Never Rescue a Rogue--A Novel by Virginia Heath

Author:Virginia Heath
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

Chapter Seventeen

“And a good morning to you, too, old chap. Merry Christmas.” Giles lowered the covers on his old chap, ignoring the fact it was as stiff as a board and standing proudly to attention ready for action. Instead, he stretched his arms behind his head on the pillow to stare at his ceiling. Even if he saw to it—again—he knew it would make no difference because the moment he saw Diana, his frisky, opportunistic appendage would be up again like a shot.

At least today, he could blame last night for his discomfort and he chuckled at the memory of it.

Their little interlude in Lady Bulphan’s garden had been pure torture. Both before they ventured off the terrace and after. The after, in particular, was responsible for his current state. If snuggling next to the minx beneath her shawl behind a bush wasn’t temptation enough, he had been subjected to the flustered sight of her blushing while another couple copulated mere feet away. It had been apparent throughout that her curious mind tried to figure out exactly what was going on. The overwhelming urge to enlighten her with a practical demonstration had almost killed him and had tested every speck of willpower he possessed until he saw the glorious irony of his predicament. Then he had chosen to laugh rather than cry at Fate’s warped and twisted sense of humor.

In a strange sort of way, it proved to be just the tonic he had needed. One that instantly lightened his mood for the first time in weeks. Months even. Yes, his situation was still dire, his estate still desperate for modernization and his feelings for Diana futile and his future as uncertain as a roll of the dice in a game of chance. But those painful twenty minutes trapped behind that bush had reminded him that it was good to be alive and that something unexpected, ridiculous, and spontaneous in otherwise dreadful circumstances could still bring a smile to his face, no matter how hopeless he felt inside. Such was life’s rich tapestry.

Today would bring more unexpected smiles, as would the day after, and as time moved on perhaps the crushing sense of despondency and uncertainty would fade and so, too, would his inappropriate feelings for Diana. And then perhaps Giles would find some real joy in his life. If last night had taught him anything alongside the reminder that he still possessed his characteristic joie de vivre, it was that he could always make the best of things.

It wasn’t as if he had a choice.

He stared at the ceiling some more while he waited for Dalton to make an appearance, and when his useless servant failed to turn up after half an hour of staring he hauled himself up, then tried to find some joy in the cold wash he had to have as a result.

Clean and unashamedly naked, Giles took his time contemplating his wardrobe. It was Christmas after all and he was spending it with his favorite

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