Chapter Twenty-Three
Lady Eleanor, Duchess of Smythington
“During my lunches with Olivia, I always wondered what the rooms at the Stratham looked like.” I sat at the breakfast table next to Rex in our hotel suite and plucked a grape from the bowl. Flynn had commandeered a chair on Rex’s left, his long legs stretched out.
“They are very luxurious,” Rex said, eyeing me in an odd manner. “You seem to dine here often. Perhaps we can venture downstairs for dinner some night.”
“That would be lovely. The food is exceptional, as is the service.” I settled the grape on my tongue, the juice bursting as I chewed. Our one night together at the Stratham had turned into two. Soon, the carriages would be ready, and we would return home. A part of me was reluctant to leave, however, I would be receiving a letter from the conservatory sometime in the next few days. I tried not to become too excited, yet it was difficult not to be.
“The service, yes. I have yet to meet this Guy fellow you are so enthusiastic about.” Rex watched me carefully.
“He is exceptional.” I hid a smile at his overt interest in Guy and my association with him. His show of jealousy was flattering, for he rarely, if ever, seemed to be aware of other men paying me any attention. “However, he is simply a waiter andnothing more. I enjoy his wit but he, well, he has no designs on me.”
He leaned back in his seat, a scowl turning his lips down. “Why not? You are very lovely.”
Flynn snorted at his comment. “Do you wish for the man to have designs on your wife?”
Rex shook his head. “No, of course not. I was simply stating a fact.”
“I appreciate that you are insulted on my behalf.” My smile broke through. I considered sharing what Olivia had speculated on, except it wasn’t truly my affair, and spreading gossip wasn’t my cup of tea.
“The wait staff aside,” Flynn cast me a lazy wink, “the chef is topnotch and taught classes at the Cordon Bleu culinary school before coming to London.”
“I hear the school is very prestigious.” Rex shifted in his seat, looking more relaxed than I had seen him in ages. My anxiety over news from the conservatory made me wish to speed up time yet make it grind to a halt.
“Would you like more tea?” I leaned forward, my hand hovering over the pot.
“I think I am fine, thank you,” Rex said.
The sound of rain pelting the windowpane was somewhat comforting. I had woken to rain, and after passion took us one more time, we slept until mid-morning. The lovely days spent in casual conversation peppered with lustful interludes were fulfilling and restful. What the future held between us was still up in the air. Today, we had each other, and that’s all that mattered.
“It looks rather wet outside.” Flynn looked at Rex and me, one eyebrow raised. Neither of us made an effort to comment. “Since it is barely noon, I propose we stay a bit longer.”
He hadn’t shaved, and the growth of his beard on his cheeks was quite appealing. I still couldn’t believe Flynn had bedded me while Rex buggered him. Multiple times. Flynn had an insatiable appetite, which played well with my newfound freedom to explore my lust at leisure. For the first time in a long time, I felt liberated. However, thoughts of Harry continued to rest in the back of my mind. I couldn’t always be there to safeguard him from life’s challenges. He had to make his way in the world, and I had to trust that he would be safe.
A warm hand settled on my wrist, and Rex offered me a knowing smile. “He is fine.”
“When did you learn to read my mind?” I lifted my porcelain cup to inhale the fragrant tea, determined to stifle the need to tell Rex I wanted to travel to Knutchester to check on Harry. I gave myself a mental shake. I couldn’t do that even though everything inside me wanted to. If Rex and I showed up at the school, it would make it more difficult for Harry because he would want to return home with us. No, it was better to leave him to his own devices and let him make his way in the world. It tore at my heart, nonetheless.
“A few decades ago, I suppose.” He gave me a reassuring squeeze. “Atticus had given us his sworn word that he will check on his brother at the end of the week. Harry isn’t alone. His older brother is watching out for him.”
“A few decades.” Flynn shook his head and frowned. “That makes us sound ancient.”
“No, a few millennia would make us old.” Rex stretched his lithe body, his leg brushing against mine. Muscles jumped under my hand when I laid my palm on his thigh. With a sideways glance, he cast me a warm smile. My cunny flared to life, my need close to the forefront.
“I wish we could stay longer,” Flynn said, true regret in his stare. “But my daughters will send out a search party if I am away for too long.”
“Indeed, you are a fortunate father to have such loving daughters.” My relationship with my own father had been strained until his death. I am ashamed to admit I didn’t truly mourn his loss. We were never close, and even though I was married, he never lost the opportunity to criticize me.
“They are a vivacious bunch, to be sure.” Flynn’s fondness for the girls showed in his expressive eyes. He hadn’t been disappointed to have girls, whereas my own father revered my brother and merely tolerated me. “I hope Nigel and Anne are enjoying their wedding trip.”
“Anne promised to send a telegram from every port.” I envied her adventure. It had been ages since we went on holiday. Our house would be empty save for Rex and me. The bright spot would be my acceptance letter from the conservatory and my newfound intimacies with Rex. Perhaps I would insist on a repeat of our encounter on the piano, with a few modifications.
Unless the conservatory rejected me. Goosebumps raced along my skin. If that happened, the days loomed empty ahead of me. I shifted in my seat, unwilling to let my mind drift on a sea of negativity. Even without the conservatory, Anne had recently married, and I anticipated Atticus would be looking for a bride soon. Once my eldest married, he and his bride would preside at Smythington House. Fates willing, grandchildren would soon follow, and the house would be full again.
“Nigel did as well, although I imagine they will send one together.” Flynn stared out the window, his profile to me. The strength of his jaw and the slight tilt of his mouth held great appeal. If our affair were to continue, we would exchange intimacies again. A thrill of longing cut through me. We had yet to decide on our future. I agreed to one night, and it expandedinto two wonderful, unforgettable nights. Reality had a way of cutting through fantasy.
