Jean sat up, startled. “One of the other widows told me it would stop me from getting pregnant. I thought I would try it.”
He was tempted to pull it out, but then she’d probably leave. “You didn’t give your husband any children.”
“Neither did his first two wives.” The chill in her voice had his erection softening. “I do not know what you have against it. Surely you do not want a bastard.”
“I was merely surprised.” He shrugged. “It is normally considered a whore’s trick.”
“Perhaps I should leave.” She started to roll off the bed, but he stopped her.
“No, stay.” He cupped her breasts, feeling them furl beneath his touch. “Forgive me. I should not have reacted as I did.”
“I noticed you did not say you would marry me if . . .” The words were sharp, but the tone was anything but.
She did not wish to wed him, but she wanted reassurance. He was good at giving that. “You know what my father wants, and you do not wish to marry again so soon.” He took one nipple into his mouth as he rolled the other. “I do not like the feel of the string, but I will grow accustomed.”
“The same friend told me when it is safe without the sponge.” Jean’s eyes glazed and her voice turned sultry.
“Until then, I’ll make do.” He kissed his way down her body until she was writhing with lust, then pulled her to him and plunged into her. Women were made to give pleasure to a man.
Sometime later, they made their way to the dining room, dressed only in robes he insisted remain untied so he could admire her breasts and the dark hair between her legs. There was freedom in not having servants around. He never got tired of the way a woman looked.
Jean wasn’t as comfortable as he was. “You are sure the maid is gone?”
“I gave her the night off.” Leaning over, he whispered in her ear. “In case I want to take you on the table. Have you ever had amorous congress on a table?”
She swallowed. “You must be the most decadent gentleman I know.”
“Your husband didn’t know how to pleasure you.” They’d reached the bottom of the stairs, and he slid his hand between her legs. “Next time, you will know better.”
She leaned back against him and rubbed. “At this rate, we won’t get to the dining room.”
“Hold the back of that chair and bend over.”
Later, she was pulling apart a piece of cold chicken when she asked, “I am surprised you have not made more progress with the lady.”
He might, if he could get Lady Adeline alone. He poured Jean more champagne. “I have some thoughts as to how to move the wedding along, but I shall require some assistance.” Reaching out, he fondled her breast. “Would you be willing to help me?”
Her eyelid dropped and her breathing shortened. “What did you have in mind?”
Crispin lifted her from the chair and kissed her. “You could find us alone. I have been told the fountain at the garden party we will soon be attending is secluded.” He had her against the wall and lifted her, sliding into her as he did. Jean’s legs wrapped around him. “If you are willing.”
“Yes.” Her back arched. “God, yes.”
“I don’t know what to say, but thank you.” Had a more generous lady ever existed? “You are a queen among women.” Crispin wondered if she’d agree to go to France with him.
A blush rose from her breasts, up her neck, and into her cheeks. “It is my pleasure.”
He sent her home in a hackney and walked to Normanby House, arriving with very little time to dress for the ball. He had one dance with Lady Adeline, and he intended to make the most of it. If he could get her alone, he might be able to steal a kiss, and a bit more. Once she got a taste of what he could give her, she would be easily convinced that being his wife would have its benefits. For as long as he was there.
St James’s Square, where Normanby House was located, was not all that far, and Crispin chose to walk there. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a mistake. He had not arrived before the music had begun for the country dance Lady Adeline had offered him. Then it occurred to him that if she did not see him, she might give the set to another gentleman.
Damn. He couldn’t afford that.
He made his way around the room, looking for her or any of the members of her circle, but it wasn’t until he had traversed most of the ballroom that he found her. “My lady. Please tell me that I still have the country dance.”
She looked over his shoulder before meeting his gaze. “I am sorry, my lord. When I did not see you, I accepted Lord Quartus for the set.”
“It is my loss.” Crispin’s back teeth hurt, but he loosened his jaw. “May I stroll with you between the sets?”
