“Ah, look who finally dragged himself in,” the viscount commented as the door opened, revealing a very roguish-looking Ramsey.
“That expression terrifies me.”
“It’s about time I make you as terrified as you have made me so often over the years,” the viscount countered, offering his friend a firm handshake as he rose to meet him.
Ramsey snorted at the viscount’s statement, but shook his hand firmly, a warm smile on his face.
Then he turned and his gaze shifted into an intimate embrace as his eyes fixed on Grace. Her body tingled with the force of his gaze, and wherever his eyes roamed, her skin warmed like it had been touched. “Good morning,” he said simply, but the words were much more than just a mere greeting; they were a promise.
A promise of many more mornings.
Together.
“Good morning,” Grace returned, feeling the blood rush to her face in a blush.
A small sigh stole her attention and Grace turned to see Samantha’s affectionate gaze on her, a slightly dreamy look in her eyes. “It’s so delightful to see you in such a way, dear,” she murmured, appearing abashed at being caught.
Grace wasn’t exactly sure how to reply, so she nodded and then turned back to Ramsey.
“Have you considered a date? My wife has been pestering your betrothed for details so we can make plans.” The viscount started the conversation.
Ramsey gave a nod, but before answering further, he walked over to Grace and offered his hand. She took it eagerly, and as he lifted her fingers to his mouth to place a warm kiss there, she let out a small sigh of her own.
“Careful, Ramsey, she’ll swoon in the parlor and then where would we be?” the viscount teased.
Ramsey grinned wickedly.
Grace arched a brow and then cut a glare to her good-natured guardian.
“Did you go to Doctor’s Commons?” Samantha asked, clearly not willing to wait patiently for the news.
Ramsey frowned and turned to face her. “Pardon?”
Then he turned to the viscount. “Have you had John trailing me?” he asked with a slightly accusing tone.
“Heavens, no. Why, do I need to?” the viscount countered, taking a seat and chuckling at Ramsey’s irritated grin.
“No. But it is odd that you’d know my whereabouts so quickly.”
“You’re not a difficult man to read, Ramsey. I’d wager I know you better than you know yourself. Which leads me to another topic of discourse.” The viscount leaned forward, pausing a moment for effect.
Grace knew what was coming, and held her grin in check as she watched for Ramsey’s reaction when the viscount reminded him that he’d once stated he had no interest in her.
Ramsey had the good grace to appear slightly abashed. “Let’s just say I amended my ways and opened my eyes.”
“What a diplomatic answer. Marriage will not be a hardship for you.”
The viscount chuckled.
Samantha shot her husband a glare. “As if marriage is difficult for you.”
“No. I’d never imagine thinking such a falsehood.”
Ramsey gave him a curt nod of approval. “Very diplomatic.”
Heathcliff raised a hand as if to say,See? I know!
“Are you quite done?” Samantha asked.
