Page 48 of A Perfect Gentleman

“And he did give me information—not that there’s much I can do with it, for he died before he could tell me the rest.”

“The rest? What do you mean?”

“He was vague, so I fear it’s useless. After he told me about the embezzlement, he said it was ‘what everyone believed’ or ‘what it appeared to be.’ Something like that. As if there was more to it or people were wrong. He said he would tell me when I gave him the money, but then he was shot.”

“Are you thinking my father might not have embezzled the money?” He shook his head. “I fear Baker was simply saying what he hoped would cause you to give him more money. My father himself told me he had lost the fund’s money and he had to replace it before anyone knew.”

“Oh. Well, still, I want to give his wife the money. Her life will be harder now. And there might be a chance she knew what he meant. There may not be anything more to the story, but if there is, wouldn’t you like to know it?”

“Yes. And I cannot but admire your generous heart.” He moved closer. “You are very different from the person I imagined.”

Her eyes twinkled up at him. “Given what you thought of me, I am glad to hear you say so.”

“I have been wrong and unkind.” Graeme brushed a curl back from her cheek. “I have not shown much of that same sort of heart.”

“You came to my aid, not once but twice, however little you liked me. I think that says a great deal about your nature.”

“I will take you to see her tomorrow.” Graeme remained only inches from her, gazing into her eyes. “But right now, I think you should go to bed. After your ordeal, you need to rest.” He circled her wrist with his hand, gliding it up her arm.

“Alone?”

“No, I think not. You are doubtless still weak.” He turned, his hand on her arm propelling her forward, and leaned down to murmur in her ear, “You will require my assistance.”

A breathless laugh escaped her. “I believe you are right.”

They took the stairs at such a pace as to belie any claims of tiredness. Abigail started toward the bedroom Molly had shown her earlier, but Graeme whisked her into his room instead. “ ’Tis far too likely that my nemesis is in there. I’m not risking that.”

Abby laughed. “Molly?”

“Yes, Molly. She’s more Praetorian Guard than maid.”

“But what shall I do without the services of a maid?” She turned to show the long line of buttons down the back of her dress, smiling archly at him over her shoulder.

“I shall be happy to serve you.” Graeme nuzzled her neck, sending bright sparks shooting along her nerves. “In that way . . . or any other.”

“I hope you are more careful than you were last night. I’d rather you not lay waste to all my clothes.”

“I wouldn’t mind.” His low chuckle reverberated through her. “But I promise I will take the utmost care.” He began to work his way down her back, his fingers brushing enticingly against her skin. “Though I cannot imagine why you choose dresses with so many buttons.”

“Perhaps it’s to challenge you.” She felt the flare of heat in his hands at his words, and she smiled to herself. It was embarrassing to have him undress her; he was so much a stranger to her. Conversely, it filled her with a sizzling excitement.

“Mm,” he said in a meditative voice as he stroked a finger down the length of her back. “It does that.” He bent to press a kiss to the skin of her back where her dress now gaped open. His hands slid around her waist and up to cup her breasts. “But it’s frightfully easy to get distracted from the task.”

Abby closed her eyes, luxuriating in the sensations his hands and mouth aroused. “You’ll never become proficient that way.”

She felt his smile upon her flesh. “That depends on the area in which you want to be proficient.”

His fingers circled her nipples slowly as his mouth explored the nape of her neck, the twin pleasures rippling through her. Somehow the soft barrier of cloth between his fingers and her own sensitive flesh made the sensation even more erotic. Abby let her head loll back, resting against him, exposing the side of her neck. Graeme was quick to take advantage, his lips moving down her neck and across to her shoulder. His mouth was hot and seductive, tightening the coil of desire in her.

He lifted his head and returned to the remaining buttons on her dress, and now his fingers were swift at the task. The dress slid farther down as the fastenings gave way, and Abby made no move to hold it, until it hung loosely from her wrists. Graeme slid his hands down her arms, sending her dress to the floor and igniting shivers wherever he touched her.

He went next to the top of her corset. “Hooks now, I see.” His fingers were nimble. “You are well-armored. I feel as if I’m storming a castle.”

Abby laughed, and he jerked the last hook free. The stiff form fell away as he ran his hands beneath it, caressing her. “Ah, this feels much better. You should leave that off always.”

“None of my dresses would fit.”

He pulled her chemise up and off over her head, and his finger went to the red creases left by the stays’ ribs. “I don’t like to see your skin marred.”