Page 31 of An Earl, His Valet, & Their Wife

Mr. Hunter’s jaw visibly clenched. “Oh?”

“Please,” said Katherine softly. “It’s important.”

“Verra well,” said the valet brusquely. “Come over by the window so we won’t be overheard.”

This was it. The moment deciding a beginning or an end.

Oh God.

* * *

Michael’s palms were damp, and a shiver passed through him even though a nice, steady heat emanated from the ballroom’s fireplace.

All because he was about to have another momentous conversation, one potentially as important as the day he’d declared himself to Gerry.

Katherine was changing his life in unexpected ways. Before they’d wed, it seemed far too much to hope that his bluestocking wife of convenience might end up being more than just a friend. But each time they talked, each time she was open to a new experience, each time she accepted his quirks and anxieties as though they weren’t an impediment at all, he found himself warming even further to her. Wanting to be near her.

Leaving her bed the other night had been difficult. Almost wrong, somehow. And although he’d enjoyed a sound sleep after exhausting himself with husbandly duties, it had been startling to wake up and wish Katherine were there with him and Gerry. They could certainly all fit…Christ. As usual, his mind was speeding ahead of current events. And right now there wasn’t a drop of brandy or wine in the ballroom to ease his nerves or bolster his courage.

When the three of them reached the far window, well out of anyone’s earshot, Michael cleared his throat and turned to Gerry. “How was your outing to town?”

His valet raised an eyebrow at the innocuous question. “Everything was done that needed tae be done. You’ll host a grand ball three nights hence; nearly everyone of consequence has returned from the country. I have nae doubt it will be a crush o’ gossips, brokenhearted lasses, and relieved bachelors. But I doubt that is truly the topic ye wish tae discuss, my lord.”

Michael glanced at his wife, who appeared equally nervous. “We were just taking tea in the parlor, and Katherine had questions that I thought would be best answered with you present as well.”

“Oh? What questions?” asked Gerry, his tone low yet stern in a manner that demanded honest truths.

“I asked…forgive me, this is a delicate matter…,” said Katherine, clasping her hands together. “I asked if the two of you had been together with a woman before. Perhaps shared one.”

Gerry shook his head, clearly surprised. “Nae, my lady. In my younger days, I participated in a fair few orgies, but never have I shared a woman with Lord Whitmore.”

Katherine nodded, then lifted her chin like someone preparing for battle. “But you are lovers, yes? I knew you were close; the way you look at each other, are completely at ease together, even during intimate times in my bedchamber. You showed no hesitancy in offering Michael sexual instruction. Or seeing him naked and bedding me. However, today, in the entrance hall…I saw you caress his cheek. And he kissed your hand.”

Damn it.

Michael winced. They should have told her. Katherine wasn’t missish, she’d already shown them that, and deserved to have all the facts at hand. Especially if she craved a different arrangement, where Gerry was more involved in their bedsport.

Michael exchanged a glance with his valet, silently seeking permission to reveal all. After a long moment, Gerry inclined his head.

“Yes,” said Michael simply. “When we spoke in the garden that day…the paramour I loved very much but could not wed…was Gerry.”

“We’ve been a couple these past five years,” added Gerry. “Devoted tae one another.”

Katherine’s shoulders drooped. “Yes. Yes, of course. I…well…do excuse me…”

But before she could spin on her heel and bolt from the ballroom, both he and Gerry grabbed one of her hands.

“Nae,” said Gerry, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. “Stay. You’ve been bold and brave thus far—dinnae wilt now, Katie. The tale is only half-told.”

She glared at him and actually stomped her foot. “Well, hurry up, then! I am well aware some ladies prefer ladies and some gentlemen prefer gentlemen; there is always powder room talk of special friends. But I have not heard of people loving both! Do you truly want me, Michael? Or just as the future mother of your heir?”

“I want you very much,” said Michael, squeezing her hand. “You are beautiful and sensual and your curious and thoughtful mind is extremely attractive to me. I also love Gerry deeply. Two things can be true at the same time. To be blunt, I wasn’t sure I wanted men and women like Gerry does, because the few short liaisons I had with courtesans were pleasant, but nothing extraordinary like I had with him. Then came you. Now…I actually understand. It is possible to have feelings for more than one person.”

“So you wish to bed Mr. Hunter as well,” Katherine continued, biting her lip.

“Yes,” he said firmly. Even the thought of giving up that rough, raw pleasure was unimaginable. “How do you feel about that?”

“I…I…” his wife mumbled, staring at the floor.