The question came so casually, the attendant might have thought it was meant for nothing more than idle conversation were it not for who it was asking. Bastien knew the footman, though. Knew what the sly smile behind those full lips probably meant, and that was trouble.
So, having secured the parcel of post with the other deliverables, Bastien turned away. “It would seem so.”
“How many is that now?”
“This week?” He hummed. “I’d say just shy of two dozen, but I haven’t been keeping track of the precise numbers.”
The footman gave a snort, but when Bastien looked his way, it was only Christophe’s back that he saw as the man tended to the horses— no doubt thinking to hide his amusement behind the pawing of hooves.
He wasn’t one to give into baiting, though. Not for a footman.
With a snort of his own, Bastien straightened his suit coat. “I try not to meddle with the business of the house. It would be wise for you to keep that in mind.”
“Oui, of course, sir. I meant no offense. It’s just…”
It was too hard to resist those eyes peeking out beneath the long, dark lashes that made Christophe look so innocent, even though Bastien knew everything to the contrary. Everything about him was disarming. Dangerous. Intoxicating.
“Yes?”
“These mystery letters… the parties… one has to wonder what your benefactor is up to, non? Searching for someone… a lover, perhaps?”
Bastien knew how to keep secrets, both in word and expression. He gave a pleasant smile, but that was all. “Alas, it doesn’t seem as though any of the letters were addressed to you, so the chances of you finding out are highly unlikely.”
But instead of being discouraged, Christophe’s smile only grew, gaze getting darker. Hungry. “Oh dear. Your master certainly is working you hard, isn’t he?”
It was unfair just how effective that was.
Or how true.
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This is a promotion piece for YOI Regency week. Don’t miss your chance to vote for the prompts. Last day 1st of March.
