Page 44

Jonathan also took a sip of his brandy, obviously in need of some courage as well as he contemplated his answer. “It is… different from what I expected.”

Hector raised an eyebrow. Only then did he realize what his friend was referring to. “Different? You mean to tell me that you haven’t even…” He trailed off, his implication clear.

Jonathan nodded, feeling a twinge of defensiveness. “Yes, that’s correct. She was in a nunnery, Hector. I don’t want to rush her into anything she’s not ready for.”

Hector stared at him in disbelief before breaking into a grin. “Well, I’ll be damned. The great Duke of Silverbrook showing restraint. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Jonathan chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not about restraint, Hector. It’s about respect.”

“Respect, hmm?” Hector teased, leaning forward. “And how long do you plan on maintaining this respect before you drive yourself mad?”

Jonathan laughed, a bit more freely this time. “As long as it takes. Ciara deserves that.”

Or maybe two months,he pondered silently.Maybe more?

Hector shook his head, still amused. “Well, I suppose I can’t argue with that. You’re a better man than I am, Jonathan.”

He raised his glass and then downed his drink. This time, it went exactly the way it was supposed to.

The two men exchanged knowing glances then they burst into a roaring chuckle.

“When are you joining me for a drink at our favorite tavern?” Hector asked once they stopped laughing.

Jonathan thought about it for a moment, and he realized that he had not frequented it since his marriage. “I am a married man now, old boy. Some of my habits need to change.”

“Bollocks,” Hector frowned. “I knew this would happen. You have become a lost cause.”

“Just until the ton finds another poor sap whose life is more interesting than mine,” he assured Hector. “Then, Ciara and I will start our lives apart, both of us doing exactly what we want with neither imposing on the other.”

“Separate lives?” Hector echoed.

“Mhm,” Jonathan confirmed.

“But… still married?” Hector asked for more clarification.

“Yes,” Jonathan confirmed again. “That is exactly so.”

“How much time do you give it?”

“Two months,” Jonathan shrugged. “In that time, I shall bed my wife then give her whatever she wants to live her life merrily away from me, and everyone will be happy.”

Hector pondered on it for a moment then he nodded with a smile. “I like that. I like it a lot. I might actually try it out myself.”

Jonathan laughed as he got up and poured them both another drink. Their topics slowly turned to less important matters, as usual, and he was reminded how much he missed his friend and their time together.

CHAPTER 21

That night, Jonathan was immersed in work, going over the suggestions for the roof repair of the west wing. The quiet of his study was always comforting although he was unable to escape his own mind and his thoughts. Just as he was about to delve into another document, a soft knock interrupted him.

“Yes?” he called out, looking up to see who would open the door. “Ciara?” he asked upon locking eyes with her. There was a playful smile on her lips.

She didn’t say anything. She entered the room, gliding gracefully across the floor as her eyes sparkled with mischief.

“You have been cooped up in here for days,” she pointed out, walking over to him and offering him her hand. “Come with me.” Her voice was gentle but insistent, awakening curiosity in him.

He raised an eyebrow. “And where are we going at this late hour?”

“You’ll see,” she said mysteriously.