Page 140 of Their Master

But when David opened the door, he gave Luke his usual smirk and said, “He’s waiting for you up in his chambers.” He waggled his eyebrows. “A fine dinner he’s ordered for your de-lec-ta-tion.”

Luke laughed as he unwound his muffler. “Impressive. You must’ve been reading something other than the penny dreadfuls.”

David grinned. “Thanks toyourinfluence, if that’s what you’re asking.”

It hadn’t been, but Luke was pleased he’d given something to the other man, even if it was only better taste in books.

“You look well, Luke, working for Miss Moira suits you.”

“Thank you. And yes, it does,” he said, annoyed that his face heated.

But David gave him a genuine smile, rather than teasing him for his blushing. “I’m glad for you.”

“How are things with you?” Luke asked.

“Good, good. I’m seeing Tony.”

Luke grinned. Tony was one of the grooms, who was as well-hung as his equine charges. “Ah, lucky bugger.”

“Exactly.”

They laughed and Luke headed up the stairs.

He knocked softly before entering his master’s chambers.

Mr. Smith was sitting in front of a crackling fire, smoking a cheroot and reading something—business papers, probably. He looked up and smiled—a real smile, one that reached his eyes. “Hello Luke, come warm yourself by the fire. There’s a chill in the air tonight.”

“Thank you, sir.” He took the chair the other man indicated.

“How are you this evening?”

“I’m well, sir. And yourself? Did your out-of-town business go well?”

“I am well and yes, the weeks of negotiation were brutal, but my syndicate is now the owner of the largest tinned food processing facility in England.”

“Congratulations, sir.”

“Thank you. I’d like to apologize for my rudeness the last time we spoke.”

Luke blinked, floored.

Smith laughed. “Oh come, do I really apologize so rarely as that?”

“No, sir, it’s not that. It’s just that you rarely have reason to.”

Smith’s expression became sober. “That is a very kind thing to say.”

“It is true, sir. At least in my experience.”

“Well, then. All is good between us?”

“It always was sir.”

“Anything I need to be made aware of?”

Mr. Smith always asked the same question. Usually, Luke had nothing to tell him, but tonight …

“Actually, there is one thing, sir.”

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