He just about suppressed a laugh.
“Effie.” He took her chin gently, wanting her full attention. “As I told you, I don’t have a mistress, least of all the Duchess of Norfolk.”
She leant into his touch. “You seem honest.”
“Because I am. I barely know the Duchess of Norfolk.”
“So what’s this big secret?” she asked.
“Something darker than a mistress and dirtier than a house of ill repute.” He caressed her chin. Her skin was so silky that not kissing it required all his control.
She frowned. “You don’t gamble, don’t attend opium dens…what can it be?”
“Nothing worth mentioning.”
“At least I won’t get the clap.”
He laughed, his belly hurting. “I don’t carry diseases.” Not in his body, at least. “You have nothing to worry about.”
She rested her head on his shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her waist. They stared at the stars in silence. He hadn’t stared at them in years, yet they’d patiently waited for him.
“May I ask you something else?” she asked.
“By all means.”
“Is it true your father mistreated his workers?”
He sighed. “At the beginning, Father wasn’t careful with his employees. Yes, he was brutal, which started several argumentsbetween us. It took a while, but he changed his way of dealing with the workers.”
“And you?”
“No. My workers are well paid and enjoy two days off every week, and I pay for their medical bills.”
“Wonderful!” Her surprise pleased him.
“And while we’re talking about my father’s business, no, he didn’t use any tricks to get the infamous deal your father complains about. He simply made a better offer. Your father believed my father wouldn’t pursue the deal, showing gratitude for the fact he’d helped us in the past. Winchester didn’t take the deal seriously. That’s all.”
She snuggled closer to him. “I believe you.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” He smiled. “How’s your stomach?”
“I’m not going to throw up. My head is less light, too.”
“Good. I’ll have an herbal tea brewed for your head. It works better than any hair of the dog.”
“I’m full of hairs of a dog.”
He released her, smelling her scent on his jacket. “I’ll be right back. Stay here.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
Those were the most wonderful words he’d ever heard.
