Page 46 of A Countess Never Tells

Perturbed, her brother crossed his arms over his chest. “Yes. You and Kitty are strictly forbidden to anticipate the wedding.”

Kitty shot a look at Ash and swallowed hard. The moment John agreed to the courtship, her mind had leaped to that very possibility. Especially after that eye-opening interlude in Ash’s bed today.

“So when you said I must eschew the company of all women, that included your sister as well?” Ash’s voice had deepened to a guttural, needy sound.

“It did, Lord Ashwood.” John rocked back on his heels, appearing to enjoy Ash’s discomfort. “I could scarcely wish you to debauch my sister, could I?”

“No, I suppose not.” Ash cut his gaze to Kitty, and she had to turn away from the haunted look in his eyes. She suspected he’d had the same thoughts as she.

“Those are the conditions, my lord. Will you abide by them for the duration of your courtship?” John eyes glittered in anticipation of the answer.

“I will, my lord.” Ash sounded very sure then raised an eyebrow. “How long will our courtship last? You must know I am willing to marry Kitty tomorrow.”

“That would hardly give me the time I need to ascertain that you have given up your libertine tendencies now, would it?” Her brother seemed to be enjoying this altogether too much.

Ash’s resigned sigh went straight to Kitty’s heart. “No, I suppose it would not.”

“So how long, brother?” Kitty spoke up impatiently. She’d had enough of John’s gloating for one evening.

“Six months.” John’s self-satisfied smirk sent a chill of horror racing through Kitty.

Chapter 20

Lord Haxby’s words hit Ash like a death knell, though he tried his best to mask it. He’d hoped for something more accommodating to both of them, perhaps two months, although he doubted he’d ever been without female companionship for even that long in his adult life. Even more importantly, it countermanded his need to marry quickly and produce an heir. Perhaps tomorrow he would speak to Haxby about this reason for wishing the marriage moved up.

“That is totally unreasonable, John.” Kitty’s face had gone ghastly pale. “Why can we not marry after the normal three weeks it takes for the banns to be read?”

“Because while Lord Ashwood might be able to restrain himself for three weeks, he most likely will not for a much longer period of time. If I am incorrect, and he manages to pass this test,” Lord Haxby struck his breast in an act of contrition, “mea culpa. I hope he will forgive me for doubting him.”

“Not at all, my lord.” Ash had returned to his cheerful social mask and smiled broadly at the earl. “I happily look forward to that apology.” He bowed crisply. “It will give me the utmost satisfaction.” Cold comfort considering he’d get no satisfaction whatsoever for the next half a year.

“Enough, my dear.” Lady Haxby grasped her husband’s arm not at all kindly. Ash would love to be a fly on the wall in their bedchamber tonight, just to see if the countess was miffed enough with her husband’s highhanded behavior to make him suffer a little of what he was putting Ash through. “You will make us late for Lady Northrop.” She turned to Ash with a smile. “Lord Ashwood, will you accompany us to the ball, or will you follow in your carriage?”

“I think it best if I take my carriage, Countess. Then I will not have to double back here after the party is ended.” He raised an eyebrow, giving her and the earl what he hoped was a devilish look. “I don’t suppose Miss Tate would be allowed to accompany me in my conveyance, by chance.”

Lord Haxby snorted. “You assume rightly, my lord. Come, Kitty.” He and Lady Haxby strode out of the room to stand in the corridor.

Ash turned to Kitty, whose woebegone face wrenched his heart. “We will be together once we reach Lady Northrop’s, my dear. Do not fret.” He kissed her hand, his lips lingering just a moment too long.

“Why didn’t you agree to come with us when Judith invited you?” Kitty kept her voice low and sent him an anguished look. “I want to spend every moment I can with you.” She shot a malevolent glare at her brother. “Especially as we will be unable to do so for much of the time of our betrothal.”

“My sentiments are exactly the same, my love. However, such an arrangement, with me in close quarters with your brother and you in the same carriage, will likely cause undue friction between us.” He lowered his voice until Kitty had to lean toward him to hear. “Best demonstrate to the earl how well I can behave myself, including refusing to put myself in a position that will antagonize him thoroughly.”

“How would riding in the carriage antagonize John?” Kitty frowned, making her look absolutely charming.

“By letting him see how much I desire you, love. It is evident in my eyes every time I look at you, although I can disguise it enough not to be obvious most of the time. However, if I’m seated next to you, so close that I can smell the scent of you, can feel your arm brush up against mine…” Ash had to bite back a groan of need.

Kitty peered into his face and blushed at what she saw there. “Perhaps it is best we don’t allow John to see how deep our passion is for one another. I believe you are correct in offering to ride in your own carriage, after all.” She grasped his arm, sending a frisson of lust through his body. “I am loath to give you up even for so short a time, my dear, but it is likely for the best.”

“Just so.” With care, Ash removed her hand from him before his longings became publicly known.

“Is it settled then?” Lord Haxby called from the corridor.

“You will take Miss Tate, my lord. I will follow after.” Ash released her hand then offered his arm and led her into the corridor. “I will, however, retain possession of her until we reach your carriage.”

With a grunt, Lord Haxby started toward the foyer. Ash followed with Kitty holding tightly to his arm, as though she suspected once she let go, she’d never be allowed to take it again.

Ash took the opportunity of the short walk to savor Kitty’s presence next to him. Of course, he wished it was much less formal and much more intimate, however he would take as much as he could beg, borrow, or steal of Kitty’s company. Now the second greatest hurdle had been cleared, they need only get through the next six months—immediately after the new year, before the twelve days of Christmas had been spent—and they could be together in his bed. A much longer time than he’d anticipated, but if his restraint was the price to pay for a lifetime of Kitty by his side, underneath him, overtop of him, then so be it.