A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,43

a good night’s rest.”

She took his arm, and together they strolled out of the garden toward the carriage. He thought her ideas sound. She smiled in satisfaction before it slowly drifted away.

Working this closely with him would not be easy. Her lonesome heart might want more.

And she couldn’t let it.

Chapter Ten

The next day, Christian waited for his friend to arrive. Julian Raleah, the Marquess of Grayson was more than a friend. He was the perfect audience for Christian when he wrestled with a new idea or concern. They’d met at university and had become fast friends. That friendship had grown over the years. Christian felt closer to Grayson than he ever had with Meriwether.

Last night after Christian had returned home from Lady Woodhaven’s dinner party, he’d received a note that Grayson would visit this morning. Now more than ever, he needed his friend’s guidance.

Christian had spent practically the entire night pacing his room. He’d been overjoyed with Kat’s thoughts for starting a business. But there were other matters seeking his attention, namely a solution for Meri’s mess. For all his ability to strategize and plan, Christian was in a fog. He still waited for the Earl of Sykeston’s response to Christian’s request that he come to London. Only then would Christian broach the subject of marrying Constance. But what could he offer Miss Howell? She couldn’t stay hidden forever working in a factory.

It didn’t help matters that Katherine was at the center of the fog. Every time he thought of her, things became murkier. For God’s sake, he almost kissed her last night. Her empathy and playful banter had been like a spark to a powder keg. It had set off a want—no, a need—that couldn’t be extinguished. He wanted that connection to another person. But not just any person, only Katherine.

He propped his elbows on the burl wood desk and rested his head in his hands. When she’d licked her plump red lips last night, desire had run like liquid fire through every part of him. His body seemed to vibrate in response to her. He recognized Katherine as an attractive woman, but he prided himself on self-control. It had kept him alive for all those years in the military, but last night, his famous willpower had gone on an unexcused holiday.

When Lady Woodhaven had shared that Meri had left her quickly after the marriage, Christian had been shocked. But it wasn’t surprising once he considered the source.

“Captain, Lord Grayson is here to see you.” Morgan stepped aside, and Grayson entered the room.

“Good God, Randford. There’s not a mark on you. That’s a sure sign you’re the devil’s spawn.” With dark brown hair and determined brown eyes, his friend was a formidable man. All six foot three inches of his body was toned muscle, the sign of a man who worked hard.

With a grin, Christian stood from the desk and made his way to his friend. Instantly, they embraced. “Thank you for coming.”

“I’d have been here sooner, but estate business kept me from calling earlier.” Grayson pounded him on his back. “Three years. I can’t believe you’re finally back. How I’ve missed you, old man.” He finally released Christian and studied him as if under a magnifying glass.

After several moments, Christian had had enough. “What are you looking for?”

“I’m counting the scars that can’t be seen.” Grayson laughed at his own observation. “There are quite a few, aren’t there?”

His friend’s observation hit a little too close to the truth. “Come, let’s share a drink. I have much to discuss.” Christian strode to the side table and poured a fingerful of brandy for his friend and the same amount of whisky for himself. By then, Grayson had settled himself in front of the roaring fire that crackled in welcome.

He returned to the marquess’s side and handed him a glass. They both silently toasted each other.

“I prayed for your safe return every day,” Grayson said.

His chest tightened at the quiet words. At least one person had cared whether he’d returned or not. “Thank you. There were so many others who didn’t have the same luck.”

The two men downed the rest of their drinks without speaking, in remembrance for all their friends and acquaintances they’d lost in the war.

Christian sat in the chair next to his friend. “Do you ever regret not joining the Navy?”

Grayson shook his head, then got up from the chair. As he made his way to the brandy, he grabbed Christian’s empty glass. He poured both of them