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employer’s house.”
    In truth he didn’t have a home at all. He’d never had a home. The house he currently lived in was borrowed from a family friend, and would have to be vacated in a matter of weeks. He wanted Pinchbeck Hall. Reminded of his resolution to oust the imposters, Jack considered Simon’s choice of conversation anew.
    â€œExcuse my interest, but you haven’t chosen to marry?” Simon shoved his hand through his thick auburn hair. “My sister thinks that I should consider the advantages of the wedded state, but I find myself reluctant to commit myself.”
    â€œTo one woman?”
    Simon’s enchanting smile emerged. “To any woman.”
    Jack held the man’s gaze and considered all the very provocative replies he could make to that comment. In the end he merely smiled, and decided to turn the conversation into a safer channel. Had the siblings decided to see who could entice the staid Mr. Smith into bed first? It seemed highly likely. But if that were Simon’s intention, he’d surely bring the matter up again.
    â€œI’ve been meaning to ask you, Mr. Picoult, was the old earl buried in the parish church at St. Denys?”
    â€œHe was, Mr. Smith. Do you wish to visit his grave?”
    â€œI will do so when I return to the Queen’s Head. I believe the church is but a short walk from the inn.”
    â€œIt is.” Simon finished his port and seemed to hesitate. “Do you wish another glass, or would you prefer to join my sister in the drawing room?”
    Jack smiled slowly at his host. He was experienced enough to know when another man was seeking his company and sometimes even why. “It is excellent port.”
    An answering smile lit Simon’s brown eyes. “The earl was something of a collector of fine spirits and wines. The cellars are a marvel.”
    â€œPerhaps I should make time to investigate them before I leave Pinchbeck Hall.”
    â€œI’m convinced you should.”
    Jack finished off his port in one swallow while Simon regarded him intently.
    â€œIf you will permit.” He put down his glass, his gaze on Jack’s mouth, and leaned in, swiping his thumb over his lip. “There’s a drip.”
    He withdrew his thumb and licked the gleaming ruby port into his mouth, running his tongue around the tip of his thumb in a slow circle.
    Well, well, how interesting ... and how direct. Jack’s cock twitched as he raised his gaze from Simon’s thumb to his face. “Thank you.”
    â€œYou are most welcome.” Simon stood and brushed a far from innocent hand over the bulge in the front of his breeches. “Let me know if you find time to explore the cellars. They are well worth a visit.”
    Jack stood, too, allowing his companion a comprehensive glance at his own state of semi-arousal. “I must confess that I always enjoy the opportunity to sample new and untried pleasures. Such ‘pleasures’ and opportunities do not often cross my path.”
    Simon opened the door. “Mine either. My horizons have become rather provincial since my sister married the earl.”
    â€œPerhaps it is time for you to widen them again, Mr. Picoult.” Jack stopped right alongside Simon. “What a shame I’ll be leaving fairly shortly.”
    Simon reached out a leisurely hand and traced Jack’s lower lip with his fingertip.
    â€œMore drips of port, Mr. Picoult?”
    â€œNo.”
    His breath hitched as Jack deliberately flicked his tongue over the gliding, roughened tip.
    â€œDamn, I wish you were staying.”
    Jack leaned back against the door frame. “I don’t think her ladyship would approve, do you?”
    â€œShe can be surprisingly accommodating.”
    â€œAccommodating enough to allow me to stay here while I finish my business at the estate, and my other commissions from my master?”
    â€œIf you like, I could suggest the convenience of