“You’re welcome.” Elinor set the brush aside and drew the coverlet back. “Sleep now, Your Grace.”
Maria slipped into bed. “Plain things,” she murmured into the pillow. “Tomorrow.”
Stephen did not go straight to his bedchamber. Habit took him to the study.. He shut the door softly and stood a moment with his hand still on the latch.
God.He could not stop replaying his dance with Maria.
Possessive. Eager. Jealous. The kind of adjectives he had quietly despised in other men who mistook heat for right.
He had gone too far.
None of this was supposed to happen. He was never to admit such a thing in front of Maria, no matter how he felt.
Distance.
He would put a little distance back between them.
And at this moment, the last thing that he wished to be was alone. So he grabbed his cloak and set off into the night.
His horse did not have to travel far before he reached the estate of the person whom he knew would not turn down a drink at this hour.
The butler opened before Stephen could knock twice. “Your Grace.”
“Is your master awake?” Stephen asked.
“I believe so, sir.” The man stepped aside without surprise. “This way.”
Peter appeared at the head of the stairs in a housecoat.
“Well,” he said, pleased and curious. “To what do I owe a duke at midnight?”
“I needed someone to share a drink with,” Stephen said.
“Shouldn’t you be home with your wife?”
“I would rather not talk about her,” Stephen said, moving past into the small sitting room Peter preferred for late conversation.
“Why not?” Peter asked.
“Because you have already caused enough trouble,” Stephen said. “Best not ask about her.”
Peter laughed outright and turned to the sideboard.
“Then we shall drink to my restraint.” He poured two measures, handed one over, then leaned a hip against the table. “To what shall we pretend to talk, if not your wife?”
“Horses,” Stephen said.
“Absolutely not,” Peter replied. “I like you too well for that.” He lifted his glass.
Stephen shot him a look.
“Very well. We will begin with something harmless. How are your nerves?”
“Awful,” Stephen said.
“Ah,” Peter said, satisfied. “So the evening went well.”
Stephen took a swallow. “I behaved like a man I do not admire.”