“Château Latour is a powerful wine, rich and full of flavours, with cassis and leather notes.”
Her smile became wicked. “That’s how I would describe you.”
“I wouldn’t complain. I would be afraid you might use other adjectives.”
“No, I think I changed my mind about you.” She stared at him for a long, intense moment before returning to her dinner. “And which wine would I be?”
“A Gewürztraminer. It’s sweet with rose and peach notes, but one has to be careful because sometimes it stings.”
She laughed, a full, rich sound that made him laugh, too. “Now I’m curious to taste this wine. Do you have a bottle?”
“I do.” He rose and left the room, careful to close the door behind him. He entered the drawing room and rang the bell. His butler arrived a moment later.
“My lord.”
“A bottle of our best Gewürztraminer.”
Harris left. Tristan waited for him in the corridor. His butler had likely guessed who the secret guest was, but he’d promised Effie discretion.
Harris returned with a chilled bottle of wine. “My lord.”
“Thank you.” He was about to leave but paused when Harris smiled. “Is something the matter?”
Harris shook his head. “I’m glad to see Your Lordship happy.”
“Do I look happy?”
“Very much, my lord.”
He pondered Harris’s answer, not sure about what to say. “Thank you.”
Harris’s affection was something he would never take for granted again. So far, he’d dismissed his butler’s concern. Not anymore.
Harris bowed his head. “You’re most welcome, my lord.”
When Tristan entered the dining room, Effie was halfway through her roast beef.
“Here we are.” He poured her a glass, releasing the sweet fragrances of the wine. “We should wait before drinking it to let the wine breathe.”
“The scent is lovely.”
He placed the plate with cuts of cheese next to her. They were supposed to be for later after the dessert, but they would taste great with the wine. “Try it with these.”
“I didn’t expect such royal treatment.” She bit into a piece of cheese before sipping the wine.
“As I said, I’m not an animal.”
“I know, but the deal was clear, and I thought you wanted to do the deed as soon as possible. Heavens, this wine is delicious.” Her cheeks were flushed.
“We agreed to seven days of being in bed together. So tonight’s dinner doesn’t count.”
She remained silent for a moment before she burst out laughing. “You’re a skilled negotiator.”
“I learnt the trade one battle after another. And I would never make you uncomfortable.”
“Well, tonight, I’m very comfortable.” She popped into her mouth another piece of cheese.
He poured himself a glass of wine and watched her going through the dessert with gusto.
