A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,89

and pointed to a cabinet above her head. “Wull ye fetch th’ whisky doon?”

“Of course.” Gallantly, he retrieved the bottle and handed it to Willa. “Congratulations,” Morgan joined in.

“Thank you,” Katherine said then tilted her head in his direction. It was odd to find him in their kitchen this time of the evening. “How are you feeling, Mr. Morgan?”

“I’ve been having trouble sleeping,” he answered. “Sometimes, my memories won’t let me be. Willa was preparing a tonic for me.”

Kat was well-familiar with those type of memories. She smiled empathetically. “Willa’s tonics are a godsend for me when my memories won’t let me rest. I’m sure you’ll find them helpful.”

“My lady, I didn’t know you had the same type of sleep problems as me. What memories keep you up at night?”

Before Kat could answer, Willa did the honors. “The lass worries too much.” She turned to Kat. “I knew you’d git the contract,” Willa announced proudly as she poured a third cup of tea. Then she put a fingerful of whiskey into each cup. “My lass, may this be the first of many.” When Willa held up her cup, Katherine and Morgan did the same.

All three of them took a drink. Katherine’s was a sip. Willa’s whisky was known for its potency. She turned to Morgan. “The duke planned to call on me tomorrow, but I think I’ll visit Rand House early in the morning before he can leave. I must share my news.”

“Why don’t you come back with me this evening? I know the captain would love to share in the celebration.” Even with his eye patch, Morgan’s sheepish smile gave him the appearance of a young man. “Actually, I wanted to ask if you could help me with the linens Lord Meriwether bought from you last year. We found them in some of his possessions with a note that they were for the captain’s bed. Neither the housekeeper nor I can figure out how to put your beautiful pillowcases on the pillows.”

“Is the duke home?” Katherine asked while hiding her excitement that Christian would soon be sleeping on something she’d made.

Morgan shook his head. “No, my lady. But he soon will be.”

“Then let’s you and I finish making his bed before he arrives home.”

She couldn’t wait until tomorrow. She had to see him now.

Chapter Nineteen

After an evening with Grayson, Christian was in a delightful mood. His friend had been excellent company, helping Christian see the advantages of receiving his half brother’s strange bequests. They’d laughed over Poison Blossom and the tigers. The horse was currently in Christian’s London stables and wouldn’t be moved until she foaled. Christian had sent the tigers to a tenant at his ancestral estate who had experience with the creatures. Meriwether’s paramour had been thrilled when Christian had cancelled the rest of Meri’s contract and had given her the deed to the house where she lived. All in all, everything appeared to be working out well for him and the three wives.

He hummed a little ditty as he climbed out of his carriage, then proceeded up the front steps of his London home. Like clockwork, the door opened as soon as he reached the landing to the front door.

“Good evening, Your Grace,” Wheatley called out with a smile.

“Indeed, it is,” Christian answered, stepping into the entry of his home. After he handed off his beaver hat to a nearby footman, Christian stopped. A delicate fragrance floated through the air, one that reminded him of violets. “Is Lady Meriwether here?”

The butler chuckled. “How observant, Your Grace.”

“Where is she?”

Wheatley pointed toward the second floor. “Your bedchamber, sir.”

“Thank you.” Christian took the steps two at a time to the second floor. Morgan was coming down the steps at the same time. They met in the middle.

“Captain, Lady Meri—”

“In my bedchambers?” he asked.

“Yes, sir. She has a surprise for you. I would have stayed with her, but there’s a problem with the laundry. Two of the laundry maids are arguing over the starch in your shirts. I hope it’s all right that I left her.”

“Of course,” Christian agreed. “Go save my shirts.”

“If need be, I’ll call in the dragoons.” Morgan laughed, then proceeded down the steps.

Without looking back, Christian made his way in the opposite direction, toward his bedchamber. Katherine’s violet scent lingered. His lucky stars had to be in alignment at the moment. He could tell her about the marriage proposal, and afterward kiss her until …

Then it hit him, the full force of realization. For once in