Page 46 of An Earl, His Valet, & Their Wife

And as long as that world included the three of them together forever…a trio who cared deeply and supported unreservedly in good times and difficult ones…who was she to protest?

* * *

Considering he was about to enter a lion’s den, Michael felt remarkably calm. Especially compared to Gerry.

He smiled as he watched his scowling valet straighten his own cravat and smooth his dove-gray jacket sleeves for about the hundredth time. Gerry was preparing for battle, and heaven help any guest who thought to make trouble. They might find themselves with a pair of shiners or flying headfirst into one of the perfectly manicured shrubberies in the center of Grosvenor Square.

How magnificent it was to have a champion, though. Gerry cared so much that ignoring society norms to stand in a receiving line was something he would just do. Even after that dreadful article. Naturally, there would be those who would urge Michael to dismiss Gerry or send him back to Scotland as the scandal was too unseemly. But nothing could ever provoke such actions in him. And if anyone pressed the issue, they might discover just how fiery a gentlemanly earl could be.

A delicate cough made him turn to see Katherine standing in the doorway to her chamber. Or more accurately…the most beautiful goddess to have ever walked the earth.

Michael’s jaw dropped in pure admiration. Over the past few days, boxes and boxes of tissue-wrapped finery had arrived from Madame Odette, and tonight Katherine wore one of her new creations: a ballgown of sapphire-blue satin set with crystals at the daring, square-cut bodice, and circling the ankle-length hem. Diamond-studded combs secured her chignon, a diamond choker rested around her slender neck, and with silver satin gloves and slippers, Katherine actually shimmered in the soft glow of the candelabra around them.

“You look…” he said, flailing for the words to properly describe such a vision.

Katherine’s lips twitched. “Adequate?”

“Like enchanted moonlight,” Michael said reverently.

His countess winked. “Don’t tell Gerard,” she whispered, loud enough to wake the dead, “but I adore my new gowns and may in future be excited about modiste and milliner appointments.”

Gerry glanced over, his expression smug. “Was only a matter o’ time, sweetling. I look forward tae dressing ye for winter.”

“And undressing me too?”

Michael laughed as he removed his spectacles and began polishing them with a handkerchief. “Never fear, we’ll keep you warm.”

Katherine went up on her tiptoes and kissed him, then stepped back. “A part of me wants to dishevel you, but I dare not ruin Gerard’s fine work. I love that we match, your waistcoat and my gown and his trousers.”

He glanced down. Once again, Gerry had worked a miracle. Tonight, Michael wore an ensemble of black jacket, sapphire-blue waistcoat, and black trousers that made him look both elegant and distinguished. Because it was a special occasion, Gerry had also arranged his cravat in a most spectacular fashion, and with diamond cuff studs and diamond shoe buckles, he felt rather princely. “While I’d much rather stay up here with you two…as it’s just chimed eight, our guests, if any, will start arriving shortly.”

“Of course there’ll be guests,” said Gerry, stepping into his shoes then walking over to join them. “Some might even genuinely wish us well.”

Katherine snorted. “Indeed. I’m still not sure if my parents will come or my mother will discover a previously unknown sore ankle or head cold. I thought she might send a note of support after that wretched article, but clearly, being connected to a shameless harlot bluestocking was entirely too much for her delicate sensibilities.”

Michael slid his arm around her waist. “We are doing the right thing here. As you said, hiding away and letting Nero win would not be the right course of action.”

“Aye,” added Gerry, kissing them both. “We need tae march downstairs and stand shoulder tae shoulder. Nae fraud, incompetence, harlots or criminals, just an earl, his valet, and their wife who love each other, and that is that.”

Moments later, arm in arm, they made their way along the hallway and down the stairs. The servants had worked tirelessly all day; the entire ground floor had been thoroughly cleaned then decorated in swathes of white, silver, and gray silk with sapphire-blue ribbons twined around the pillars. Huge arrangements of white roses and fresh greenery scented the entrance hall, and in the ballroom itself, a string quartet were onstage tuning their instruments. In one corner, a large ice sculpture shaped like a blooming rose sat next to a refreshment table laden with brandy decanters, bottles of wine, champagne, ratafia, port, and lemonade. The second table would be used later on for a light supper of rolls and butter, lobster cakes, sliced glazed ham, pastries, sweetmeats, apple tarts, and meringues topped with a swirl of vanilla cream. There was even an antechamber set up with card tables for whist or vingt-et-un for those who preferred to sit rather than stand or dance.

Gerry peered around the ballroom like an eagle circling its prey, but surely not even his discerning eye could spot a fault. Everyone had done a sterling job.

“Are we ready?” said Michael. “I see carriages outside. One is Mama and Uffy’s, but there are several others behind it.”

“I invited the Townsend-Grants,” said Gerry. “Always good tae have at least one other scandalous trio in the room.”

“Excellent.”

Katherine took their arms. “Perhaps we’ll start a new fashion. Soon everyone will want a household of three. Or at least, those who are doing so discreetly will be more open about it.”

“In England?” said Gerry, shaking his head. “Sassenachs being free? Good God, woman, the realm would collapse.”

She smiled sweetly and accidentally crushed his instep. “Let’s go greet our guests, Scot.”

Trying desperately not to laugh, Michael escorted them back to the entrance hall. Kenney was just admitting the Uffingdons, and Michael raised a hand in greeting. “Mama! Uffy. Glad you could come.”

His mother swept forward, immaculately gowned in ruby-red. “Of course we’re here, darling! Good evening, Katherine, you look divine. Oh, good evening, Hunter…are you staying?”