Dark and Stormy by Deirdre O'Dare

Author:Deirdre O'Dare [O'Dare, Deirdre]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Published: 2018-09-16T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 4

After a bit more talk of horses and the future ponies, Dylan briefly fell into silence again. Martin could tell his employer was troubled and, given the tale he had shared, that was understandable. He prayed the children would not suffer any further horrors.

Finally, Dylan stood and extended a hand to pull Martin to his feet. He managed a smile. “I’ve been very fortunate in my life and most of my decisions. Selecting you for the children’s tutor was one of my best. I sensed something about you…”

He stopped, turned to face Martin, and studied him with an intense and probing gaze. “Perhaps I should not ask…Does it bother you to be so far away from society with little chance to meet and mingle with others near your age? Was there by chance a young lady you fancied and had to leave behind? If so, perhaps I could retain her services as a companion and chaperone for Emmaline and later for Charlotte so you could continue your relationship. If that would be sufficiently genteel…”

Martin felt a blush heat his face as he shook his head. “Oh no, I’ve never been one for a lot of parties and such. I don’t care for strong drink and most of the ladies do not interest me, nor I them.”

Dylan studied him a few more seconds. “I’m not sure of the most delicate way to put this…Are you perhaps hinting you prefer the intimate company of your own gender?”

Tearing his gaze away from Dylan’s keen and too-knowing eyes, Martin gave a stiff nod. “What little experience I’ve had, mostly while at school, I felt I leaned in that direction. I know it’s not acceptable, yet there are those among the nobility who practice such. To avoid any taint of scandal or risk a brush with the law, I’ve been content to live a quiet and celibate life.”

“Then we should get on well enough. I am not inclined to socialize, and since the succession is covered with young Master Donovan, I have no intention of seeking a wife any time soon. Were we to develop a discreet connection, I doubt if anyone would know or care. You might think about that. I had a partner whilst in the army, but he was killed in battle at Roark’s Drift. There’s been no one since. And yes, discretion is advisable since, although selectively enforced, there are laws…I trust the staff here, but beyond that, no one should know.”

Martin found his heart in his throat. Such a direct declaration was the last thing he had expected. Maybe even the last thing he desired. No, that was not quite true for he had dreamed about the handsome and masculine captain. Dreams were all they were; though, nothing he intended or expected to act upon. He was nearly as terrified as elated. When he replied, he stuttered worse than did Emmaline.

“I-I-I…uh, yes, I-I-I will…think about it, that is. Right now, I am quite taken by surprise. And for the nonce, the children and their recovery from the tragedy are my primary focus and concern.

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