Page 21 of Swindled By a Spinster
“Yes.”
“And should I expect us to be doing Archbroke favors often?”
Proud of his negotiation skills, Torrance answered, “That’s the beauty of the situation my pet.Onlywhen it suitsus.”
“Ahh…so it shall be on our terms not his.”
“Correct.”
Phoebe rewarded him with a kiss and then added, “You’re a genius, husband.”
The coach door opened before he could muss up her hair any further.
With a broad smile, Danny poked his head in. “Archbroke and Captain Bane are waiting.”
Torrance hopped out and offered his hand to Phoebe. “Ready?”
“I’m ready. Are you?” Phoebe’s gaze lowered below his waist.
The minx was a tease. He’d have to teach her a lesson or two about the consequences of flirting with her husband.
EPILOGUE
Eighteen months later…
Baron Kilman’s Country Seat - Chadstone Priory
The bright rays of sunlight fell upon Phoebe’s upturned face. She loved sitting out on the terrace and simply enjoying the peace and quiet… while it lasted.
Chadstone Priory for some reason—mostly because people sought out her husband—had become the center for the coming and going of agents for both the Home Office and Foreign Office. Agents seeking a place to lay their weary heads or escape town life in between assignments all found their way to Chadstone Priory.
Torrance in his wisdom had opened the doors of Chadstone as a haven for agents. It was a way for her husband to remain involved yet not in any official capacity. Having been an agent for years, Torrance lent a sympathetic ear and provided valuable advice to those still active in the field. There was nary a daythat passed that they were alone, which had aided in Torrance’s transition into the life of a lord of leisure. Oddly, she had adapted with ease to married life and living in a dwelling that was the complete opposite of the household she had been raised in.
“Phoeee-bee!”
Phoebe opened her eyes and spied Ruth marching across the lawn waving her hand above her head. Egad. What was Ruth up to now? The woman was constantly on the go and getting into all sorts of trouble now that her boon companion Lillian had also married.
Skirts hauled up to her ankles, Ruth hopped up the stairs and skipped along the terrace until she came to a stop in front of Phoebe. “I think I’ll venture to the village, would you like to join me?”
Torrance had kept her awake for most of the night, bringing her to climax time and time again after not engaging in marital relations for an entire week. Exhausted, Phoebe closed her eyes and rested her head back against the chair. “Not today, Ruth. I don’t have the energy.”
“I’ll gladly accompany you, Lady Ruth.”
Phoebe sat up in her chair at the sound of Rhett Cartwright, the current Earl of Saxton’s smooth, honeyed baritone voice. The young man, a second son who unexpectedly inherited the Saxton title since he was a distant cousin of the late Earl of Saxton, was built like the Adonis statue in the Elgin marbles. What was the young man up to?
“Do you want to cause a scandal, Lord Saxton?”
The young lord shook his head. “Why would I?”
“You can’t escort Ruth to the village alone. People will talk.” Phoebe rose to her feet. “I shall join you both and act as chaperone.”
“My apologies, Lady Kilman, I’m still adjusting to all the rules of proper etiquette. I shall leave Ruth in your care then.” Lord Saxton bowed, but Phoebe didn’t miss the rakish wink he sent Ruth’s way.
The even stride of boots striking the stone behind her had Phoebe twirling around. “Husband.”
“What marvelous adventures shall we go on?” Torrance asked and then turned and greeted their guests. “Lady Ruth. Saxton.”
Phoebe studied her husband who had as little sleep as she yet he appeared to be full of energy. “Ruth and I were about to take a stroll down to the village.”
