Page 28 of Revealing a Rogue
In fact, Lady Mary’s tone was rather forward, given she was addressing the most senior-ranking PORF.
Landon chucked as he refolded the parchment. “Lady Mary may take credit, but I’d wager it was Lady Frances’s doing.”
“Who is Lady Frances?”
“A close companion and advisor to Lady Mary.”
“Does she reside with them? Will I meet her?”
“Hmm... Yes, she does reside with them, but no one—not even Waterford—has technically had the pleasure of meeting the extremely wise and meddling Lady Frances.”
Bronwyn’s knowledge of Lady Mary was limited to a few facts. Daughter of a duke. Her brother closest in age and Waterford’s best friend had died upon the battlefield. She recently brought Waterford up to snuff and married him. And, ah, yes…the rumors. “It’s true? Lady Mary can see and talk to the dead?”
Landon needn’t answer. The stiffening of the staff’s posture told Bronwyn they did not care for her shocking statement regarding their mistress.
Landon took her elbow and guided her to the front door. “Yes, Mary has the gift.”
“Oh, I’ve never met anyone with such a talent. I’m ever so glad Lady Mary invited us to stay. I do wish to meet her.”
From behind, Duncan mumbled, “Be careful what ye wish for.”
Chapter Thirteen
Bed linens tangled about his legs, Landon stretched out and wiggled until his feet came free. Three days, he’d laid about with his beguiling wife—three long nights of pleasuring her until they fell asleep with exhaustion. Bronwyn was eager to please him in and out of bed. He had shared the tale of how he came to be in possession of the rondure, and she shared the details of cases she and Christopher had dealt with since his departure from the firm.
In all the hours they spent together, he hadn’t managed to find an appropriate time to confess his love for her. The woman excelled at directing and redirecting conversations. Not once had she indicated she might return his regard. While they were indisputably compatible in bed, he believed it had the potential to be much more. The one element missing was love. But as time passed, Landon became increasingly wary. The fear of her not returning the words of endearment caused him to postpone sharing his deepest feelings for her.
Bronwyn twisted to look over her shoulder at him. “I’d like to explore the castle and the grounds today.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“Don’t you have other matters to attend to? I’m sure there is a stack of correspondence somewhere that needs your attention.”
“Have you tired of my company already?” His question got her full attention.
She turned and to face him. “I’d happily lie abed with you all day, but I am aware that you have been neglecting your duties. I can’t bear the guilt of occupying all your time any longer.”
“Is that what has been bothering you?”
She stared at him hard. “Aren’t you bored of my company?”
“Definitely not.” Unable to resist, he placed a chaste kiss upon her lips.
“Really. Most people tire of my constant debating after an hour or less.”
“Your ability to systematically point out the flaws of any argument is one of the things I adore about you.”
Her cheeks turned a pretty rose color. “In any case, I know what it is like to be the one waiting for a decision on a matter to be made. Attend to your responsibilities, and I shall go on an adventure.”
If they tackled the mountain of letters awaiting him together, the sooner he could return to more pleasurable pursuits with his wife. “Would you like to assist me?”
“Are you certain you want my help?”
“It would be like before, at the firm.”
A smirk appeared on Bronwyn’s otherwise serious features. “My thanks for the offer, but I think the sunshine will do me good.”
Odd.Landon had been confident Bronwyn would leap at the opportunity. Instead, his wife placed a kiss upon his forehead and disappeared into the adjoining chamber.
