Disappointed, but acceptant. He nodded. And he felt bad that he'd made her uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry Lanna, I'm sure you are wiser than I. Though I really wish to please you, it's try that that would leave us open to further temptation.
Though I feel like I'm going to explode, history would have us believe that that's never happened."
He clasped her hands and kissed them. "I intend not just to adore, and yearn for you, but to show you every bit of honor in my being. I just wish the date did not seem eons away.
I ask you to consider a favor for me though. You show me what is not allowed, but I don't know what IS allowed.
Is touching you there, or you touching me through our clothes wrong? Though I am the man, for the next week, I ask you to take the initiative."
He hugged her close. "I'll see you at breakfast I hope, though I've already started on mine."
For the first time he could remember, breakfast was late. He wandered into the kitchen, finding Gretel looking dazed, but blissful.
"Oh Sir, he's wonderful, you are too!"
She threw herself into a tight hug, then her eyes widened as she looked down. "Ah, I see. Sorry Sir. She a lady and them's must wait. I-I could help you with that. I'm keen on sausage." But there was a hesitation in her voice.
He held her at arms length, and shook his head with a smile. "Gretel, thank you. You have a body a man could revel in, but you have made it Mike's and I belong to Lanna. Your loyalty and appreciation are amazing, and I do not dismiss such a sweet offer lightly.
But you don't 'owe' me anything. I was lucky to get you for my kitchen, and lucky to be able to help bring two friends together. But no man should have you that way without your desire. I won't allow such in my house."
Gretel nodded gratefully, and then whispered. "Sir, Giles the livery master, he won't leave me be. He insists on trying to put his hand up-"
"Hush Gretel, I will deal with him."
Teary eyed, she hugged him again. "I'll have your eggs out in jot, Sir"
Hugh left her and found Carruthers. "Carruthers, send Giles to my office. I want Miss Wainwright there as a witness. And pack his things ready by the back door."
Hugh waited in his office. Giles was a carouser, but he'd never dreamed that the man would harass others.
When Lanna got to the office, he explained the situation. "Please do the honors. Because I'll take my crop and thrash the man if I start." His face was red and angry.