“I’d forgotten.” Although how he could have was a mystery to him. He prided himself on his memory. Yet when he was with Thea, he had trouble thinking of anything but her. “It appears as you’ve done some research. What else did you find?”
“I had it all from my grandmother. She did not know much about Tom’s parents’ marriage. However, she did say his father is second in line to the earl, and, although the heir has been married for several years, they have no children.” Her eyes filled with concern. “Grandmamma also said Stanton is in poor health.”
“Rather than continuing to attempt to contact the earl, perhaps I would be better served to find his heir. Do you have any idea what his name is?” Thea was right, something was seriously wrong and the sooner he discovered what it was, the better. The boy should be with his family.
She lifted her eyes briefly to the ceiling. “Were you not made to learn the peerage?”
“I always thought”—he gave her his most charming grin—“I would marry a woman who would know. Failing that, I have a copy of Debrett’s around somewhere.”
“He is Viscount Cavanaugh. His main estate is in Norfolk.”
“In that case, I had better send a letter to him.”
She tucked her small hand in his. “Thank you. I knew you’d take care of it.” Sliding off the seat, she stood before him. “Come. Let’s take a stroll to the picture gallery. I think there is a small portrait of Grandmamma.”
As she led him away, he considered sending a missive to Tom’s maternal grandfather as well. As soon as Thea or his secretary discovered who that gentleman was.
Once they’d left the drawing room, she turned the subject. “Have you found an appropriate house for the ladies yet?”
His mother, Thea, and he had agreed that a property close enough to London to be convenient, but far enough away so the ladies did not have a fear of discovery would be just the thing. “I have my secretary reviewing the listings. I had forgotten that I’d sent my steward away for a few weeks to Norfolk, or it would have already been done.”
“Naturally, they would like to relocate as soon as possible. Most of them are afraid to go out, and the house holds bad memories for them.”
They had reached the long gallery. With the number of guests he’d seen, he was surprised to see it was devoid of people. Thank the Fates, they were finally alone.
Dom turned to take Thea in his arms, then stifled a groan. No matter how he felt, he must do everything in his power to keep his hands off her. He could not allow lust to control him.
Chapter Nineteen
Dotty hoped Dom would not notice or mind her slight stratagem. Grandmamma did say there was a painting of her and Lady Thornhill’s mother somewhere in the house. Yet having already been in the gallery, Dotty knew it had a number of alcoves and was usually empty. Anticipating his touch, her body warmed.
After they’d traversed the wide corridor, she stopped at the far end near a niche wide enough to hold a full-sized statue. “It must be somewhere else.” She faced him, and placed her palms on his broad shoulders. “Dom?”
He swooped down, capturing her lips.
“We shouldn’t do this here.” His voice was rough as granite.
Boldly, she stroked his tongue with hers. Her fingers dug into the silky waves of his hair. “Why?”
Dom’s palm cupped her derrière, drawing her against him. “Anyone could come in.”
Sighing, she allowed her body to melt into him. “We are betrothed. We will be married in another week.”
“Would that we were married now, then I wouldn’t be in a public place with you.”
Dotty clung to him as his other hand caressed the side of her breast, causing her nipple to pucker. When he brushed his thumb over the tight nub, fire shot through her settling in the sensitive place between her legs and making it throb. She pressed against him, wanting something, relief of some sort.
Moaning, she tried to snake a leg around his, but was frustrated by her skirts. The sharp pulsations increased and a high sigh escaped her. “Dom, I need . . .”
“What, sweetheart? What is it you want?”
“I don’t know. My body is aching.”
“God, Thea.” He sounded if he had trouble getting the words out. “You’ll be the death of me.”
He parted her legs with his and pressed his thigh against her mons. For a few moments the throbbing intensified. Just when she thought she couldn’t stand anymore, she started to tremble, and her breathing hitched. Dom increased the pressure as wave upon wave of new sensations rolled through her. A moment later she flew apart.
Fusing his mouth on hers, he swallowed her scream with a kiss.
