Page 71 of Oddity of the Ton
“Oh dear, yes,” she replied, her color deepening. “I’m always forgetting that sort of thing. Papa doesn’t mind, of course. Mother would be ashamed if she were here. But I always think it’s polite to address someone as Mr., Mrs., or Miss, rather than just using their surname. A surname on its own has a certain abruptness to it. I mean—the other servants address you as Mr. Jenkins, do they not?”
Jenkins arched his eyebrows so high that they were in danger of disappearing off the top of his forehead. Miss Howard stiffened and shifted closer to Monty, as if seeking protection.
Then the butler’s mouth cracked into a smile. “It’s something I’ve never considered, miss,” he said. “But it’s part of the tradition that has existed for generations. Without tradition, mankind risks descending into savagery.”
“I like rules,” Miss Howard said. “There’s comfort in knowing exactly what to do, and say, rather than having to work it out for oneself. But I cannot understand the sense in maintaining a tradition for the sake of it. Some rules can be unfair. For example, Harriet is expected to sit outside the carriage while I’m inside—even if it’s raining, and—”
She broke off, and her hand flew to her mouth.
“Oh! I’m so sorry for rattling on. I never know when to speak and when to stay silent. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Ido, miss,” the butler said, and Monty gritted his teeth. Miss Howard may not behave as a Society lady ought, but she didn’t deserve Jenkins’s disapprobation.
“Wh-what’s that?” she asked, her voice wavering.
“A sense of justice.”
Then the butler winked—he actuallywinked!—before bowing and addressing Monty.
“Your Grace,” he said, the pomposity in his tone returning, “perhaps you should escort your guests inside. There’s a nip inthe air. Lord Marlow, Lady Marlow—how pleasant to see you again.”
“Thank you, Jenkins,” Marlow said as he approached the butler, arm in arm with his wife.
Monty escorted Miss Howard inside. She flicked her gaze around the main hallway, then tilted her head back to look at the ceiling. “I hadn’t expected it to be so huge!”
The little devil in his head let out a chuckle, and his manhood hardened at the thought of Miss Howard uttering those words in the bedchamber—her eyes and mouth wide open with wonder, before he led her on the path to her first climax.
Oh, to imagine the pleasure to be had at watching her writhing beneath him, surrendering her willing body before screaming his name as he buried himself inside her!
“Y-Your Grace?”
Her inquiry returned him to the present, and he patted her hand and smiled. “Tea?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” Marlow said before Miss Howard could reply. “Does your cook still make that fruitcake? The one glazed in honey, with the toasted almonds on top?” He turned to his wife. “My love, you simplymusttry some. And you, of course, Miss Howard.”
“I-I suppose so,” Miss Howard said quietly.
“Or perhaps you wish to take your rest?” Monty suggested.
A flicker of hope ignited in her eyes, then she shook her head. “No, I ought to stay up.”
“Why, because you think it’s the rule?” Monty teased, then his conscience jabbed at him at the distress in her expression. He dipped his head, bringing his mouth tantalizingly close to her lips. “Some rules ought not to be adhered to.”
Then he waved over the housekeeper.
“Mrs. Adams, have someone show Miss Howard to her chamber, then send for her maid.”
“Very good, sir.” The housekeeper offered her arm. “Come with me, my dear. A rest will do you good after being cooped up in that carriage. Traveling can be exhausting, even if you’re sitting, I always find.”
I always find?Monty couldn’t recall the last time Mrs. Adams set foot outside the estate, let alone actuallytraveledanywhere. But her kind words had the desired effect, and Miss Howard smiled, then took the proffered arm.
“Iama little tired,” she said.
“Of course you are, my dear! Come along and we’ll make sure you’re well rested in time for the evening. Dinner’s at seven.”
“I shouldn’t need that long.”
“You can join us when you’ve had your rest,” Monty said. “Or, if you’re eager to view the painting, I—or anyone else here—can take you to it.”
