The Bed and the Bachelor by The Bed, the Bachelor Read Free Book Online Page A

brow.
    “Hmm, yes,” she continued. “I just wonder if the woman exists who could drag you away from all the notions and numbers that dance around in that brilliant head of yours? Someone so special she would have the power to make you forget everything and everyone but her?”
    He paused, studying her, aware the question must be an academic one since Vanessa had told him on more than one occasion that she had no interest in a permanent relationship and none whatsoever in marriage. As a wealthy widow, she enjoyed her freedom, in bed and out. It was why the two of them fit together so well. No ties. No strings. Just pleasure and easy, undemanding friendship.
    Now she wanted to amuse herself by speculating about some hypothetical great love who would mean the world to him, mean even more to him than his family or his work.
    Absurd.
    Suddenly, Anne Greenway leapt into his mind. Her shapely figure, gentle smile and rich autumn-hued tresses that looked as if they’d been dusted with gleaming faerie silver beckoned within his imagination.
    How curious that he would think of her. How impossible when there could be nothing between them.
    Ever.
    Giving himself an inward shake, he banished her from his thoughts.
    Setting a last knot into his neckcloth, he came back to the bed and leaned over. “Speaking as a mathematician, I would have to say that the odds of my ever being hopelessly in love are slim to none, particularly since I’m not much given to romantic fancy.” Smiling, he kissed her. “Besides, why would I need a woman like that when I have you?”
    Clearly appeased, she’d laughed again and flung off the sheet. A few kisses later, she persuaded him to stay just a little while longer after all.
    But he was glad to be home again now, glad to know he would be sleeping well sated in his own comfortable, solitary bed. Smothering another yawn, he started toward the staircase.
    Just then, he noticed a narrow pool of light gleaming at the end of the hallway and stopped. Who could be awake at this hour? he wondered.
    “Hallo?” he called softly. “Who’s there?”
    A soft gasp broke the quiet, the candlelight flickering wildly.
    Peering through the shadows, he pondered the subtle exclamation. “Mrs. Greenway? Is that you?”
    A long pause descended before the brush-brush of leather soles came whispering against the polished floorboards and over the long Aubusson hall runner. Slowly, her figure grew more distinct as she drew nearer, light from the candle she held revealing the rapid rise and fall of her chest. “M-my lord? I d-didn’t realize you had arrived home. You startled me.”
    “Then we share the same dilemma since you surprised me as well. What on earth are you doing wandering around the house at this hour?”
    An expression that looked curiously like guilt spread over her features before she smoothed it away. “I . . . I . . .”
    “Yes?” he drawled, even more intrigued now to hear her answer.
    Her eyes gleamed faintly in the mellow light. “I hope you won’t think badly of me, but I fell asleep in the housekeeper’s room downstairs. I only just awakened and was on my way to bed.”
    Whatever suspicions had been forming in his head vanished, fresh surprise moving to replace them. “Has your first day been so tiring then? I trust your duties aren’t of such an onerous nature that you cannot find time to retire for the evening?”
    “N-no, not at all. The tasks, they are just a bit unfamiliar, you see and . . .” Her voice trailed off, a tiny frown settling across her russet colored brow. “That is to say I am merely learning the rhythm of the house and had much to do. There is no need for concern. I am managing quite ably.”
    “I am sure you are, but there is no point in wearing yourself out. In future, you are to retire at a far more reasonable hour since it won’t do having you exhaust yourself. Whatever work remains at day’s end can wait until the morrow, I am certain.”
    He smiled,