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“I never thought I’d see the day.”
“What?”
The dowager laughed. “You have the look of a man in love, my boy. And I am happy for you.” She patted his cheek. “It’s about time.”
First Lionel, and now his grandmother. What look did he have? Was it so obvious? Had Tabitha noted it? Perhaps that’s why she appeared so eager to get away from him.
She’d been quieter than normal the entire time they’d been together, as if some of the spark had left her. Even though she’d come alive in his arms and with his mouth on her, afterwards, she seemed to be subdued again. Unanswered questions swam through his head.
“Perhaps I shall invite her over for dinner one night,” Lady Holcombe stated.
“Let me deal with Miss Crestwood in my own way. I don’t want you pushing too hard.”
“Me? Push? Surely you, jest.”
He sighed. “Did you bring the carriage here?”
“Of course. It’s this way.”
They walked to the waiting carriage. Andrew accompanied her back home since he’d walked to the park earlier. When he returned, he went to his study to do work, but business was the last thing on his mind. All Andrew thought about was Tabitha, and the erotic noises she’d made as he’d pleasured her with his mouth.
Damned cock was still at half-mast. He’d have to take care of that tonight.
Andrew concentrated long enough to go over a contract for a brick factory he was considering for purchase, then he reviewed the cargo manifest of his latest ship which had come into port.
Later that evening, he was finishing the rest of his correspondence when he read a letter from his new estate manager in Essex. There were several issues which needed his personal attention. That would mean leaving London—and Tabitha.
He wouldn’t be gone long, a week at most, depending on how things progressed. Should he write to Tabitha letting her know he would be out of town? No. A few days wouldn’t make a difference.
Andrew informed his grandmother that night of his plans to leave first thing in the morning.
“Please behave and don’t do any meddling while I’m gone.”
“My dear boy, whatever do you mean?” The old lady smirked.
Andrew just prayed that whatever his grandmother did, she wouldn’t scare Tabitha away. He knew meddling was the dowager’s favorite pastime, especially when it came to her grandson’s love life.
CHAPTER12
Aswim in the pond wouldn’t have cooled Tabitha’s heated skin. The things that man could do with his mouth. She thought he had a sharp tongue when he spoke, but apparently the duke had many uses for his sinful mouth.
Some of Tabitha’s married friends had alluded to certain activities that went on between a man and a woman. Tabitha had even found a book with naughty drawings, but it was nothing compared to what had just transpired—the feeling of being weightless, soaring to heights, all culminating in a glorious release she’d never imagined possible.
At least she’d apologized for her behavior from their encounter in the garden. She had told the truth when she’d said she believed him not being involved in his brother’s death. Being with Andrew, seeing the hurt on his face, there was no doubt in Tabitha’s mind that he was innocent.
What troubled her, though, was the fact that Andrew had pressed her about last night again. The man could read her emotions like an open book. Perhaps it would be best to avoid him until the situation with Vance was over.
What if Andrew found out?
He must never know. Yes. It would be best to keep her distance, especially if the worst came to pass and her original plan to drug Vance didn’t work. Tabitha could never look at Andrew again. He probably wouldn’t want to have anything to do with her. The idea left Tabitha heartbroken. To not see Andrew again, to never again feel his arms around her, would be a tragedy. That’s why her plan had to work.
* * *
Two days passedwith no word from Andrew. Had he so quickly forgotten about her? No, if he’d felt half of what she did, his silence must be due to something else. Or he was merely giving her space. Either way, Tabitha was anxious.
The following day, Tabitha returned from Fiona’s home when the butler informed her a letter had arrived for her and was waiting in her bedchamber. Tabitha hurried upstairs, hoping the note would be from Andrew. An envelope was propped against the dressing table mirror. With trembling hands, she opened the letter.
Dear Miss Crestwood,
