I knew his feelings about the aristocracy, for they matched my own. In the class he was born into, he was seldomtreated with kid gloves by the gentlemen he encountered while investigating crimes they committed. My own reasons were due to my uncle’s cold nature. My grandfather had been a strict disciplinarian, but he was a fair man. I often wondered how Nigel turned out so much different from his father. “I believe it is.”
Her stomach growled and she released a soft giggle, goosebumps showing on her skin. “I haven’t eaten since this morning, hence one of the reasons why I interrupted you earlier.”
“I should apologize for overreacting.” The water had turned tepid at best. “Would you like to get out?”
“An apology isn’t necessary.” She sat upright and gripped the side of the tub, a mischievous grin playing across her lovely mouth. I dipped my head and kissed her smiling lips, contentment washing over me. Elizabeth hadn’t been a romantic person. She was the kind of woman I thought I wanted. Apparently, we weren’t right for each other and she was smart enough to know it.
“Be careful. The floor is wet.” I watched her climb out of the tub, all long limbs and luscious curves. She had a delectable body, one made for bedding.
“It looks like there is more water on the floor than in the tub and I’m afraid your robe is soaked.” Frowning, she reached over to grab one of the towels that were hooked on the wall. She wrapped it around her chest, blocking her breasts from view.
“That is an unfortunate fall-out after such a pleasant endeavor.” I swallowed my disappointment and pulled the stopper before following suit. She handed the other towel to me, strands of hair wet around her face and neck.
“It was rather pleasant, wasn’t it?” Birdie looked around, clasping the towel to her neck. “This room is very handsome.”
“I like it.” I had made a point to renovate the bathing room with white tiles and a checkered mosaic floor like the one in my youth. The ducal manor house in London had been outfitted with the latest amenities, and I was spoiled by my upbringing. Thus another reason I kept my origins to myself. While my uncle Nigel was the worst of the lot, there were good people who were part of the gentry as well. Many in my adopted neighborhood didn’t see it that way, Ash being one of them, and I never tried to dissuade him otherwise.
“After you dress, I will feed you.” I indicated that she exit ahead of me. She left wet footsteps in her wake, my own feet slipping on the tiled floor.
“I think my skirt might still be wet.” Lip caught between her teeth, she glanced over at Ash, who was seated at the desk, a pen in his hand. “Are you writing?” she asked.
“I am.” He returned her smile, his gaze skimming down her body with overt lust. “You look very fetching.”
She blushed and glanced over her shoulder at me. “Thank you. As do you.”
He laughed at her quip.
“Have you seen my skirt?” Birdie glanced around, paused and then went to the chair where her skirt was crumpled on the floor. She picked it up and looked at the sodden skirt. “It is indeed still wet.”
“Allow me.” Ash stood and removed my other robe, unabashed to be naked. He strode to her side and held it out to her. Cheeks red, she slipped her arms inside, the towel falling to the floor. The belt tight, she picked up the hem in her hand. He rested his hands on his hips and surveyed the room. “I believe my shirt is somewhere around here. Although I am a bit warm, so I think I will stay like this for a while.”
I rolled my eyes at him and turned to Birdie, the towel still wrapped around my waist. “Don’t mind him. If he couldlive without clothes, he would. The man is a damn menace to society.”
Ash narrowed his eyes in reply.
“We do have a woman present. She doesn’t want to look at your hairy arse.” I was aware of Birdie like I had never been aware of a woman before. There was something about her which made me wish to protect her, even though she didn’t need any man’s protection.
“It isn’t hairy, is it?” Ash twisted his torso and tried to look at his bum.
Birdie began to giggle, followed by a soft snort. With her damp hair curling around her face and the soft glow on her cheeks, she never looked more stunning. “No, it is smooth as a ripe apple.”
“Thank you, love.” Despite his earlier statement, Ash disappeared into my room.
I spoke low enough for only Birdie to hear. “You must let us know if our bantering becomes too much. Even if Frank was the most liberal of husbands, I doubt he pranced around naked in front of you.”
She shook her head, the blush deepening. “I can honestly say no. This is a bit of a shock, but not an unpleasant one. I, well, forgive my boldness, but you and Ash are very pleasing to look at. If you were paunchy and snaggle-toothed, I might have some objections.”
“So you are shallow by your own admission?” I tucked my thumb into the knot at my waist as I passed by the window. Snow continued to fall in lazy swirls. Contentment settled over me, my body sated by our play in the bedroom and in the tub.
She raked my chest with appreciation, licking her lips provocatively. “It would seem to be the case. Or perhaps I am a connoisseur of beauty in all its forms.”
“Or you are simply shallow. You can admit it.” With one finger, I traced a path across her lower lip. I liked matching wits with her. Coupled with her pleasing frame, she would make the perfect wife for me. Except she told me in no uncertain terms that she had no intention of marrying again. Disappointment made my stomach turn.
“Fine, I will admit it. I am shallow.” She moved closer to me, her chin lifted.
“We all are. Some of us just hate to admit it.” I kissed her parted lips, unable to stop bestowing kisses on her. The bathtub would be forever a fond memory. I would never look at taking a bath the same. “I have some food in the icebox.”
Ash returned with his trousers and shirt on but had left off his waistcoat. “Excellent. I am starving. What do you have?”
