“Ah, hell.” Heathcliff groaned.
“Having second thoughts?” Lucas asked.
“No. Just the bit about society, not Mir—Samantha. Damn, I’m going to have to get used to that. How did you keep the bloody secret so well?”
“I’d suggest getting accustomed to it quickly. I don’t think she’s overly fond of that name, and in the throes of passion, if you were to speak another—“
“Dear Lord. You’re an ass.” Heathcliff glared at his friend.
“Just a little marriage advice.”
“Because you’re the expert, being married for all of... what is it, a month? Two?”
“Long enough.” Lucas shrugged. “And to answer your earlier question, I was not around, so it was easy not to slip up with her real name. Also, technically, it’s Lady Samantha.”
A knock sounded at the door, and Heathcliff rose from his chair and answered it. “Yes?”
Mrs. Keyes was waiting outside, a worried expression on her face. “My lord, it would . . . that is . . . I’ve been informed of the events of the evening and I was . . .”
“Spit it out, Mrs. Keyes.” Heathcliff gave her a boyish grin, hoping to set her at ease.
“Don’t look so satisfied with it all,” she scolded him. “It’s terrible news, and to think, I was treating the daughter of a duke like an in-between! She’s a proper lady, for pity’s sake! I had her in the servants’ quarters!” Mrs. Keyes paled at the words. “How unforgivable.”
“I do think Lady Samantha,” he silently applauded himself for using the right name, “will be quite forgiving. She needed the ruse for protection.”
“From her father, I heard. Dear me, I can’t even imagine. She must have been scared out of her wits!” Mrs. Keyes clucked her tongue even as she wrung her hands, clearly agitated.
“She had a few champions,” he reminded Mrs. Keyes.
“Yes, yes, she did. I’m going to offer her a proper apology, but I wanted to see if you’d be wishing for tea or to break your fast? I realize it’s early, but the whole house is up already with the ruckus.” Her gray brows drew together in a bit of a disapproving frown.
“Aye, it would be a good idea, I’d imagine.” Heathcliff glanced to Lucas, then back to Mrs. Keyes. “And tell Cook that we’ve guests for the morning meal. Lord and Lady Heightfield will probably be in residence most of the day, I’d imagine.”
Mrs. Keyes nodded. “Of course, my lord. I’ll tell Cook straightaway. And when I speak to Miss . . . Lady Samantha, is it?” She tilted her head questioningly.
At Heathcliff’s nod, she continued. “I’ll let her know as well. I’m assuming she’s already aware of last night’s events?”
“Technically, it was this morning’s . . .” Heathcliff drawled, earning a disapproving glare from Mrs. Keyes. “But yes, she’s aware, and I’m certain still awake. Probably hoping someone will rescue her from propriety and tell her the house is awake so she may quit her rooms.”
Mrs. Keyes gave a glance down the hall. “Poor dear. I’ll go directly.” She gave a stiff curtsey and then darted down the hall in the direction of Miss . . . well, it was Lady Samantha’s room, wasn’t it?
Heathcliff closed the door and gave his head a wry shake. It was easier if he just referred to her by Christian name, rather than her title. Soon enough, she would be his wife, and formalities would be unnecessary.
He anticipated that with acute ferocity.
“That’s a disturbing expression on your face,” Lucas broke into his thoughts.
Heathcliff glanced at his friend, reading the guarded expression on his face. “Is it now?” He grinned wolfishly.
“It was . . .” Lucas drawled out. “Now I recognize it.” He gave his head a little shake. “Go easy on the girl, will you?” Lucas said warningly. “Sexual tension can be quite powerful, and while you weren’t exactly the monk I was—”
Heathcliff snorted.
“I’m ignoring that,” Lucas replied flippantly. “It will be best for you, and for her, if you take things slowly.”
Heathcliff’s grin sobered. “I understand.” And he truly did. He wasn’t some animal in rut, but he also knew he was already experiencing delicious anticipation for when he’d have the delight of living out several of his nighttime fantasies.
“You’re wearing that expression again. It makes me bloody uncomfortable.” Lucas sighed.
