Then she moved her hips back and forth, and just like many other things that had happened with her, they naturally found a rhythm. She took control of their bodies and inched over him. He helped her, holding her hips and savouring every delicious inch of her.
She paused only to kiss him savagely, thrusting her tongue in his mouth and moving up and down. He was about to die and be born again. No wonder that the French called the lovemaking release la petite mort—the little death.
She panted quickly, and he followed her over the edge. When she muffled her scream on his chest, he pulled her up. He held her tightly, sharing his heat with her.
“I will never change my mind,” he said among pants. “You’re my duchess.”
When her breathing returned to normal, she kissed his cheek. “I’m starting to think this holiday wasn’t a complete disaster, either.”
Thirteen
Esther’s day was perfect.
Her body hummed with lovely sensations. The sun was shining, and for the first time in a while, she felt carefree.
The only annoying thing was that she hadn’t found Alexander’s foil.
After she’d shared with him the most intense moment of her life, she reluctantly returned to Minnie’s house, carrying the dowager’s cloak. Mrs. Wilson had performed a true miracle and removed the bloodstains. Mostly. They were barely visible.
Mother rushed to her the moment she stepped into the hallway as usual. “There you are.” She ran a glance over Esther. “How did it go? What happened?”
Esther couldn’t contain her joy and hugged her mother. “He’s going to propose as soon as he speaks to Father.”
Mother erupted in cheers, only to sob the next moment. “I’m so happy. Are you happy?”
“Very much.”
“Wonderful.” Mother fished out her handkerchief. “I’m so glad you like him. I had no doubts he would like you.”
She had.
Right then, the dowager came out of the sitting room. “What’s all this fuss? Why are you crying, Catherine? Esther, what have you done to your mother?”
“I have good news.” Esther handed the freshly washed and pressed cloak to her.
“What’s that ghastly thing?” the dowager asked.
“Your missing cloak. I found it.”
The dowager scowled so hard Esther wondered if the scowl would be permanent. “That’s not my cloak. It’s probably my housekeeper’s. My cloak isn’t missing. My maid found it in my wardrobe.”
“Isn’t this your cloak?”
“I hate repeating myself.” The dowager walked away, shaking her head.
Mother shrugged and wiped her tears. “Let her talk.” She hugged Esther again. “You’re going to be a duchess.”
“Are you really?” The dowager came back with surprising speed. “Are you going to marry the Duke of Richmond?”
She straightened. “Yes, he means to propose.”
Minnie appeared from behind her grandmama, her face pale. “You’re a lucky lady.”
The dowager turned towards Minnie like a falcon who had spotted a mouse. “Lucky? She used her…” She regarded Esther again. “I’m not sure what. It’s a mystery. She charmed a duke while among your suitors, there isn’t even an earl. All barons and viscounts.”
Minnie’s face tensed, and her nostrils flared.
The dowager wasn’t finished. “We came here to allow you to spend time with Richmond. Instead, you waste your time with morning walks and books.”
