Page 41 of Impeccable
Her eyes rounded briefly. “Oh, Gregory. You shouldn’t have done that. I don’t have anything for you.”
“That doesn’t matter to me. I would have given this to you even if it wasn’t Christmas.”
“Well, now I’m intrigued,” she said softly. “All right. I’ll meet you.”
Happiness bloomed in his chest as he gave Ash a farewell pat. “Be a good boy,” he said.
Evie bent down to give him a kiss and thoroughly rub his head and back, then he rolled over so she could pet his belly. “How can I leave him like this?” she asked, pouting.
“You can always take him with you.”
She rose with a sigh. “You’d miss him.”
“Better me than you.”
Her gaze met his. “You’re too selfless.”
Smiling, he strode toward the door. “Can anyone really be too selfless?”
“In your case, no. Because you are genuine, and most people are not.”
“You’re too cynical.”
She blinked and her forehead creased. “Am I?”
“No, nottoo, but perhaps some of my optimism will rub off on you.” He held the door for her. “You go down first. Just find your way back to the retiring room. You can say you were in the sitting room next door if necessary. I’ll say I was looking after Ash.”
“Of course you would have a plan.” Her tone held a distinct approval. She blew a kiss to Ash before leaving the room.
Gregory closed the door, then resettled Ash near the fire with a treat of dried venison and his rope toy. “I’ll be back before you know it,” he said fondly. “And with any luck, you won’t have to keep saying goodbye to Evie.”
What did he mean by that? Did he hope she would change her mind about marriage? No, he never allowed himself to consider that. It was too painful, for he’d marry her in a trice if she were inclined. He supposed he thought she might yet change her mind about taking Ash, even if it was only temporarily—as if they truly could share him.
“She’s right, though.” Gregory stroked Ash’s soft head. “I would miss you terribly.” Nearly as much as he was going to miss Evie.
He stood and left the chamber, closing the door firmly behind him. As he made his way to the stairs, he encountered a maid tidying the sitting room next to the retiring room. Had she seen Evie? A ripple of unease rolled over his shoulders.
“Have you been here long?” he asked, unable to help himself in the face of his concern.
“No, my lord.” She dipped a curtsey. “I was in the retiring room.”
Relief relaxed his frame, and he gave her a faint smile. “You do excellent work, Teresa.”
Her eyes widened briefly. “Thank you. I didn’t realize you knew my name.” Probably because his brother didn’t. He only knew the names of his valet, his wife’s maid, and the butler.
“Of course I do. You are much appreciated and valued at Witney Court.” Gregory felt a pang of remorse that he would soon spend little time here.
He nodded toward her, then continued on his way.
Evie stopped in the retiring room to make sure she wasn’ttooflushed. After splashing water on her face and ensuring her hair was still secure, she made her way downstairs. Within approximately one minute of returning to the drawing room, Heloise came gliding toward her.
“Where did you go?” she asked.
“The retiring room.”
“Avoiding Lady Witney?” This was a welcome response since Evie had expected her to note that Gregory had also been absent.
“Whenever possible,” Evie responded sardonically.
