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Victor could come in as a tie.”
    Anna and he had been lovers for some time, and though they were far from monogamous, they did have a certain compatibility that worked for them. But oddly, even as he thought about making love to Anna, he saw Shannon’s face.
    “I am exhausted,” he said before he could stop himself.
    She laughed loudly. “My God, the little servant has gotten under your skin.”
    Was it that obvious?
    “I haven’t touched her.”
    The smile disappeared from her face. “But you want to.”
    Yes, he did … desperately. But he didn’t want Anna knowing any more than she did already, especially since she was incapable of keeping a secret. “So, why did you really come here, Anna, aside from being the bearer of bad news, that is?” He was wise enough to know she had more on her mind than just sex.
    She straightened, lifted her chin, and looked him in the eye. “I understand Lady Graston is having a soiree very soon.”
    “Yes, a housewarming of sorts.”
    “I had not received an invitation and I was hoping you could speak with her on my behalf.”
    “Why do you wish to attend?”
    She licked her lips. “Let’s just say that there is someone who I would very much like to see.”
    There was a rare vulnerability in her eyes that surprised him, and he knew immediately whom she spoke of. “And would that certain someone happen to be related to Lady Graston?”
    “Rory, you are too wise for your own good.”
    “Correct me if I am wrong, but I recently helped you gain an audience with Marilyn, and that did not go at all well, from what I understand.”
    The smile faded from her lips. “Perhaps time has changed her way of thinking.”
    Her expression had changed, and he could tell he had struck a nerve. “Marilyn is engaged, Anna. Let her be.”
    “I cannot let her be,” she said abruptly, dropping her hands back to her sides. “I don’t like how we left things. I just want the opportunity to talk to her.”
    Anna’s reputation was slowly coming unraveled, but rather than save herself, she went out of her way to cause scandal. Sadly, there was little he could do to help her, save remain her friend and confidante. “Very well, I shall speak to Lily, and if she agrees and you do attend the soiree, you are not allowed to make a scene.”
    Her grin returned in force. “Thank you. What a dear friend you are. I promise you that I shall be as good as gold.”

6

    S hannon tried without success to keep from thinking of what might be happening in the guest chamber between her patient and his visitor. And she was not the only one. She heard two of the housekeepers speculating as well. They’d fallen silent when Shannon had come across them gossiping in the parlor.
    Certainly Lord Ambrose would not make love to yet another woman on the same day, would he?
    Given his reputation, she could hardly put anything past him.
    And damn her body. It betrayed her every single time she thought of being pinned beneath his powerful frame. She still burned for him, wanted to feel those large hands on her, wanted to experience what it was all those other women had. Those lucky, lucky women.
    She tried to clear her thoughts as she approached an attractive footman, who nodded in greeting. Not much older than herself, he had dark brown eyes framed by long lashes and curly chestnut hair. Whenever they served the evening meal together, she could feel his gaze on her. “How are ye today, Shannon?” he asked in a thick Scottish accent.
    “Very well, Johnny, and you?”
    “Better now, thank ye, lass,” he said with a wink, and Shannon immediately dropped her gaze.
    “Can I get that for ye?” He motioned to the large bowl of water she carried.
    “No, I have it. Thank you, though.” She shifted on her feet, feeling increasingly awkward. “Well, I should get back to work.”
    “I’ll see ye later.”
    “Yes, I’ll see you later.” She continued walking, needing a breath of fresh air, anything to get out of the