Page 34 of Good Duke Gone Far

“So you’ve said.” He could see her fingers tapping the table, itching to grab the spoon again. So engrossed in that tiny detail, he almost missed her next words. “I just thought you would like it.”

“I like it. It’s my favorite. I’d have it every morning if I could, which I normally do.” He watched her until he knew his stare alone prompted her to meet his gaze. “I love it.”

I love you.But he didn’t say that aloud. He couldn’t say that. Not right now. It was too soon. Too much even.

They were staring at each other over their bowls of porridge. Lost in their own troubling thoughts. He could only hope hers were as warm to a future of them together as his were.

“Let’s eat. We have a full day ahead of us. We’re going to Scotland today.”

“To meet the Duke of Dunbarshire, in fact.”

“Ah, so that’s the poor bastard’s name.”

“I’m shocked. Why would you say that?”

“He doesn’t know what he’s in for yet.”

Kat smiled, and tilted her head. “That may very well be true. We shall settle the matter soon enough. It’s exciting, isn’t it?”

“Very.” There was no point in trying to argue with her to bring her back to London. He could tell this mission meant too much to her, and it was his duty to protect her. Knowing she would make it happen, not matter what, he resigned himself to tagging along. Though, perhaps in his mind he would do more leading than tagging. That was yet to be determined.

He watched as Kat took a sip of tea. “I had them bring various beverages for you, as I didn’t remember what you said you took for breakfast. There’s tea, coffee, water, milk…”

He interrupted her trailing litany of morning beverages with a grin.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He shook his head, “I’m sure tea will be perfectly fine.”

“Wonderful.” She smiled up at him over the rim of her tea cup. “I have a feeling today will be as wonderful as this tea.”

And it was. Almost.

Chapter 13

AFTERBREAKFAST,QUINNMADEhis way down to the stables to check on his horse. Feeling guilty that he hadn’t given the animal much thought, he tried not to kick himself too much. After all, he had been quite distracted.

“How’s my horse?” Quinn asked the stablehand.

“She’s looking mighty good this morning, sir.”

“Is that so?”

“She must have just eaten something a bit funny. I’ve checked her over a couple of times, and she’s just fine now. Her breathing, her walking. No shuffling. She’s right fine to ride.” He patted the horses back.

“That’s great news.”

“I might not take her on a long trip right away, but that’s up to you.”

That ruled out taking Muffin to Scotland.

“Have you got someone here that can ride her back to London for me?”

“I’ve got a rider willing.” He tipped his hat. “For the right price.”

“Of course.”

“Hey, son.” The stablehand called over his shoulder. “Got you a ride for the day.”

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