Page 29 of An Earl, His Valet, & Their Wife

“I greatly appreciate the offer but need tae think on it,” said Gerard. “’Tis all a bit new. I don’t even know if in future they’ll want me in the bedchamber.”

“Talk to Whitmore,” said Jon urgently. “You’ve been lovers for years. That means something. Tell him how you feel. We all know how wretchedly hard that is, but otherwise you’ll twist yourself into knots wondering. What if they want a trio, too? The earl is shy, like me. And his countess is settling into a household after a whirlwind wedding. It’s up to you.”

Gerard sighed.

Aye, it was. He needed to take control of the situation.

It was just a matter of how.

* * *

It had been a productive afternoon. With Mrs. Calder’s assistance, Katherine had made a list of ball refreshments that encompassed her and Michael’s favorites…and even a few of Gerard’s.

Yet the entire time she and the housekeeper debated the tastiest bite-sized desserts, the benefits and drawbacks of a champagne fountain, and whether lobster cakes or meat pasties were easier to serve, her mind kept drifting to Gerard and Michael. The discussion could not wait a moment longer. And with Gerard currently out attending to other ball matters, now was the time to discover her husband’s true thoughts.

After ordering a tea tray to be served immediately in the front parlor, Katherine hurried to the library to fetch her husband. While there were stacks of documents on his desk and a quill at the ready, it didn’t appear he’d perused any. In fact, he stood the moment she entered the room.

They walked in silence to the parlor, and she could practically feel his gaze resting on her then darting away. Was he as nervous as she was?

Soon they sat in the warm, cozy room with a fresh pot of tea and thick slices of fruitcake between them. Michael might be the only person with a sweeter tooth than her own—the man took four sugar cubes in his tea to her three.

“So,” she said softly, as she poured for them both.

“So,” said Michael, his smile hesitant, his cheeks slightly flushed. “Do you…I mean, is there something you particularly wish to discuss?”

Other than me rubbing myself against your valet in my bedchamber? You kissing that same valet in the entrance hall? No.

“Tell me about Mr. Hunter,” Katherine blurted.

He went very still. “What would you like to know?”

“How long has he worked here? How did you meet? It’s unusual for an English earl to have a Scottish valet.”

Michael relaxed, even chuckled a little. “Just over five years ago, Gerry arrived with a group of others to be interviewed for the position of valet. It might surprise you, but back then he spoke quite differently. Very clipped, formal English. However, over time, his accent and bluntness slipped out more and more. One day I told him to just be himself. He was so relieved!”

Katherine laughed reluctantly. “I cannot imagine him trying to be stuffy. Or English. That thick burr is lovely.”

“I know. So musical. Sometimes I forget the topic of conversation because his voice soothes me.”

“Mr. Hunter does seem central to this household,” she said, reaching for a slice of cake even as she held her breath for the answer. Would Michael tell the truth about their relationship? While she strongly suspected he and Gerard were lovers, neither had shown any hesitancy the other night, and Gerard had confessed to wanting her. That was confusing. Unless they’d shared a woman before?

“I could not be without him,” Michael replied, stirring his tea. “He is far more than a valet to me. Gerry is…”

Katherine near-crushed her teacup. “Yes?”

“Well, he’s my secretary, travel companion, fashion advisor…I was a shambles before he started. He’s also my herbalist; I trust his concoctions more than any physician. And when we go visiting, he’s always my eyes and ears and provides sterling information. Actually…it was Gerry who suggested I wed you.”

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

“Oh yes,” said Michael, sitting forward. “And once again, he’s proven right. I could not have chosen better. Many marriages of convenience are cold and awkward and terrible, but you’re so gracious and understanding. Not many women would be. The other night…you have my undying gratitude.”

Heat scorched across her cheekbones. “I liked it.”

He grinned, a dimple appearing that only enhanced his good looks. “I liked it too, if it wasn’t obvious.”

Oh God. Michael was so sweet. She couldn’t lie to him. Couldn’t pretend that she was a martyr who had agreed to a tutor just to please her husband. He deserved the truth: that she wanted Mr. Hunter involved in their bedsport. Much, much more than he had been.

Unable to remain seated, Katherine stood and began pacing the parlor. “I mean…I really liked it.”