Page 56 of Impassioned
“What a brilliant idea. Thank you, Haddock.”
The butler inclined his head. “Mrs. Haddock and I shall leave you to it.”
The housekeeper started to turn as her husband came abreast of her, and it would have been easy, second nature even, for Haddock to gently touch her back as they departed. However, he didn’t do that, nor did she move close enough to invite his attention. Because they couldn’t, not while they were working. Why had Constantine never wondered about their marriage and how it might converge with their posts before?
“Haddock,” Constantine called before they left.
The butler pivoted. “My lord?”
“When you and Mrs. Haddock have your next afternoon off, I want you to have your own wine tasting.”
Haddock looked mildly horrified. “We could not.”
“I insist. With the cheeses too.” He smiled at Mrs. Haddock who looked completely bemused.
“Thank you, my lord,” Haddock said, and this time they left without interruption.
Sabrina slid him a glance that was not unlike Mrs. Haddock’s expression. “I think you shocked them.”
“Did I surprise you too?”
“Yes. With the Repton book and now this.”
“I am also surprising myself,” he murmured. “Shall we sample the first claret?” He picked up his glass.
She did the same. “How am I to try all this without becoming frightfully inebriated? I have never been even a little bit drunk, but I hear the aftereffects can be most unpleasant.”
“That is true. The first time I overimbibed, I was at Oxford. I couldn’t hold my head up straight or keep food in my stomach for two days.”
Again, her eyes rounded. It seemed he couldn’t help but shock her repeatedly today. “I can’t believe you would do that.”
“It was many years ago, but yes. I haven’t thought of that in a very long time.” He sipped the claret and set the glass down. “If you take very small samples and nibble as you go along, you should be fine. The white wines have a lower alcohol content while the fortified wines in the back row have more.”
“I see. Perhaps I won’t even finish those. Or I will barely wet my lips with them.”
Suddenly he was staring at her mouth, wishing he could wet her lips with his tongue. He took another drink of the claret. “Ah, what did you think of that one?”
“It was nice, I suppose. I should probably try the next one so that I have something to compare it to.” She sampled the second glass, and Constantine did the same.
“Clarets are a blend of different grapes from the Burgundy region of France. The first two have been in the cellar for some time, but the third one, I admit, was smuggled last year.”
She gave him a sly look. “I never would have guessed you would purchase smuggled wine. You are so very proper.”
“Occasionally, I allow myself to indulge.” He winked at her and couldn’t remember the last time he’d done so. Had he ever winked at anyone before?
“This must be a very good wine.” She plucked up the third glass and sipped. “Oh, that is lovely. I would describe it as velvety. It’s very soft against my tongue.”
Did she have any idea what her words were doing to him? He was half-erect already. Shifting in his chair, he took a drink, already knowing it was his favorite of the three reds. “Velvety is exactly the word I would use. I think we should have a few bites before we continue.”
“Allow me. But first, let me set this card aside.” She plucked up the third claret card and set it to the left of her place so that it was between them. Standing, she put together two plates of the various foods.
Constantine continued to take pleasure in watching her. This simple task she performed was incredibly domestic and somehow also incredibly arousing. Perhaps he should stop looking at her backside as she bent over the table. “I wanted to tell you that my father has agreed to allow you to assume the responsibilities of sponsor for my sister.”
Sabrina dropped a wedge of apple on the tablecloth, her gaze snapping to Constantine’s. “He did?”
“Aren’t you pleased?” He couldn’t tell, particularly since her eyes had darkened with what he thought was fear.
“I am, though I confess I am astonished that he agreed. I expected him to refuse.” She picked up the apple and put it on the plate before setting it in front of Constantine.
