Grace’s cheeks grew warm, and her pulse beat faster. Drat him for always having this effect on her. “I see.” Tamping down her desire, she quickly changed the subject. “Once the renovations are completed, and we are here for the Little Season, we shall need additional footmen and maids.”
His gaze was still on her. “I’ll let Thorton know.”
“I thought we could keep on the ones I hired for the Season.” She tried to ignore Matt as his eyes sparkled wickedly, and her body responded. Maybe if she kept talking . . . “Matt, did I tell you that Charlie will be home to-morrow? I plan to allow the children a holiday while he’s here. I shall tell Miss Tallerton and Mr. Winters they may either stay and enjoy London or return home for the week.” Despite her attempt to ignore him, her gaze dropped to his lips. Really, he was being impossible. They would never accomplish all their tasks if he had his way. “We must go if we are to meet my uncle after luncheon.”
He opened a door and before she knew where they were, he’d dragged her into his arms, and his lips urged hers to open. Fire rose as he caressed her, exploring her mouth. Throbbing started between her legs. “Matt, my love . . .”
“I’ve barely been able to think of anything but you since I awoke this morning. I need you so much, Grace.”
How could any female not respond to that? “We cannot take long.”
Glancing around the room, he waltzed her around until her back hit the wall.
He lifted her. “Wrap your legs around me, and hold on.”
“Matt, don’t crush my skirt. Bolton complained the last time.”
“I won’t.” His ragged breath tickled her ear, adding to the sensations of his one hand. “I need to remain on Bolton’s good side.”
He rubbed that place that made her crave him and placed two fingers in her, stroking her. Sparks leapt deep within her and her breath was every bit as ragged as his.
“Please, now.” She tried to stifle her cry of pleasure as he plunged into her. Sparks ignited into flames and the sun burst over her as her legs trembled, and she called his name.
He kept her from falling and thrust twice more. “Oh, Grace, my only love.”
The warmth of his seed spread within her, and she missed him as he withdrew from her. If this loving could only continue, she’d be the happiest woman in England and Europe.
He slowly lowered her feet to the floor, while holding her so tightly, his chest pounded against hers.
He kissed her slowly and thoroughly as his hands stroked her back. “Are you sure you want to go shopping?”
The man was wicked. Gazing up at him, she lifted her hand to his cheek, returning his kisses more deeply, before murmuring, “I amnotgoing to live with the Egyptian motif.”
He groaned and lifted his head. “I suppose you’re right.”
Matt had called for his curricle to be readied, but when they walked out, a small town coach stood waiting. He glanced at his coachman and frowned. “What happened to the carriage?”
His coachman cast a gimlet eye at the sky and sniffed. “It’s comin’ on rain, my lord. You wouldn’t want her ladyship to get wet.”
A footman let down the stairs. Matt handed her into the coach and climbed in closing the door.
Grace tilted her head to gaze up at the sky through the window. “It doesn’t look like rain.”
He settled next to her. “If Tim Coachman says it’s going to rain, it will. I’ve never known him to be wrong.”
Matt was so large that he took up most of the seat. Giving up the battle to keep her distance, she settled against his shoulder. “It’s no matter. I shall be able to bring back more packages in this.”
Dislodging her, he frowned. “How much is this going to cost me?”
If she had known he was going to be such a problem, she would never have asked him to join her. Then again, they must learn to work together. She could not be expected to have his approval each time she purchased something for their home. “I have no idea.” Grace patted his knee. “If you are short of funds, I shall make you a loan. Nevertheless, I will expect you to repay me on quarter day.”
“Minx.”
* * *
Jane stole surreptitious glances out the window of the pretty first-floor apartment she was showing Lady Worthington. Goodness, it was almost time for Hector to arrive. Nevertheless, when Patience had asked, Jane couldn’t very well have refused to show Patience the rest of the house. A smart curricle pulled up in front of the house. “Patience, do you mind if I leave you? I have some other things I must attend to.”
“Not at all, my dear. Please do not let me keep you from your duties.”
