“Two whiskeys and a pint of ale is not having one’s wits. We shall discuss our future in the morning, when you are clear-headed.” He grinned. “Then I shall seduce you and show you what desire truly looks like. And, how it feels. As for tonight, you shall be sleeping in this bed beside me.”
Epilogue
The next morning Bethany woke in the softest of beds, or perhaps it only seemed so because she’d spent three or four nights on a settee. But Leopold was not in bed beside her. Sitting up, she glanced about to find that both of her footmen were pouring steaming water into a tub set before the fire. Leopold stood not far away and sadly was fully clothed.
Bethany stifled the pang of disappointment because she was certain that there would be many chances in the future to view him unclothed.
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
“Wonderfully.” She smiled and stretched.
“Did you wish to bathe?” she asked.
“I already have. This is fresh water for you.”
It was then that she noticed his damp hair.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
Bethany frowned. “I am supposed to ask you that question. You are the one injured.”
“I did not have two glasses of whiskey and a pint of ale yesterday. You fell asleep before dinner was delivered and slept the night away.”
She’d not slept so long in her life before. She also hadn’t gotten much sleep since she’d found him in the middle of the road.
Between the whiskey, ale, and being tired, it was no wonder she’d slept so long.
Whiskey and ale. She nearly groaned at how much they had loosened her tongue and the discussions about his manpart. Her face heated.
“There is nothing to be embarrassed about.”
“It was not the drinking that I was thinking about.”
Leopold grinned. “I know.”
The footmen finished filling the bath and stood.
“Enjoy Christmas,” Leopold said. “Have a hearty meal, drink some ale.”
“It is the morning, Your Grace,” Henry reminded them.
“That it is.” Leopold laughed much like he used to before she had shoved him in the Serpentine. “Break your fast and in two hours, bring a tray to us. Your mistress should be done with her bath, dressed, and ready to be seen again by then.”
The two shared a look of concern.
“I understand your unease.” Leopold then picked up the screen at the corner and placed it around the tub. “Lady Bethany will have all the privacy she requires. I simply remain to guard her. This is a coaching inn with all manner of people roaming the corridors.
The two nodded as if they agreed.
“We will return in two hours,” Henry said and pulled Jason from the chamber.
“I do not need two hours to bathe and dress,” she insisted.
“I see no reason for you to feel rushed,” Leopold explained, his eyes darkening, making her a bit nervous, though Bethany could not understand why. Except it would be her without her clothing this time.
“What if I do not wish you to stay. Unlike you, I am modest.”
“I think it is hardly fair that you have gazed upon me whenever you wish, yet I’ve only gotten a glimpse of your breasts.”
