Page 79 of The Not So Perfect Duke

“It’s for later. I thought I would drop by your town house after dinner. If you wish me to. I can only stay until midnight.”

“Oh, I wish indeed. Stay as long as you like. The rest of our lives.”

Althea gave him such a welcoming smile that his heart hitched again as it often did when she was near. He kept a book of memories in his mind for every dazzling smile she had ever given him. Basking in her generous warmth made him realize how barren his life had been. Devoid of love and acceptance. Damon never wanted to return to that tedious, cold existence ever again.

They arrived at the Savoy. The luxurious hotel, located on the north bank of the Thames, opened its doors in 1889. Its electric lighting cast a bright luminescence over the heart of London and the West End theater area.

Damon gave directions to Dawson to park around the corner where carriages generally congregated, then took Althea’s hand and slipped it through his arm as they stepped into the front lobby. The brightness was almost overwhelming as electric bulbs shone from chandeliers, wall sconces, and desk lamps.

“Gideon tells me there are electric lifts brought from America,” Damon whispered in her ear as they headed toward The Grill Room. “The formal French dining room is upstairs. Ah, here we are.” Damon turned to the Maître d. “Reservation for Chellenham.”

The uniformed man snapped to attention. “Welcome, Your Grace. Your table is here, as requested. Private and overlooking the Thames.”

Damon assisted Althea in taking her seat, and after drinks were ordered, menus were brought. They removed their gloves. “I hear the lobster salad is delicious,” he said while scanning the menu. Asher Colborne had recommended it.

“Oh, let’s have some. And I love this place with all the wood walls, moldings, and ornate paneled ceilings. Very cozy.”

They ordered it along with prime beef with mushrooms in a red wine sauce and grilled asparagus and lyonnaise potatoes.

Left alone at last, Damon raised his glass. “To the future. We can have one, my Thea.”

She gave him a quivering smile as she raised her glass. “I still have to work through that particular possibility. As long as my health doesn’t hamper such dreams. I hadn’t planned on using a cane either for a few months—or the rest of my days. But I will adjust.”

The fact Althea did not immediately embrace the idea of a mutual future sparked a flicker of doubt within him. But he wouldn’t let such toxic feelings overtake him. Not tonight. “I absolutely refuse to allow such an outcome to damper my complete bliss. And neither should you. We can adjust to any scenario. Know that I will be at your side, always. If you want to lean on me for support for whatever reason, I welcome it gladly. No one had ever needed me before, and I quite liked the sensation.”

Althea’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Oh, Damon. I do need you, most desperately.”

They clinked glasses and sipped the wine, their gazes still locked.

“I know others that need you as well,” Althea said softly. “Have you given any thought to your five half-siblings?”

“I have. I cannot abandon the children to fate. I assume Adina’s mother is enroute?”

The waiter brought the lobster salad, then moved away to wait on other patrons.

Althea picked up her utensils and cut the leafy dish. “Archie is handling the details. So much for not speaking of the case.”

Damon smiled. “Well, we are discussing family more than anything.”

“And Archie is family, a younger brother that I had always wished for. I am so glad he came into our lives.”

“I am part of your inner circle, then?” Damon asked as he sipped his wine.

“Most assuredly. You were invited to our family dinner, after all. Now, what about your younger siblings?”

“I assume Adina will return to Cornwall with her mother. I will offer a yearly stipend and leave it up to the girl to stay in contact. As to the other four, I might as well rip the plaster off the wound, as it were, and bring them into my home. But not until the renovations are complete and I have had time to hire a governess, nurse, and possible tutor for the oldest boy, Hugh. In the meantime, I will visit Chellenhome often, get to know them, and see if they even want to come live with me.”

“In fact,” he continued between bites. “I went to Chellenhome the day after your dinner. All went well, and I spoke with MacClery about renovations, and the children talked to me freely, without hesitation.”

He glanced at Althea. One of those unshed tears had trickled down her cheeks. “You are going to give them a home?” she asked tremulously.

“Yes, blast it. Adorable moppets galloping through the halls, creating a ruckus, and eating me out of house and home. How tedious.”

Althea laughed as she brushed the tear away.

“I wish I could take all the children in. But I vow to ensure the others are given good homes and the best possible future.”

“I agree.”