Page 22 of To Tame a Wicked Widow

“The Surrey Sexual Freedom Society. The monthly meeting is in ten days time. You could be a guest speaker. I know everyone would love to hear tales from your journal.”

“There is a possibility I might be convinced to do so by the love of my life.”

Her teeth scraped his ear. “Please, my lord?”

Raw lust burned through him as he held her close. “A good start, my lady. But I’m going to need a lot more convincing.”

So she did.

Epilogue

Surrey, October 1814

“Oh, Lady Dare. We are so very, very happy for you.”

Madeline grinned and accepted the warm hugs from Beatrice, then Amelia as they stood in Lady Portia’s gold parlor chatting after another wonderful Society meeting. “I shall admit my shame and say I can now look at you both with nothing but gladness. Before, it was a great deal of envy.”

Beatrice laughed. “Or a churning stomach? I feel like we should apologize to everyone for all the foolish smiles and hand-holding.”

“Not to mention all the conversations we momentarily forgot we were part of,” added Amelia ruefully.

“It happens,” said Madeline, glancing over to where Ethan was dismantling the display of sketches and travel notes with the assistance of Captain Denham. Her husband’s speech on sexual norms and practices of the ancient Egyptians had been extremely well-received, and she was very much looking forward to joining him in future scholarly expeditions. “Dare is the most accomplished man I know, but sometimes I get distracted by how handsome he is. And young.”

“It’s only five years,” said Lady Portia, as she came to join them. “And I imagine there are significant benefits.”

“Perhaps one or two,” she replied with a wink, and all four ladies giggled.

“Hark! The Four Horsewomen of the Apocalypse,” said a voice behind her, and they all turned to see Clayton. “And I’ve caught you blatantly admiring the fine figure of Lord Dare.”

Amelia nodded. “Guilty. A rather nice backside, although overall too brawny for my taste. I like his eyes best of all. Aren’t they compelling?”

“They are. Although I must disagree in regards to brawn. I find broad shoulders and chest most appealing,” said Lady Portia, although her appreciative look didn’t seem to quite rest on Ethan. More on the gentleman next to him. Interesting.

“Indeed,” murmured Madeline with a contented sigh.

“Oh, stop it,” said Clayton, more than a little irritably, tension obvious in every square inch of his tall, leanly muscled frame.

She shared a significant look with the other ladies, and they quietly excused themselves. “Tell me what’s on your mind, Clay. I know it isn’t funds, as you landed that lovely new painting commission. Your father?”

“No,” he bit out, then his shoulders fell. “Much worse.”

“Worse?” Madeline replied, startled.

“I’ve found them. The man and woman for me.”

“But that is wonderful!”

Clayton rubbed a weary hand through his golden hair. “No. It isn’t. The couple is the baron and baroness I’m to paint. Hell, Maddy. She is a pretty little brunette with a rounded backside. He has ebony hair and the hard thighs of an expert rider. Lady Portia pointed them out when we were strolling the other day. When I got home, I had to come in my hand. Twice! I’ve never wanted two people more in my life. But it’s hopeless.”

Her brow furrowed, and she reached out and touched his wrist. Clayton was the most vivacious, happy-go-lucky man she knew, and he looked utterly dejected. “How do you know for sure they wouldn’t be interested in dalliance?”

“I made a few enquiries. Apart from a golden touch with money, they are known for one other thing: being as reserved and proper as any ton sticklers. Maybe more so. The last people in the world who would ever ménage.”

Madeline’s heart sank. “Oh, Clay. I’m so sorry.”

“Ah, don’t be. C’est la vie, as the French say,” he replied eventually, attempting a grin that failed utterly. “Anyway, I think Denham needs assistance moving furniture. We’ll talk soon, darling, so I can live vicariously through your no doubt astonishingly sinful newlywed exploits. Fare thee well.”

Frowning unhappily, she watched him walk away.