“Then you forge your own path. We make up our own rules. We do what we want.” And perhaps this wasdeceptively simple. But it also felt entirely possible.
“I never realized men could fall in love with other men. I thought it was just... sexual.” He winced.
I grinned. “Sometimes it is. Sometimes you just want to bring pleasure to an earl in the bathtub. But yes, men can love. Are you brave enough to try?”Please agree. Please make the commitment to me that I have already made to you.
He squinted. “Yes, I think I am.” He shifted, attempting to straighten. “I am certain.”
“Well, that is good, especially because I love you, and you would have had to banish me forever to actually rid yourself of me.”
He raised his arm. “Please undress and join me forthwith. I do not wish to be alone as we celebrate the fact we shall be lord and valet until the end of our days.”
The lasciviousness with which he saidlord and valetmade it perfectly clear to me that we were to be so much more than that.
Which was perfectly acceptable to me.
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Henry
Christmas at Crosswood Hall was something to behold.
As I had every year, I instructed Fortescue to ensure no expense was spared. This was to be Isabella’s third Christmas, and although she likely would not remember the event, I wanted to be able to assure her that every year we celebrated in grand style.
Said niece, in a crushed-velvet forest-green dress, sat in Lord John’s lap as he amused her by making ridiculous faces. Her blonde ringlet curls bobbed as she laughed uproariously.
He was always a favorite of hers.
As the hour grew late, I bade Mrs. Fernsby to take the girl to bed.
All the men at our Christmas Eve party waved goodnight to the little cherub. She had all of us wrapped around her baby finger.
I had arranged a grand party belowstairs for the servants so they could revel in the season. Casual help had been arranged for both the upstairs and downstairs celebrations. I assured them my guests and I would not be in need of their services tonight and to enjoy Christmas Eve to themselves.
Naturally, I required Percy.
And had asked him to join me in the drawing room along with our four guests.
Lord John Blackthorne and his valet Phillip.
Lord Kenneth Stanhope and his valet Walter.
Kenneth had made John’s acquaintance in London, and although he kept a townhouse in that busy city, he had acquired an estate nearby where he and his valet could enjoy quiet country living.
Away from the prying eyes of Kenneth’s family, the ton, and London busybodies.
John had facilitated the introductions, and now we six met regularly.
Walter grinned after Isabella and Mrs. Fernsby departed. “She is charming, Henry.”
When we were just the six, we used Christian names. No formality. Which suited since each of us was a couple consisting of a lord and a valet.
Like John and myself, Walter had dark skin. His Kenneth was as fair as both Phillip and my Percy. We all made striking couples.
Percy grinned. “She very much rules Crosswood Hall.”
“Bravo.” Phillip held his glass aloft. “She will make an admirable mistress someday.”
