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“Shh, Daphne,” Louisa said with a laugh. “The children will be down in a few minutes.”
Emma walked to the small table in the corner of the room and poured two snifters of brandy and a glass of whisky. After delivering the drinks to her sister and Daphne, she lifted her glass and said, “To women everywhere who don’t live by the rules of men.”
“Cheers to that,” Daphne said before sipping her brandy.
Emma took a smaller sip. Suddenly her mouth was delighted by the smoky flavors. As she let it slip down to her belly, a lovely warmth enveloped her. She leaned back into her chair and enjoyed the sensation.
“Excellent idea, Daphne,” Louisa said after a sip. “I believe I hear little footsteps coming.”
A footman opened the door for Nurse, who held George in her arms. Charlotte charged into the room with her usual easy smile. James and Edward Radley followed her as did Daphne’s nurse, who held Daphne’s youngest, Sarah.
Daphne took one more sip before taking Sarah in her arms. At nine months, Sarah was a happy baby who seemed to laugh more than any baby Emma had ever seen. The boys sat on the floor with their toy blocks while Charlotte sat in a chair next to Louisa as if she were fifteen, not five.
Hearing a commotion from the hall, Emma took one last sip for courage and then excused herself. She walked down the corridor toward the library as Ainsley and Harry strolled toward her.
“Lord Ainsley, might I have a quick word in private?” Emma asked with a smile.
Ainsley glanced at Harry, who nodded his consent.
“No more than five minutes,” Harry replied.
Emma walked to the library and looked around but
saw no one else in the dimly lit room. Ainsley followed her into the room with a questioning look upon his face. “Please close the door.”
“Of course.” Ainsley shut the door and then turned to face her. “How may I be of service?”
How did one ask for a kiss? This was dreadfully embarrassing. At least when she was mostly sober. “I appreciate you taking an interest in me. I do understand your reasons. However, I have a request to make before you decide to speak with my brother-in-law.”
“Anything at all, Miss Drake.”
“I should like a kiss,” she whispered, staring at the floor.
He smiled kindly down at her as he approached. “I believe I understand. You have no wish to be shackled for life to a man you dread to take to your bed.”
“Exactly,” she said quickly. “But not now. Once everyone goes to their bedchamber, I will return to the library.”
“I understand your need for privacy, Miss Drake. I shall meet you when everyone is abed.” He gave her a quick bow and left the room.
Emma’s heart pounded in her chest. She’d done it! Finally, tonight would be her first kiss.
“Have you lost your bloody mind?” an angry male voice sounded behind her.
Emma swung around to see Kingsley rising from the large wingback chair facing the fireplace. How had she not seen him there? “What are you doing here? This room was empty!”
“Apparently not. And you still haven’t answered my question. Are you mad? What are you thinking? You never invite a man to meet you after everyone has gone to bed.”
He stalked her.
“This is none of your affair...again.” Seeing his blazing eyes, she thought retreat might be the best course of action. Before she could take a step toward the door, he caught her and pulled her up against his chest.
“If you wanted a kiss so desperately, all you had to do was ask.”
Simon’s anger at her stupidity was nearly out of control. He lowered his head and kissed her hard, punishing, letting her know without words that she’d been foolish. She pressed her hands against his chest to get away, but he held her tight, slanting his lips over hers again.
Sanity seeped into his mind, and he let his grip soften, hoping she would surrender and kiss him in return. Instead, she pushed away and pulled her hand back to slap him. He caught her wrist and stared back down at her, his ire rising again.
“Don’t ever hit a man unless you are willing to be hit in return.”
