Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal 7)

He was finally going to have a real family.

A knock sounded at the door and he lifted his head, a grin ready for Penny. But it was Mr. Winters who was at the door.

“Forgive me, my lord, but the Earl of Baxter has returned.”

Logan frowned. It was only quarter after eleven. The man was early. “Already?”

Mr. Winters gave a nod. “What should I tell him?”

Logan was tempted not to tell him anything. Just make him sit and wait.

But he didn’t know if Penny wanted the Mayfair property and so, he decided to go explain himself.

He rose from the desk. “I’ll tell him myself.”

Mr. Winters gave a quick nod. Just as he turned, a maid entered, setting a tray down on one of the side tables.

Logan gave a brief nod. Perfect. Penny could have a bite while he dealt with a very impatient earl.

“Miss Walters should be down shortly,” Logan called over his shoulder as he made his way out the door. “See that she eats.”

Mr. Winters cleared his throat. “Don’t keep the lady waiting too long. Her patience is not infinite.”

“Seriously?” He tossed up his hands as he started around the corner. “Are you telling me what to do now?”

Mr. Winters stepped into the hall and called after him. “Always, my lord. Speaking of, we should arrange for each of the children to have quarters of their own.”

Logan stopped and spun about. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell the man to mind his own business. But Mr. Winters had a point and besides…he was part of this wacky family too. “Natty has nightmares. She needs the other children.”

Mr. Winters cocked an eyebrow. “How thoughtful, and good point, my lord.”

Logan turned again, making his way to the front sitting room. It was the same one Penny had waited in.

He grinned. How much had changed in the past few weeks.

Making his way into the room, the Earl of Baxter sat with one leg propped on his knee, as he steepled his hands in front of his face.

“You’re early,” Logan grumbled, crossing the room to take the seat next to the other man. He noted that Baxter didn’t bother to rise in greeting.

“I am,” the other man answered.

Since they weren’t standing on ceremony, Logan didn’t bother with small talk. “So early, that I don’t have an answer for you.”

Baxter frowned. “Why not?”

Logan let out a low rumble. Did other people find Logan this abrasive? How annoying. “Because…” He leaned forward. “You are interrupting my meeting with Miss Walters.”

Baxter raised an eyebrow. “Forgive me. I assumed that you’d had the conversation several hours ago. The two of you seem…intimately acquainted.”

Logan let out a long breath, rising from his chair.

He saw Baxter’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Careful,” Logan said low and deep. “That’s the woman I intend to marry.”

Baxter gave him a knowing smile. “Exactly what I meant.”

Logan stared for a minute. He suspected that was not what the other man had meant. He’d meant that there had been an opportunity to discuss their future in bed, but Logan decided to let it go. “If you’d like your answer today, you’ll have to wait.”