Page 105 of The Governess and the Brooding Duke
‘And you did not have to tell me of your plans to make her a mistress, or of your feelings. You could have left it at the physical, so I can only assume you wanted a lecture. What is it you are asking me? Because youareasking me something, Samuel.’
‘What I am asking is if you would still come sit at my table. If my mistress sat beside me.’
Luke laughed. ‘I was raised in the same house as you. I don’t care about propriety. All I care about is whether or not a person’s actions are cruel. This has the potential to be, and I am reminding you of that.’
‘I do not have a wife anymore.’
‘I know. But your wife died only recently. And anyway, it is not that which concerns me. I wonder if you have thought fully about what it would mean forher. As you have pointed out, she is beneath you in status. The consequences for her will be grave.’
‘She’s smart. She will know what it means for her.’
He could see Luke sitting with that. Then he nodded slowly. ‘You are right, of course. The lady will be very conscious of what it means for her. But does she believe her job will be in jeopardy if she refuses you?’
‘No, she has freedom in this and she has been made aware of it.’
‘You will have no judgement from me. Or Grace.’
‘You’re certain?’
He chuckled, looking down into his glass. ‘My wife is an adventurous woman.’
‘And what exactly does that mean?’
Luke lifted a brow. ‘My wife and I have said vows to each other, separate to the vows one speaks in a church. Our own vows are unconventional. She and I enjoy a bit of pleasure-seeking. Often, we enjoy inviting another person into our bed. Grace is no prude.’
He stared in awe at his brother, whose wife was a lady, a gently bred one at that, who was a delightfully sweet wife and mother, and who was apparently anadventuress.
‘And you are all right with sharing?’ The very idea made him want to start a war. He would not share Mary with anyone.
‘As long as I’m there to watch.’
‘And you’re not worried about her getting with child?’
Luke’s brows lifted. ‘I did not say they were men, West.’
‘This might be a bit too intimate a conversation,’ said West.
‘You brought it up. I am only saying that Grace and I will have no difficulty sitting at your table. She will not judge a woman for her appetites. She has her own.’
‘As long as we can be assured of your continued presence in the house.’
‘Naturally. But you know that you could not take her to London. There will be whispers, of course. About your country mistress. But as long as your children have a proper governess I fail to see the issue. You’re a duke. No one will judge you.’
‘And as long as I keep her away from judgement you will not revile me.’
‘Yes, indeed. And as long as you don’t keep her once you take another wife.’
‘I don’t need another wife. I have enough money and enough children.’
‘A very good thing. Then take her as a mistress, West, why not? There is no reason to deny yourself.’
‘I have denied myself all of my life. It has seemed necessary.’
‘You are not an indulgence away from becoming our father. Our father was such a hideous man. And his behaviour continues to be the stuff of legend. You are not him.’
‘No indeed.’
And he realised he could’ve confided in his brother about Jane. But he didn’t. Not because of Jane. Because of Lachlan.
