Page 14 of Tender Blackguard

“But I’ve witnessed your dedication to your duties and your efficient manner in managing your responsibilities.”

When he paused this time, Lark tilted her head and gave a short smile. “Thank you, Mr. Gideon. I appreciate the acknowledgment.”

The older man nodded in return. Then his spine softened, and he shifted to rest his elbows on the armrests. As his eyes swept around her room, she realized he had not yet gotten to his true purpose.

“You keep a lovely room, Mrs. Evans.”

“Thank you.” The room looked exactly as it had the first day she’d walked in. Her only personal belongings were tucked into the old wardrobe behind the screen by her bed.

As his attention slid over her empty tea table for the third time, realization and inspiration struck.

“Mr. Gideon, may I offer you a bit of refreshment?”

The man’s eyes sparked. “Oh, that’s not necessary. I’ve no desire to be a bother.”

Rising to her feet, she brushed off his clearly reluctant refusal. “’Tis no bother at all. And I think I’ve just the thing for such a blustery day.”

Crossing to the small cupboard beside her desk, she took out a pair of teacups and saucers then slipped a small bottle—which she kept on hand for exactly this type of occasion—into the pocket of her skirt. She returned to her guest and carefully set the cups on the table between their chairs.

“I’m afraid I cannot offer you tea since I haven’t yet had an opportunity to purchase a personal supply,” she explained apologetically. “I do, however, have something a bit better.”

When she withdrew the bottle of Scottish whisky from her pocket and poured a healthy splash into each of their cups, the old man’s lips curved into a slow grin.

Rheumy eyes met hers. “Mrs. Evans, I do believe we’re going to get along quite well, indeed.”

The unexpectedly effusive words inspired a chuckle as she handed the man his cup then took her seat. It appeared she’d found the man’s weakness.

After a quiet moment as they both enjoyed the potent spirits, the butler cleared his throat once again.

“Mrs. Evans, forgive me, but I must broach a rather sensitive topic.” The reluctance in his tone was tinged with a sort of protectiveness that sparked her curiosity.

“Please, go on.”

Thick brows lowered as he leaned forward. “I’m sure you’re aware of the fact that this household once had a rather dark mark against it.”

Lark nodded. She’d heard all the rumors before applying. Although the details were old and rather shrouded, it was well known that the prior marquess had been a debauched and wicked hedonist. The type of gentleman who believed his female servants to be his own personal harem. He’d left England abruptly some years ago and died somewhere on the Continent just before the current marquess took up residence.

Although it was certainly possible the son took after his father in such proclivities, he hadn’t been in London long enough for any rumors to that effect to take hold. And Lark hadn’t seen any evidence of such behavior herself.

The butler took another healthy sip before curving his long spine to relax a bit in his chair.

“When I accepted a position under our current lord some months ago, it was on a tentative basis.” His dark eyes flashed with surprising vigor. “I would never serve a house of ill repute, but I was willing to form an opinion of the heir separate from his sire.”

Lark raised a brow. She hadn’t expected such an open-minded viewpoint from the pompous servant.

“He’s a gloomy gentleman to be sure,” he continued, “but I’ve only ever witnessed him to behave with utmost propriety.”

“That’s good to hear,” Lark replied, though she wasn’t sure gloomy was the word she’d use to describe their mutual employer. Brooding seemed a far more fitting descriptor. Or enigmatic. Or fascinating.

No, not that. Certainly not that.

“What else do you know of him?”

The butler sighed heavily, and Lark leaned forward to add a bit more to his teacup. His smile was grateful. “Not much, I’m afraid. Only that he came into the title less than six months ago. Rumor has it no one knew the prior marquess even had a son. The current lord showed up in London shortly after his sire’s death. No one knew where he came from or where he’d been, but he certainly hadn’t grown up in his father’s household.”

It would appear Mr. Gideon was a bit of a gossip. Perfect.

Lark widened her eyes to hide her smile. “Are there doubts to his legitimacy?”

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