Both Henry and Kit begin to realize that their old feelings are still there, and they are building new ones. As the men spend more time together, they begin to reconnect, not just as lovers, but also as friends. There is a part of Henry that loves the idea of being the more submissive partner. But deep inside, Henry knows giving himself up to Kit is no hardship. Henry has never gotten over Kit and when he learns the truth, he will do anything to make it up to the man. In his hurt, Kit suggests Henry should make things up to him as Kit had to survive himself: on his back. He doesn’t want Henry’s money it can’t make up now for what he went through then. But while Henry will do anything to make amends, all Kit can feel is anger. The note Henry wrote and the support he promised never made it to Kit. The men are both shocked to learn that things are not as they appeared, however. So when Henry reappears in Kit’s life, all he feels is anger that Henry dares to show up after leaving Kit so suddenly and in such dire straits. Now Kit owns an exclusive club in London, one catering to men who enjoy other men, and he has long put any feelings for Henry aside. Being left without a penny put him in a precarious position he just barely managed to survive. When Henry left without a word, Kit was emotionally and financially devastated. Caring for your protector when you are a kept man is a mistake, and Kit should have known better. Kit was a naive, young man when he fell for Henry. And even all these years later, Henry has never forgotten Kit. Now, Henry’s wife is gone and his children are grown and he is finally at a point in life where he can start thinking about himself again.

He did his best to leave Kit well provided for and hoped they could one day reconnect, only to never hear from Kit again. But when Henry’s wife took ill, Henry let the needs of his family take priority over his feelings for Kit. Henry cared for Kit Redford, far more than he thought he was allowed. He also kept a lover, with the knowledge of his wife. Eighteen years ago, Henry Asquith, Duke of Avesbury, was married with young children.

Restored by Joanna Chambers