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the arrangement to her.”
    â€œAnd what will that cost me?”
    Simon smiled. “A warm bed for the night?”
    â€œBut what about my room at the inn?”
    â€œWe can take care of that for you.”
    Jack sighed and pushed away from the door, deliberately pressing himself for an instant against the now fully erect Simon before pulling away. He put on his most stuffy and disagreeable voice. “I still don’t think her ladyship would agree, and in truth, I—”
    â€œCome now, there is no need to fret. You haven’t committed yourself to anything but a bed for the night, and the lack of a long, cold ride back to the inn in the rain.” Simon remained where he was, his breathing a little short, and his color high. Like any man who risked his life openly courting another, he had obviously learned to be wary. “It can’t hurt for me to ask my sister about that.”
    Jack kept walking until he reached the double doors of the drawing room and opened them. The Dowager Countess was sitting by the fire, embroidering what looked like a baby’s cap. Her golden head was bent to her task, giving him a view of her exquisite profile and the long, swan-like curve of her neck.
    â€œMr. Smith.” She smiled up at Jack. “I was just wondering whether you meant to abandon me for the whole night.”
    He bowed. “We would never dream of doing that, my lady.”
    Even as he sat beside her and accepted the cup of tea she poured for him, he wondered if she knew about the sexual predilections of the brother who lounged at his ease opposite them. Because of the closeness between the siblings, he had to assume she did. Violet had certainly known that he would fuck anything. What would the countess feel if her brother took up with the new earl’s supposed secretary? If he was correct, and they were both intent on seducing his support, would she consider it an advantage in the game they were playing? And what of the lures she had already cast out to him? Were the Picoults happy for either sibling to land the fish?
    Jack sat back and sipped leisurely at his tea while the countess offered her brother a cup. What would she offer him next?
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    Simon winked at Mary as she passed him her tea and murmured, “He’s not quite such a dry old stick after all.”
    â€œSshh.” She frowned at him, aware that Mr. Smith had an excellent sense of hearing and was sitting barely five foot away from them.
    â€œIn truth, I’d quite like a go at him.” He raised his voice. “But of course, our esteemed guest should stay the night, dear sister, what an excellent idea.” He looked over her shoulder at Mr. Smith. “I’m afraid it is too late to go over all the papers with you this evening. After all that port I’d probably not make much sense.”
    â€œIt is of no matter,” the secretary replied. “But do not feel as if you have to offer me hospitality. I do have a room ready for me at the inn.”
    Mary turned and went toward him, her hands outstretched. She’d be damned if Simon would take all the credit for their change of heart.
    â€œWe would love you to stay with us, Mr. Smith. It won’t take but a moment to prepare a bedroom for you, and send a note to the Queen’s Head to tell them you will return on the morrow.
    He frowned. “If you are quite sure, my lady.”
    She took his hands in hers and squeezed them. “Absolutely, Mr. Smith. Jasper would never forgive me if I was less than hospitable to a man who represented another member of his family.”
    â€œTo be honest, it would certainly be pleasant not to have to ride back in the rain. I am rather tired.”
    â€œI’m sure you are. After you have finished your tea, Simon can escort you up to your bedchamber and lend you any necessities for a peaceful night’s sleep.”
    â€œThat is very kind of you both.” He bent awkwardly and kissed her