Perhaps a little immature for the likes of Henry, but the young woman came across as a gentle soul. At least from the little I had seen of her.
“You look handsome, my lord. The Marstons and Thortons will arrive shortly. Do you require me to review their names and ages—”
“I am not daft, Percy.” He held my gaze. “I can retain the name of a dozen people who will be gracing me with their presence.” He eyed his right arm. “This evening is not going to end well.”
“Cook will prepare your meal cut into small pieces. Allen will be there to assist, should you require it.”
“I want you.”
I smiled. “I know you do.”
“Percy.”
“Yes, my lord?”
“You had your hand around my cock half an hour ago.”
“Well…yes.”
“Then you can call me Henry.” With that, he grasped his cane and headed for the door.
As gracious an exit as he was capable of making.
I made my way to the kitchen to secure some food before heading back upstairs to arrange the master’s room. The kitchen staff bustled in preparation for the big event. Nothing so grand had been seen since the Earl’s death. Geoffrey, not William. William and Caroline had beenin mourningfor the previous earl. As avaricious as they had been, even they understood the need to wait until the mourning period was over.
Henry should have been given the same grace.
Except people for miles around knew of the estrangement. And word of Henry’s injury had traveled just as quickly. He needed to be seen as capable of attending to all Crosswood’s affairs. The quickest way to put the rumors to rest was to host the most-prominent family in the country—the Marstons. Throwing in the biggest gossip for six townships, Lady Amaryllis Thorton, was simply self-preservation.
After having put the room to rights, I settled back and put my feet up. During my last trip to London before the earl passed, he asked me to purchase as many new works as I could. I had procured a copy of Percy Bysshe Shelley’sQueen Mabas well as a copy ofPride and Prejudice. His lordship had quite enjoyedSense and Sensibilitythe year before.By a ladydid not provide me with the name of the authoress, but having read the first book, I was looking forward to this second one. I was unaccustomed to this form of literature, preferring Shakespeare’s plays, but I enjoyed the challenge of reading these.
“Ridiculous.” Henry shoved the door open as he stormed into the room.
I set aside my precious book as I took him in.
His cravat was askew. His jacket was half off as he had managed to get his injured arm out. His face alternated between rage and pain.
Not a good look.
I rushed to him to assist the removal of his jacket—hoping this might alleviate some of his anger.
It did not.
Next came the cravat, vest, shoes, and pants.
