Aged to Perfection (Unlucky in Love Book 1) by Merry Farmer

Author:Merry Farmer [Farmer, Merry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-29T00:00:00+00:00

Twelve

As much as Muriel had hoped her life would return to normal after leaving London, and as much as she had tried to distract her thoughts and emotions with everything from ensuring Lady Frieda was taken well away from Lord Olaf, and then with her brother’s business, after six weeks, Muriel was forced to admit that she was miserable. And if she was going to be miserable anywhere, it might as well be in Winchester.

“Esrick, will you make certain that these renewed trade permits are delivered to the high court offices as swiftly as possible?” she asked the footman who had helped her to complete the forms and contracts that Arnold had ignored since they had arrived in Winchester two days before in favor of spending time with a very special friend of his. “They need to be registered before the festival begins tomorrow if we are to have a chance of not only winning the Best in Show prize, but of securing that export deal with Mr. Goodall.”

“Yes, my lady,” Esrick nodded, taking the large envelope containing the permits in question from Muriel as she sat at Arnold’s desk.

“And while you are about your errand, do you think you could listen where you should not to ascertain whether Prince Cuthbert plans to meddle with Mr. Goodall’s business?” she asked, feeling the stirrings of mischief, but not quite as acutely as she should have.

Esrick grinned all the same. “I would be delighted to, my lady,” he said with a bow. “I believe I know just where Prince Cuthbert will be this afternoon. I’m particular friends with Lady Kendra’s maid, if I may say so.”

That managed to put a small smile on Muriel’s face. Arnold’s servants were as lax in morals as he was. Fortunately for them all, they were equally as loyal as Arnold. Muriel was convinced the two attributes were related, as servants who were allowed to behave wickedly were more likely to show devotion to the masters who permitted them such behavior with impunity.

“I do not need to understand the means by which you acquire information, Esrick, only that you have acquired it,” Muriel told the comely young man, winking at him as she did.

Esrick bowed graciously and gave Muriel an impish smile before departing for her errand. She had to admit that she liked the naughty young man. Were she a bit younger and a tad more licentious, she would have challenged Lady Kendra’s maid for Esrick’s company, particularly at night.

That thought dashed the smile from Muriel’s face. Immediately, her thoughts turned back to the wonderful night she had spent with Cedric. No man had ever been so proficient in bed with her, and she doubted any man in the future would compare. She did not want any other men in the future. She could still feel the heat and weight of Cedric’s body above hers, taste the sweetness of his kisses, and feel the fullness of his⁠—

She stopped her thoughts with a sharp intake of breath and stood so abruptly her chair scraped noisily against the floorboards.

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