“I couldn’t have finished the last one without your help. How would you feel about a collaboration?” she asked, drifting her fingers lazily through my hair.
The popping of the fire in the grate added to my relaxed state, and I nodded while gripping her wrist. I brought the pulse to my lips. “I would consider it an honor.”
“Since Henry has taken over your bedroom, you will take Lillian’s. She doesn’t spend time there since she is charged with seeing to all of my needs,” Lord Kendrick said with a tongue-in-cheek grin. His head on the pillow, his hair was a rich brown against the white linen.
“After he sees to my needs, of course,” she said, placing a kiss on his upper arm. Content to lie thus, I allowed my eyes to drift closed. A blanket was thrown over my prone figure, but I stayed where I was, where I belonged.
With Kendrick and Lillian.
Epilogue
Lord Kendrick, Duke of Alton
Sunshine cut through the elaborate design of the stained-glass door. After a lively romp, followed by a nap, I joined my wife and lover outside near the fountain for a late breakfast. Frogs chirped in the pond, and bees hovered over the flowering shrubs. It was a perfect spring day. I flicked the napkin onto my lap and accepted the plate Lillian had prepared for me.
Her hair was braided over one shoulder. The simple shirtwaist and narrow skirt flattered her frame. She never looked more content. “Try the peaches. They are very juicy.”
I shared a wicked grin with Colt and bit into the fruit before licking the center. “Very juicy.”
A flush brightened her cheeks. She leaned close and moistened her bottom lip with the tip of her tongue. “Keep tempting me, and we will see who has the last laugh.”
“Is that a challenge?” I asked. I took another bite, the sweetness coating my tongue.
She followed my every move with her sultry eyes. “It is a promise.”
Henry walked out onto the patio with a letter on a silver tray. Today he was sporting his pantomime costume. He handed the envelope to Colt with a flourish.
“Thank you, Henry. I trust everything went as we planned?” he asked.
The secretary nodded his head.
“Planned? What plan? You never left my side until you confronted Gavin.” I popped an almond into my mouth and chewed. Last night had been about reunions. Today, I wanted information. The quicker this was behind us, the better.
“True, but we put this in place before Lillian discovered you. I never trusted Gavin, and neither did Henry. You, however, let Byron make all of your decisions for you.” He shook his head, humor enhancing his features.
“Byron?” Lillian asked, pouring tea into her cup. Her hands were slender, nails short and rounded. A simple band encircled her ring finger. She was my wife, and I loved her like no other. I reached over and clasped her wrist, rubbing my thumb along the silky underside. The skin was warm and pliant beneath my touch.
“Henry, thank you for your help. You may go,” Colt said, flashing me a warning stare.
I took another bite of the fruit. Henry knew everything that went on in the household. Colt was being overly cautious, and I appreciated it. He’d taken care of me for a long time. Although that was no longer his responsibility, it was difficult to break old habits.
With an embellished bow, Henry disappeared inside the house.
“I think Lillian was asleep on the day we had that discussion. Your husband named his cock after the famous poet. Hence the reference to Byron,” Colt said, reclining back in his seat. He traced a condensation trail along the glass of juice with his finger.
