en dishabille," the dour-faced valet insisted. "I am certain he would be appalled at the prospect." Norah gritted her teeth, trying to restrain herself from insisting the valet tally up the number of "ladies" who had likely seen Aidan Kane in such a state of undress—to the man's indubitable delight. "You must depart with the rest of them." The valet gestured to the door through which the other members of Rathcannon's staff had been banished—a frightened Mrs. Brindle, a teary-eyed Cassandra, and the bevy of other servants who had been gaping, horrified, at Aidan's condition. "Much as I hate t' agree with this pompous windbag, ye shouldn't be stayin' in here with the master all undone," Cadagon said, bustling over with a carefully pressed nightshirt. "A lady the likes o' you shouldn't be exposed to a gentleman in this condition, miss. 'Tis most improper. I'm certain the doctor will be here soon enough." "And I will be here when he arrives," Norah said firmly. "Sir Aidan asked me to look out for things while he was ill, and I intend to do so." The valet choked in horror, his gaze flicking to his master's half-naked state.
