Page 54 of The Duke's Mysterious Lover
Thorne realized he’d read the same paragraph three times without understanding it and dropped the paper to his desk with a sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose, then dragged hishand through his hair and dropped his head back against the chair.
Kit’s playing was soft, soothing background sounds as his mind whirled, and Thorne felt his fingertips tapping along on the arms of his chair. How had he functioned before her music?
How had he functioned withouther?
Would she come to the Highlands with him?
If she stays yer valet, perhaps.
Three long days ago he’d learned she was a woman, and he had never expected the fierce surge ofjoyat the realization. That night, lying in bed, holding her, he’d realized why.
When he’d thought her a lad, even as he fell in love with her, Thorne had known there was no chance at an open future together. This intenseneedto have her in his life could have only worked with her continuing as his personal attendant. It would have to be a secret, the same way the old Duke of Peasgoode had lived with his long-time secretary.
But as a woman…she could behis.
It had taken a moment to realize Thorne meant marriage.
And why not?
He’d seen what his parents had, what his friends currently had. He’d always wanted that same love, the same joy, in his marriage. He’d fallen in love with Kit before he’d known marriage was a possibility, but now…? Perhaps.
But she wouldn’t be Kit if she wasn’t determined to do things her way.
All in all, he’d thought it best not to mention the marriage thing yet, what with the fact that he’d accidentally confessed his love and she’d donned her trousers again the next day and insisted on helping him dress.
Although she’d teased him about being unable to do thefiddly little buttonshimself.
In the three days since, she’d continued to dress as a lad,although she’d left off binding her breasts and she wore her auburn curls down around her ears, as Thorne had asked.
Really, seeing Titsworth’s expression the first time the man had glimpsed Kit had made the whole thing worth it.
Thorne’s lips were curled into a smile, but he sighed again.
Forget marriage. Start with asking her to visit Stroken with ye.
But that was selfish, wasn’t it? Kit’s goal was to study her father, and as far as Thorne knew, she hadn’t had the opportunity. If he dragged her away from London, she’d never have the chance.
He stared at the ceiling.
After Blackrose is behind bars, ye can help her find her father. Help her spy on the man. That’s what ye’re good at, aye?
Aye.
That was a good plan. He’d wrap up this business with Blackrose, help her meet her father, then whisk her up to the Highlands for a month or four. Show her the beauty, the majesty, and fook her sideways in every room at Stroken.
A good plan. But first…
Aye. Blackrose.
Next week this could all be over, if Thorne was brave enough to grasp the opportunity. But he couldn’t stand the thought of Bull at risk.
But the idea was a good one…
Last night he’d managed to tear himself away from Kit to visit the Calderbank house for dinner, and it had been delightful. Of course, throughout it, he kept noticing things he wanted to share with Kit; Marcia’s discourse on the suffrage movement, Rupert’s excitement about the museum, Flick’s new kitten.
What would it be like, to stroll into a friend’s home—or a Society event—with the woman he loved on his arm?
After the meal, an excited Bull had pulled him aside.
