“Valentine is here with a…guest, Lucas.” Serena’s voice was polite, but her whole demeanour showed her disapproval of business being conducted at our home, and in the evening, too. I had no appetite to argue with her. The day had been long, and the anticipation of this evening painful. I had attended many business meetings in my professional life, of course, and I had no fear of them.
Why, then, did this one feel so different?
Valentine appeared at the doorway behind her, passing his overcoat to our manservant. He placed a proprietary hand on her arm, and her cheeks coloured. Had they touched hands in the hallway, linked fingers in that coy way that lovers have? Had they kissed? His lips were pink, like a woman’s. I wondered how they might taste.
Good God. I shocked myself. I was becomi
