J wanted some Regency Pinto and though I didn’t feel like setting this little snippet of their life at Christmas (I’ll get something like that done at actual Christmas time), Christmas IS mentioned so I decided this qualifies for Christmas in July!

It was a lazy summer day with Chris spending most of the day in his parlor reading.

The day was warm in the country, warmer than he generally enjoyed, so he decided to stay inside.

He was half asleep on the settee when there was a brisk knock on the parlor door.

“Hmm?”

“Sorry, milord, but you have a visitor.”

Chris straightened and wiped his eyes. “A visitor, Lang? Who  is it?”

Lang was one of only three servants he kept at the country estate regularly. The other being his housekeeper, Mrs. Dunphy, and the cook.

“Viscount Quinton, sir.”

Excitement and happiness bubbled up inside him. “Zachary? Wonderful. Show him in at one, Lang.”

He stood and smoothed down his cotton lawn shirt, discarding his already loosened cravat in a nearby chair.

Zach came sauntering in a moment later, looking the picture of perfecting in fawn colored breeched and coat with a cream colored shirt and cravat. His hair had gotten a touch longer and he held it back with a neat bow.

“Lord Christopher,” he called out, smiling.

Lang stood just behind him. “Tea, milord?”

“Tea, Zach?”

“Not just yet, Lang. I’ll ring for it later if required. Just some privacy if you please. Have Mrs. Dunphy set up the bed chamber next to mine. And do tell Cook there will be an extra person for supper.”

Lang bowed and closed the door.

Immediately Zach came to him and folded him into his arms.

“This is unexpected,” Chris murmured against him. “Though not unwelcome. I thought you were in London.”

“And I was. But I haven’t seen you since Christmas and I’ve missed you so.”

“You are staying?”

“For at least tonight if not a second night. Then I must return to London.”

“Whatever time we can have together is wonderful.”

They found each’s mouths then, enjoying a long lingering kiss. Zach touched Chris’ jaw.

“You’re quite bristly.”

“No need for shaving when there’s only me.”

“I don’t mind it, believe me.” Zach closed his eyes. “It’s been far too long.”

“Agreed. But it can’t be helped. Come lie here on the settee with me. We can have a lazy day together. Dreaming of more Christmases to come.”

“Mmm. Sounds perfect.”

And yes, Chris thought later, it was.