“I’m going with you,” Persephone announced.
Jack blinked before he regarded her with an assessing glance. “If you’re sure,” he said.
“Oh, I’m sure,” she replied. “Mr. Parker, I shall see to it there’s something extra in your pay this month for all your trouble.”
“Why, thank you, my lady. I didn’t mind doing it at all.”
“Well, don’t be getting any ideas about becoming a Bow Street Runner,” Jack remarked. “This household can already boast a former spy.”
Parker’s eyes rounded. “Sir?”
Persephone inhaled softly, but she didn’t say anything as Jack raised his empty glass to the driver. “I am retired, and I am ready to resume my duties as an earl,” he said before setting the glass on the salver behind the desk. “After I get a good night’s sleep.”
“Yes, sir,” Parker said, doing the same with his glass. “My lady,” he said. He bowed and took his leave of the study.
Persephone made no move to rise from her chair, deciding she should wait until Parker had made it down the corridor and up the servants’ stairs to his quarters. “A good night’s sleep?” she repeated softly.
Jack moved to stand before her and then bent to lift her from the chair. “Eventually,” he whispered. He kissed her forehead and then wrapped his ams around her shoulders. “After I’ve done to you what I’ve been accused of doing to others these past few weeks.”
Persephone glanced up at him, the heat at her core due to more than just the brandy. “I look forward to it,” she whispered.
After several minutes of kissing, the two returned to the master suite.
