Kate glanced around to ensure the drawing-room door was closed before responding in a loud whisper. “Well, you know he’s the late viscount’s natural-born son. He was raised as a ward but look at the three of them. She could hardly be ignorant of it.”
An unease settled in my stomach. I had no right to this intelligence offered from lips other than his. Still, I could not bring myself to interrupt or reprimand her. Not when I was desperate for any intelligence she offered.
“She has no right to be so rude to him, though. He was just a boy.”
“She is truly so awful?”
“Oh yes, I’ve never seen its like.”
Before I could respond, the door opened, and Mr. Wayland entered.
* * *
MICHAEL
The ladies sprang apart like rabbits,snapping up from the settee.There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that they were gossiping. About me, if the guilty blush rising up Lady Juliet’s cheeks was any indication. I would have found it fetching if it were not at my expense. Faced with the choice of allowing them their confidence or watching the flush spread down to Lady Juliet’s chest, I chose the latter.
“Good lord, Katherine, what on earth are you telling her about me?” I asked, willing her to join me in my teasing.
“Only your deepest sins,” she said. She was a delight, as always.
“So, the envy and pride then?”
“Naturally”
“I hope you left out the lust. She looks easily shocked.”
“Oh no, I gave her a full report of your lustful appetites.”
“Oh dear, shall I have the carriage readied, Lady Juliet? I cannot imagine you should like to stay in the same house with such a reprobate.”
“Actually, I believe I require more details of these appetites before I go so far as to vacate the county.”
With that comment, the flush reached the edge of her bodice and below. There was a genuine smile on her face as she stepped toward me, not the forced one I had often seen. Embarrassed but amused then, still willing to play, to tease.
“I’d be thrilled to provide a demonstration at your earliest convenience.”
“I believe my plans are quite fixed this evening. Shall we say tomorrow?”
“I serve at your pleasure.”
It may have been my imagination, but her eyes darkened slightly at my comment. I wouldn’t go so far as to label the look desire, but it was in the vicinity. My feelings were more firmly fixed in the realm of craving. I had spent the hours since we returned from the bridge in the kitchens, thrashing Hugh’s valet, Stevens, at hazard. I needed an outlet for the tension the sight of her in the sunlight had induced. It was far too early in the day to take myself in hand. The sight of her flushed chest rising with her now heavier breathing, made me regret that choice.
A pointed cough came from off to the side. Juliet sprang back from me, burned, and I realized just how close we had gotten. Her retreat was hampered by the presence of the settee at the back of her knees. We were far nearer than propriety dictated. Kate’s wordless reproach was well warranted.
“Apologies for my behavior Lady Juliet. I thought we might have the cribbage lesson we discussed earlier, but perhaps now is not the best time for such things.”
She glanced at Kate for approval.
“Actually, I should speak to Mrs. Hudson about some of the meals for our visit. You two enjoy yourselves.”
I was shocked she allowed this without a chaperone, but she pointedly left the door open, and moments later, a footman appeared in the hall, hovering just outside. Not the most adequate chaperonage, but effective nonetheless.
I rummaged through the mahogany shelves abutting the fireplace while Juliet wordlessly cleared the table. Once I’d located the deck and board, I joined her by the window. The afternoon sunlight streaming through set her curls aflame, brightening her upturned face.
I was unable to resist the urge to impress her, just a little. I shuffled the deck with more flourish than I would in my club. Once she appeared suitably awe-struck with my efforts, I began instruction.
“Typically, we would cut the deck to see who deals, but I thought it might be easier if I deal this first round?”
