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“Oh, Lucien, there was nothing improper about tonight. It was wonderful.”
“I know it, my sweet, but I want to worship your lush body. Remove all your clothes and kiss you all over until you are trembling and sobbing with need. Only then am I going to sink my cock into your quim and pleasure you over and over.”
“And afterward?”
After we do the smart thing and end this.
But her lover did not say that; instead, he grinned. “Afterward, we play chess and drink port.”
Lightly laughing, she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek over his chest, listening to his heartbeat. A sigh whispered from him, and he hugged her, kissing her forehead. They stayed like that for several minutes before she pulled from his embrace, turned around and walked back toward the ballroom where she would smile and dance with a man she was expected to marry, while the one she loved would stand in the dark on the terrace and watch.
CHAPTER13
“What?” Lizzy gasped, her fingers falling from the pianoforte.
Eleanor laughed and nudged her sister’s shoulder. They had been playing a piece together in the music room before she got up the courage to admit her wicked plans to her sister.
“I am impressed,” Lizzy said with a grin, her cobalt blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “Of course, I will help you sneak from under our brother’s nose and attend a gambling den! This is exciting.”
“Shh,” Ellie hushed, nervously looking behind her. “I will need a wig and a mask.”
“Leave everything to me,” her sister said staunchly. “You will not be disappointed.”
They shared a grin, then jumped when the door to the music room was shoved open, and their mother whirled inside. Her eyes glittered with excitement, and her cheeks were rosy.
“Ellie, come quickly,” she cried.
Getting up from the bench, she hurried over and clasped her hand. “What is it, mama?”
“Mr. Hayford is here! There is a sense of purpose and nervousness about him, so we know what he is about.”
Eleanor flinched. “Mr. Hayford is here…and you presume he is about to propose?”
Her mother frowned. “My dear, you’ve gone pale.”
She pulled her hands from her mother and smoothed them down over her day gown. “I never anticipated he would make an offer so soon. Perhaps he has called for another purpose?”
“My dear, no. I believe he is here to make an offer. Now pinch your cheeks and look pleased to see him. We must give the great news to the dowager countess when she calls later.”
Her mother fairly ushered Ellie to the drawing room where Mr. Hayford waited. Her mother bustled away, ensuring she left the door ajar. Upon seeing her, he smiled and bent into an elegant bow. She returned a curtsy, a lump growing in her throat as she walked over to sit on the sofa facing him.
“How are you today, Miss Fairbanks?”
“I am quite well, Mr. Hayford. Thank you for asking.”
He cleared his throat. “I believe the intention of my visit to be evident. I would like to speak with you and then your brother. I know I should speak with the earl first, but I wanted you to know of my feelings of admiration.”
She tried to smile, but it took an effort. “Mr. Hayford, I—”
He impulsively took her hands in his. “I have long admired your beauty and wit, Miss Fairbanks, Eleanor if you would allow. You would make me the happiest of men if you accepted my offer of my hand in marriage.”
And what of my happiness?
Gently she withdrew her hands from his. “Thank you for offering, Mr. Hayford. I…if you would allow me to think on it before you approach my brother, I would appreciate it.”
Her reply stunned him, and it was clear he had expected her to wilt at his feet and express her gratitude. Annoyance flashed in his eyes, and he turned his mouth down in a frown.
“How long do you need, Miss Fairbanks?” he demanded with a touch of asperity.
