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“What is so important that will keep you in London all day?”
“Just business matters. You wouldn’t be interested.”
“Of course I’m interested,” she snapped. “I’m more than just an empty-headed bauble for you to wear on your arm. May I go with you?”
“Not this time. I’ll take you to London whenever you want after we’re married.”
“But why—” A disturbing thought jolted her mind. “You’re not going to visit one of your— Oh, never mind.” She drew her feet off of his lap and put her slippers back on. “I’m tired. I want to go to bed.”
“It’s early yet. You shouldn’t leave the ball.”
“I’ve had a trying day, Daniel, as you are well aware. I want to go to bed. You can walk me to my chamber, or I’ll go myself.”
“I’d rather take you to my chamber.”
She didn’t respond right away. She was exhausted, but she wanted him. Her body still sizzled at his every touch. Moreover, if she slept with him tonight, maybe he wouldn’t go to London tomorrow to visit one of his mistresses. For that was the only possible reason for him to go. Any estate business could be conducted at Laurel Ridge. But if she went to bed with him solely for the purpose of keeping him from making love to someone else… Well, that wasn’t a routine she wanted to set in motion. She deserved far better.
“I’ll go to my own chamber.”
“Very well then. I’ll escort you. Come on.”
He helped her up and took her up the back stairwell to her chamber on the second floor of the east wing. He leaned down, kissed her virtuously on the mouth, and opened the door for her.
Lily looked in quickly. Rose hadn’t yet returned. She grabbed Daniel’s arm and pulled him inside the room, flinging her arms around his neck. She kissed him as though it were her first taste of his maleness, exploring him with her tongue, tasting him, savoring him. She wanted him badly. One kiss wouldn’t hurt, and maybe, on his way to London tomorrow, he might think of her.
He responded with a fiery passion. She pressed her breasts against his hard chest and tugged his hair out of the queue so she could thread her fingers through it. He moved forward, their mouths clamped together, until her back was against the wall. Gently he separated her legs with his thigh. She rubbed her sex against him as his lips moved from her mouth to her ear, her neck, down between her breasts, which were swollen, tingling, and nearly bursting from her gown. He released one rosy globe from captivity and feasted on her nipple, covering it with wet kisses that landed like a flash of lightning between her legs. Her heart thumped against her chest, and moisture trickled in her drawers.
When Daniel returned to her mouth she fisted her hands in his hair, pulling him as close as she could as they kissed. They were both panting when Lily finally broke away. She hoped it was enough for him to forego his visit to his mistress on the morrow.
“Are you certain you don’t want to come to bed with me?”
No, she wasn’t certain at all. “Yes.” Her voice cracked. “I-I just wanted a good night kiss.”
“Dear God, Lily. Please. I’m aching for you.” His voice was full of passion and smoke as he pressed his forehead to the wall, aligning his head with hers. His hard cock prodded against her belly.
Her eyes misted with tears. She had made a terrible mistake. Now he was aching for her, and he would ease his hunger elsewhere on the morrow.
“I can’t. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t cry. Whatever it is, I’ll fix it.” He brushed a tear from the corner of her eye with his thumb.
“I’m just tired. Good night. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow, I guess.” She nudged him toward the door, gave his hand a squeeze, and closed the door silently. Then she threw herself onto her bed and wept into her pillow.
* * *
Thomas walked to the bachelor house, having escorted Emma to her chamber. Amelia Gregory, several yards ahead, walked toward him.
“Good evening, my lord,” she said when she crossed his path.
“My lady, what are you doing out at this hour unescorted?”
“Dear me,” she said. “I’m afraid I shall never get used to this large estate. I seem to have taken a wrong turn. And you’re right. It is late and I shouldn’t be about alone. Could I trouble you to see me to my chamber?”
“Of course, it would be my pleasure.” Thomas offered his arm.
Lady Gregory looked gorgeous in a pale tan ball gown that enhanced her shapely figure. Her dark hair had been swept up, braided, and fell in loops down her back. He took her to the door of her chamber and bid her good night.
“Won’t you come in?” she said. “I have some wonderful Armagnac. It was a favorite of Frederic’s, God rest his soul. I would so like to thank you for your chivalry.”
