Page 42 of Mr Winterbourne's Christmas

The study was at the back of the house. You couldn’t hear carriages arriving from there, so, when Adam burst into the study, Lysander’s expression was all astonished pleasure.

“Adam!” He jumped up and threw himself into Adam’s outstretched arms.

“You’re early!” he said. “I wasn’t expecting you till Saturday. God, it’s good to see you!”

Adam kissed him hungrily. “I missed you,” he said roughly. “Next time I go away that long, you’re coming with me.”

“Mmm,” Lysander said against his lips, an incoherent murmur of agreement, and then they were kissing again.

“Bed?” Adam said when they finally broke apart.

“Bed,” Lysander agreed.

They left the study in an unholy rush, making for the entrance hall and the main stairs.

“Oh, I’ve brought you a present, by the way,” Adam said, thinking of Jonny.

“Have you?” Lysander twinkled up at him. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Adam opened his mouth to tell him, but Lysander spoke again before he could get a word out. “Oh, and I forgot to mention—guess who’s finally come for that long-promised visit?”

Adam had no time to hazard a guess before they were rounding the corner into the hallway and being confronted with the answer to that question.

Jonny Mainwaring was facing down Lord Perry Cavendish, giving him a long, appreciative look, while Cavendish—a full head taller at least—stood before him with a frankly terrified expression on his face.

“My word,” Jonny said, in his light, drawling voice. “Aren’tyoua big fellow!”

Adam quickly tugged Lysander back round the corner before they were seen.

“Oh my word, poor Perry!” Lysander whispered against Adam’s lips, his eyes dancing with amusement. “I should rescue him—did you see his face?”

“He’ll be all right,” Adam murmured. “I’m sure Jonny will be gentle with him.”

Lysander gave a breathy laugh. “I daresay you’re right. Shall we take the back stairs to the bedchamber then?”

Adam gazed down at his lover and his chest ached with happiness.

“You lead on, Mr. Winterbourne,” he said. “And I’ll follow.”

Lysander’s gaze softened at his words. “Is that a promise, Mr. Freeman?”

“Always,” Adam said. “Always and forever.”

**

The End