“Now,” he said, “perhaps you’ll pay attention. I don’t recall saying anything about a mistress. I believe I used the word ‘duchess.’” He gestured at their bleak surroundings. “I would not trouble to come here for any other purpose.” “You can’t be serious. Not really, truly, honestly, earnestly, properly.” He allowed a few moments to pass. “Are you quite done listing adverbs? I should hate to interrupt.” His little penguin bounced in agitation. Ash was agitated, as well. Judging by her insistence that he couldn’t possibly want her, he suspected some other man had made her feel unwanted. That
...more
