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“Indeed, sir.” Anthony beamed, then bowed slightly. “I’ll inform Mr. Winter that you’re ready to break your fast.”
When the door closed softly behind him, Robert stared at himself again. He did look happier today. The air of ease about him had been missing for the last year. If he was being truthful with himself, he knew that it had been longer than a year. The last time he truly felt contented with his life was when Ash, Elizabeth, and he lived in the country.
Perhaps, it was not too late to change that fate. Today, though, he had work to do. Without delay, Robert made his way down the black and white marble stairs to the breakfast room. He nodded to Mr. Winter, who opened the door for him as he approached.
“Good morning, Winter,” he called out.
“Good morning, my lord.” The butler bowed with a smile.
As soon as Robert entered the room, he came to an abrupt halt. Before him, sitting at the breakfast table, was Ash, looking more handsome than ever.
“Good morning, my lord,” Ash answered as he munched on a piece of crisp bacon and reviewed the morning paper. “There’s an article in The Times discussing how you cultivate allies in your causes.” His lips twitched as he regarded Robert. “Behind doors appears to be a favorite method.”
“Well, that seems like a pretty innocuous piece of reporting.” After he took his customary seat at the head of the table, a footman brought him a full breakfast.
Ash’s eyes widened. “Are you going to leave any for Elizabeth?”
Robert unfolded his serviette and placed it in his lap. “Come now. Did you see what was left for her?”
“Are you going to finish all that? If I ate that amount of food in one sitting, I’d need a nap afterward.”
Robert patted his flat stomach. “It helps my productivity if I’m satisfied.” He glanced at Ash as he took a sip of tea.
Ash discreetly glanced at the footmen, who were far enough away not to hear their conversation. He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “After last night, I’d say you should be very satiated.” A roguish grin tugged at one side of his mouth. “But if not, I can surely help you with that.”
Robert shook his head and stared at his plate as heat bludgeoned his cheeks. All three of them had been ravenous for one other. They’d made love two more times before they settled in Ash’s bed for the evening. Thankfully, his staff was loyal. The upper-level maids who cleaned their private chambers were familiar with their sleeping habits. He forced his gaze to Ash, who still wore that smug expression on his devilishly handsome face. “How in the devil did you beat me downstairs?”
Ash chewed another bite of bacon, then swallowed before answering. “I don’t spend hours nattering on about my clothing with Anthony.”
Robert discreetly kicked his bed partner under the table. “Perhaps not, but you don’t look as dashing as I do.”
“It’s a matter of tastes, old man,” Ash retorted.
“I’m one month older than you,” Robert pointed out as he shook his head with a smile. God, how he’d missed Ash’s devil-may-care attitude.
“Good morning,” Elizabeth called out. The smile on her face was more breathtaking than the sun greeting a new day.
Both he and Ash rose to greet her.
“Good morning, love.” As soon as Elizabeth was by his side, Robert pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Madame, may I say that you are exquisite this morning, both inside and out.” Ash bowed in Elizabeth’s direction. “You are stunning in that dress.”
Elizabeth waved a hand in his direction. “Sir, if you’ve seen this dress once, you’ve seen it a thousand times.”
“And you were still stunning each and every one of those thousand times.” Ash nodded at a footman who offered another cup of tea.
“Thank you, Morris,” Elizabeth said to the other footman, who put a plate of eggs, bacon, toast, and slices of oranges on her plate.
Both footmen nodded, then returned to their accustomed places, standing guard over the buffet.
Robert leaned back against his chair and regarded his wife. Her cheeks were unusually pink this morning. She looked remarkably healthy and happy. “I didn’t hear a single cough after we went to bed, love.”
She blushed prettily. “I had a marvelous night of sleep.” She slightly waggled her eyebrows as her gaze darted to Ash and to him. “I feel wonderful.”
Robert smiled, then turned to Ash. “What are your plans for the day?”
He shrugged. “I must see the family solicitor. There’s a piece of property I believe Daniel should purchase. It abuts the estate on the west side. He needs more room for his sheep. After I finished with the solicitor, I was going to write. But it’s not urgent. Why do you ask?”
