Chapter Seventeen

August 1863

L inc washappy. He was in love with a man who returned his feelings and they were going to tell their friends. It was a big step.

Straightening his cravat, he then smoothed down the lapels of his coat before knocking on the door of Arthurs home.

His butler opened the door. Good afternoon, Lord Lincolnshire.

Good afternoon, Harris. Linc walked in. I assume hes in his study?

Yes, my lord. Harris bowed and closed the door.

Excellent. I know the way. Linc nodded and wandered off to find Arthur. He was a bit early, but they had wanted a few minutes to review how they would tell everyone. He walked into the study and found Arthur standing, staring out a window. The sun streamed in, lining his tall, lean body. Linc knew well how much strength was contained in that whipcord body. It was something he relished about the other man. Hello, Arthur.

He turned to face him. Oh good, youre earlier than expected. He crossed the room to greet Linc, placing his hand on the back of his neck and pulling him in for a kiss.

After a few moments, Linc pressed his hands to his chest and pushed back from the drugging kiss. Cease, or I shall have to greet our friends with a raging cock stand.

Arthur laughed. Very well. Im glad you came early. I have just found out my neighbor is selling his townhouse.

And this is important because? His gut told him this was important to Arthur, but he wasnt sure why.

Weve barely been together officially for two months and you are ignoring me. Arthur shook his head. I may have to punish you for such carelessness.

Linc laughed. You wouldnt punish me.

A hungry gleam appeared in Arthurs brown eyes. Oh, but I think I might. Ive been having delicious fantasies of reddening your arse before I fuck you.

Lincs breath hitched in his chest. He was no true masochist like Flint, but he enjoyed a good spanking now and then. That Arthur was expressing an interest in such a thing was inspiring news. He loved it when the man became dominating and growly. He reached down and adjusted his hardening cock. Not helping, Arthur.

His lover smiled at Linc, an almost feral grin. Not helping who? Im feeling quite good about this little chat. Though I do digress. He took a breath and a step back.

Linc drew in more air and tried to focus on willing his cock to go down.

Lord Warrington lives next door, and he is putting the place up for sale. That means you could buy the house and we could create a door between the two homes so we can pass through undetected.

Linc looked up at Arthur in surprise. How devious of you. That is good news!

Indeed, it is. Ill send a note over immediately to set up a meeting. Arthur strode over to his desk and pulled out a sheet of paper. He quickly scrawled a note, sanded it, and sealed it. Then he tugged the bellpull.

While he was writing the note, Linc poured them each a glass of whisky. He assumed Arthur felt much the same, but he really needed something to help settle his nerves. Arthur took his glass and sipped. Thank you. About our guests

A knock at the door sounded and Harris appeared. Yes, my lord?

Arthur handed him the sealed note. Please have a boy run this next door to Warrington.

Harris took the note and bowed. Very good, my lord.

A short while later, Arthur and Linc stood in his front salon, surrounded by all the Lustful Lords and their wives. Stone, Cooper, Wolf, Flint, and Lucifer all stood together chatting. The ladies were broken up into two clusters. Theodora, or Theo to her friends in this room, and Emily were colluding in the corner because, where Theo was concerned, there was always a plot. The other group comprised Julia, Ros, and Amelia.

Refreshments were wheeled in on two carts and then his staff retreated.

Emily, would you mind doing the honors? Arthur motioned to the two carts.

She smiled at her brother. Of course. Theo, if youll pass out sandwiches and cakes, I shall pour.

With the ladies busily passing out refreshments, Arthur herded the men back to where the women were sitting. A few minutes later, with everyone settled again, Arthur looked at Linc and nodded.

Linc cleared his throat and brushed invisible crumbs from his coat as he stood up. Arthur and I would like to share some news with you all.

Everyone looked up expectantly.

Arthur stood up and took Lincs hand in his. Weve fallen in love.

The ladies all grinned as the men looked to Emily, perhaps to gauge her reaction first. Once they saw her grin, they all stepped forward to congratulate them. There were hugs and backslaps all around.

Once everyone settled back down and returned to their tea, Emily spoke up. So, please tell us all the details.

Linc deferred to Arthur on this, since it was his sister.

When we took off to my hunting lodge last year, Linc and I became close. It was an unusual series of events, but we ended up having feelings for each other.

Last year! Theo set her tea down with a clatter. How are we just hearing about this?

Arthur turned a bit red. I was

Linc reached over and squeezed his hand in support.

I was having a difficult time coming to terms with how I felt. Our relationship is not the norm, and it took me some time to accept how I felt. Im very lucky that Linc was so patient with me.

Well, as patient as one can be with an unmovable obstacle, Linc laughed.

Yes, it was a trifle difficult for that period where we were not speaking. Frankly, we are both surprised the lot of you missed that rift. But then I suppose you all were so busy falling in love yourselves. Arthur waved a hand toward the group.

Ros grinned. Do share these unusual events. I smell a story.

Linc nodded, resigned to share the more painful part of their story. Arthur and Iwe met a woman. She is an amazing, vivacious spirit who completely bowled us both over. In the course of sharing her, we found ourselves falling in love with both her and each other.

But where is she? Did something go wrong? Julia asked, looking around the room.

Linc cleared his throat. Unfortunately, her father forced her to marry a lord for his title. We tried to rescue her, but her father moved too quickly. In the end, we lost her.

Arthur leaned against him for a moment. The pang of Jos loss still reverberated through his very soulthrough both of them.

Oh no! Thats awful, Julia crooned as she popped up and stepped forward to hug the pair of them.

Once she stepped back, Linc nodded and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. We are doing our best to find happiness together. Telling you all is a big part of that.

I just found out today that the townhouse next door is coming up for sale. I plan to buy it so we can be closer to each other. Under the circumstances, its the best we can do. Linc couldnt help but smile at Arthur. He relished the love and happiness he found there, despite their loss.

Arthur smiled back. We should probably speak with our respective staffs, as discretion will be a critical attribute in anyone who works for us.

An excellent point. But we digress. Linc looked pointedly at him.

Indeed. All of this is to say, wed like you all to come to dinner tomorrow night. A meal to celebrate our finding each other and the love that has blossomed between us. Arthurs grin was huge.

Everyone agreed without hesitation, and it felt good to know their friends would support them. Now they had the rest of their lives to enjoy together.

What could possibly go wrong?