Page 75 of Lyon of Least Resistance

“No, sir, I merely enjoy her company. After all, that’s why I married her.”

The agent winced as if he expected an admonishment.

“Do you often take luncheon with your wife, Mr. Wood?” James said.

The agent arched an eyebrow. “I do, when the weather’s as good as it is today.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Have you never picnicked out of doors, sir?”

“As a child, yes, but when I entered adulthood…”

“You abandoned pursuits that had no useful purpose other than enjoyment?” Mr. Wood let out a soft chuckle. “Having a little fun won’t ruin the reputation of a viscount, sir.”

Heavens! Mr. Wood was being unusually bold this morning. Insolent, even.

The agent bowed and his eye twitched, almost as if he’d winked, then he exited the study.

James followed him and flagged down a footman in the hall.

“Robert, have Edwards saddle Hercules and Atalanta, then ask Mrs. Vaughan to prepare a basket for luncheon and have it taken to…” He paused. Where the bloody hell was an appropriate spot for a picnic?

“Sir?” The footman frowned.

“Somewhere suitable.”

A smile curved the young man’s lips and he nodded. “If I may make a recommendation, sir, the clearing in the woods by the waterfall is very pretty. I take Tilly there when we…”

Then lowered his gaze, his cheeks reddening. Bloody hell, he looked as smitten as Mr. Wood.

Am I surrounded by lovesick men?

Yes, he was. And they all seemed so infuriatingly happy.

“See to it, would you, Robert?” James said.

“Of course, sir. I’ll take it over there myself.”

“Take Tilly with you if you need a hand,” James said. “But make sure you’re gone by the time I get there.”

The young man grinned, his eyes sparkling with delight. Then he bowed and slipped away.

James thrust his hands into his pockets and made his way to the main doors, almost colliding with his wife as he crossed the threshold.

“Oh!” She startled, her mouth forming a round O, and James’s manhood stirred at the sight of her plump pink lips.

“I came in search of you,” he said.

“For me? What would you want with me?” He couldn’t miss the bitter edge to Cordelia’s voice.

“You’ve been gone a long time. I expected you back from your walk much sooner.”

“I was posting a letter, and I collected one for Georgiana.”

“You walked all the way to the village? It must be two miles at least.”

“Three, or so Mr. Heslop tells me. It’s not far. I walked everywhere in London.”