“Ah. I heard voices and decided that even though you had left orders not to be disturbed, that I was better off not lounging in your bed where I might be discovered.”
“Will you come to my bed tonight?” His dark-brown eyes flashed.
I swallowed. “If you wish.”
“I wish, Percy. I wish very much.”
Chapter Seven
Henry
Another dinner in bed.
Another meal with Percy watching me eat.
Another supper with cook having cut my food into tiny pieces for easier consumption.
The rest of my life. I have to do this for the rest of my existence.
That did not rest easy with me.
After returning the trays downstairs, Percy closed the door. “Isabella is asleep and Mrs. Fernsby believes the little one will sleep through the night.” He removed his coat. “That was a good thing you did—hiring her as a governess.”
“Isabella is clearly in good hands. Mrs. Fernsby has proven herself capable and, more importantly, respects me.” I scratched my nose. “I believe those qualities are as imperative as her qualifications as a former governess.”
“And you shall be here to watch over both of them.” Percy moved to the closet. “You’re still a good man, my lord. Sorry, Henry.”
Ah, before I could correct him. His words hit me. “Still?”
He returned, wearing just his nightshirt. “You always were. Your rakish behavior with the ladies of London might have brought a reputation of ill-repute, but you did not disgrace any ladies beyond reputational repair.”
I glared. “Whatreputation?”
He grinned. “I shall not share the stories I heard tell of. All of which ended, naturally, after you went to war.” His expression turned serious, with a little crease forming between his eyes. “That was brave.”
“I might’ve continued my sexual conquests on the continent.”
“Oh, really.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Well, perhaps one day you’ll share.”
I shook my head. “Those days are behind me. I am reformed.”
“And redeemed.” He shifted from foot to foot. “You fought honorably against a tyrant. You saved an entire population from ruin.”
“We declared war against the man.”
“The despot.”
“Yes. That.” I frowned. “So many lives lost.”
“He would have come to our shores eventually. As he did Russia and others. His…” Percy waved his hand.
“Hubris.”
“Yes. That.” He repeated my words. “Knew no bounds. You and the others kept us safe. I will never forget that.”
I rubbed my eyes. “I am tired, Percy.”
“And you still wish me to come to your bed?”
