He was angry that she had left him; furious that he needed her, and she didn't need him. That hurt. The fact that a housekeeper had hurt him, rejected him--it was damn near unbearable. And humiliating. He was grateful that the only people who knew were servants and Tremayne.
Mikhail waited until most guests were seated, but especially until Honor and Aubrey were. He took his seat next to her and Aubrey smiled widely. "Carlisle! Might I introduce you to the young lady who has made off with my heart?" Honor turned slowly towards him and held out her perfect ungloved hand. Mikhail took full advantage. He turned her hand over to kiss the palm, surreptitiously licking it. His housekeeper who once would have turned the pink of a ripe peach at such a liberty, gave no sign that he'd done anyth
