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CHAPTER23
The following evening, Andrew, along with Lady Holcombe, called upon Tabitha and her family at the appointed time to escort them, as promised. He formally introduced his grandmother to Lord and Lady Bedford. When Tabitha entered the drawing room, Andrew was stunned once again by her beauty. She wore a crimson red dress, which pulled in snuggly to accentuate her waist with a neckline just low enough to give the faintest hint of the supple mounds that lay beneath. Gold brocade detailing on the skirt caught the light and complimented the golden highlights in her hair. Lastly, he noted the white satin gloves encasing her hands, hands which he had felt exploring his body, touching him everywhere.
Calm yourself.
It would be in poor taste to have an erection right there in front of Tabitha’s parents. Of course, if anyone saw the way Andrew hungrily took in Tabitha’s appearance, it wouldn’t take much for them to guess his thoughts.
When he handed her up into the carriage, he leaned in and whispered. “I could make love to you with everything off but those gloves.” He was rewarded with a hint of color that deepened her cheeks.
The line of carriages at Lord Carlsworth’s home circled around the block. When the party finally descended from their conveyance, torches set up on both side of the stairs led guests up to the grand front entrance where their host greeted them. Andrew led Tabitha into the ballroom, where the dancing had already begun. Many of the guests near them stopped to stare at the couple. Andrew wanted to puff his chest out like a proud peacock, pronouncing to everyone that he and Tabitha were in love. She gave his arm a gentle squeeze and peered at him before they entered the crowd.
Lord Bedford almost immediately excused himself to speak to some acquaintances. The dowager duchess guided Lady Bedford to the other side of the room, where chairs were positioned for the matrons to have a good view of the dancing. No doubt, Tabitha’s mother would tell anyone who listened that her daughter was being escorted by a duke. It seemed any rumors or whispered accusations against him were easily forgotten by the Viscountess.
Andrew led Tabitha around the outskirts of the crowd as they acknowledged several people and stopped to chat once or twice. He spotted Lionel out of the corner of his eye and motioned to Tabitha.
“There is someone I’d like you to meet.”
He led her over to Lionel, who was all smiles for the couple.
“Good evening, Andrew.” His friend switched his attention to Tabitha. “May I be introduced to this lovely creature?” Lionel lifted Tabitha’s hand to his lips.
“Against my better judgement, I will. Miss Tabitha Crestwood, I would like to introduce you to Lord Lionel Batting. We have been friends for longer than I care to remember.”
Lionel chuckled.
“A pleasure to meet you, my lord.” Tabitha curtsied.
“The pleasure is all mine. I’ve heard a lot about you, Miss Crestwood. I’m delighted to finally meet you.”
“I hope I am all Andrew has led you to believe.”
“On the contrary, Miss Crestwood, you exceed my expectations.” Lionel gave a knowing smile. “I take this public display to mean that you, old chap, are off the market?”
Andrew tried to play along and look appalled at the idea of not having an endless stream of women throwing themselves at him, but he couldn’t. He was just so damned happy to be with Tabitha.
“I’m afraid, Lionel, that it does. I leave it in your capable hands to console all the young ladies who will be disheartened by the news that I am no longer eligible.”
Lionel stood straight. “I will do my best, starting with Miss Whitehall over there, who appears quite distressed at seeing you with your lady love.”
The trio snuck a peek at the lady in question, who appeared to be glaring at Tabitha. As if to reiterate the fact that he was with Tabitha, he pulled her closer until his legs were almost lost in her skirts.
“If you will excuse me, Miss Crestwood, I must attend to the distressed lady.” Lionel bowed.
“Of course, my lord. May I wish you good luck in your endeavor.”
“Thank you. I think I shall need it.”
Lionel made a beeline for Miss Whitehall, but Andrew didn’t wait around to see the conclusion. Instead, he turned to Tabitha. “May I have this dance?”
She smiled, putting her hand in his as he led her onto the dance floor. The instant he put his arms around her, Andrew’s lust rose quick and urgent.Will I ever get enough of her?The answer was an emphatic no. Sometimes it shocked Andrew at how utterly and deeply he loved Tabitha, but he knew he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The couple swept across the floor with the other guests. They didn’t speak. There was no need for words when Andrew already knew how Tabitha sounded in the midst of an orgasm or how she looked after being thoroughly loved.
Andrew held her close—some would say too close for propriety, but neither of them cared. They only had eyes for each other.
Near the end of the dance, Andrew finally spoke. “When can I see you again—in private? I want you in my bed begging me to fuck you.”
He knew his words had the desired effect when he heard her sharp intake of air.
