“Mmmm … let me see if I can guess. Could it be that in your high dudgeon at my perfidy you have banished me and my belongings to the master suite?”
A bubble of laughter rose inside her. He was irresistible when he was teasing her. “And, sir, let me remind you, there are locks on the inside of all my doors.”
His eyes darkened and he trapped her face between his hands. “It would take more than a few keys to keep me out of your bed tonight, my darling.”
She swayed closer and his mouth hovered tantalisingly. Why didn’t he kiss her? Then she was crushed against him, his lips burned hers and she was lost to the world, to sense and decorum. His arousal pressed against her stomach. She no longer cared if she conceived. She wanted to feel him inside her, wanted to be part of his body, not know where she ended and he began.
With a groan he pushed himself away. He had waited for this moment but his study was not the place and mid-afternoon was certainly not the time. “Darling, not here. When we make love I want it to be without fear of interruption or embarrassment. I’m as eager as you, but one of us must be strong.”
Her eyes were glazed, her lips swollen from his kisses. He almost lost control. She was so beautiful, so damned desirable. To think his own crass stupidity had almost cost him his marriage and his happiness. He would kill anyone who harmed her or his daughter.
“Shall we go and see our baby? She’s adjusted well to being fed by the nurse and is thriving. You won’t believe how much she’s changed whilst you’ve been gone.”
Hand in hand they strolled through the house and upstairs to the nursery. “Isobel, I think I would have suggested you moved my things from your apartment anyway whilst our guests are here. Our private life isn’t open for discussion; such unusual sleeping arrangements would have given rise to further gossip.”
She giggled. “But at least everyone would know the rumours circulating were untrue. Do you know the butler has put all the single gentlemen as far away as possible from the young ladies. I wonder if you’ll meet any of them when you’re creeping down the corridor tonight.”
Petunia was suitably contrite over her misinformation. To explain the true circumstances was not possible as such revelations would be unsuitable until her cousin was also married.
“When do your parents arrive, Isobel?”
“Tomorrow as do four other families that Alexander invited. Finally I’m to meet his oldest friends. After this house party I doubt that I shall be lonely or lack company ever again.”
“From the way the duke follows you with his eyes whenever you’re in the room I doubt you’ll have need of anyone else.”
Isobel blushed. “We have resolved all our differences; I didn’t know such happiness existed. There’s nothing can come between us now.”
The arrival of Bentley was observed from the drawing-room window by Petunia. “Isobel, one of the duke’s carriages has arrived and the most extraordinary young gentleman has stepped down from it.”
“Indeed he has; I’d hoped Mr Bentley might have adopted a more conventional mode of dressing by now.”
Giggling, her cousin stepped away from the window in case she was seen. “I’ve seen one or two gentlemen dressed as he is but have never had the pleasure of being introduced.”
“I have to warn you, Pet, he is as silly as he looks. Alexander and I pray we eventually produce a boy; I shudder to think what harm he would do to the Rochester estates if he were ever to take control.”
Her cousin pulled a face. “Don’t say such things—your husband is yet a young man. To talk of his demise is most depressing, and today of all days.”
Alexander dashed into the room and laughed at their astonishment. “He’s here; I thought I’d seek your company. I must speak to him, but I can’t bear to do it alone.”
Bill solemnly announced their visitor. The butler’s lips were trembling, he was finding it difficult to remain straight-faced. Bentley bowed extravagantly and Isobel was sure she heard the creak of corsets. She stared at him more closely; the young man had certainly gained weight since she’d last seen him, in fact he was decidedly stout.
“Your grace, I am most delighted to be here to celebrate the arrival of Lady Lucinda. Might I enquire if my accommodation is ready for occupation?”
“Unfortunately the workmen have been involved with other things these past few days which has delayed matters somewhat. However you’ll be safely installed next door within a week.” Alexander didn’t bow, merely nodded. Isobel followed his lead and did the same, however Petunia curtsied.
“Allow me to introduce Miss Petunia Illingworth, my cousin. Miss Illingworth, might I introduce you to Mr Richard Bentley, a cousin of my husband’s.”
A deal of simpering and banalities followed as if for some reason her cousin found Mr Bentley amusing. Alexander took her hand and silently they tiptoed out leaving the two together.
“I can’t understand why my cousin should wish to make his acquaintance; perhaps she’s taken pity on him.”
“I think it far more likely, Isobel my darling, that she’s doing it to allow us to escape. Your parents will be arriving this afternoon. It will be a pleasure to have Newcomb filled with the sound of children’s laughter. I’m eagerly anticipating the garden party tomorrow. The weather is set fair; it should be a memorable occasion.”
She shook her head in mock severity. “Are you not forgetting something, my love? Tomorrow morning our daughter is to be baptised. I rather think
In answer he swept up in his arms and twirled her around causing two footmen carrying a trunk to stumble. “Put me down, Alexander, those poor men are quite upset by your display.”
He let her slide down his body, holding her still when her breasts were touching his waistcoat. A wave of heat enveloped her; she forgot she was surrounded by interested spectators and tilted her face to receive his kiss.
Someone cleared their throat noisily and her cheeks suffused with colour, this time from embarrassment not passion. “Alexander, this is disgraceful, you must behave yourself whilst we have visitors.”
“I daren’t let you go,” he whispered, “my desire is all too evident.”
She could feel it pressing into her stomach. She had no idea who was waiting to speak to them; if it was Aunt Lucy or Uncle Ben she would never be able to look them in the face again without discomfort.
“Turn me round; if I remain in front of you and you keep your arms in place I believe we shan’t cause an upset.”
He did as she suggested. She found herself face-to-face, not with her uncle or aunt, but with her parents. Alexander recovered his composure first.
“Welcome, my lord, my lady. You must forgive us, I’ve been in Town for an unconscionable time and as you have no doubt observed we are delighted to be reunited.”
Her father frowned; he was obviously not impressed by their display. For a second she was worried about offending him and then she remembered
“Papa, Mama, we did not expect you until later today. Are the children not with you?” If they thought it a breach of etiquette for her to remain within her husband’s embrace they would be even more scandalised if she moved away.
“Nanny is following in the old coach; we travelled in our new carriage which is why we are here earlier than expected.”
They could not remain as they were for much longer. She must greet her parents. Alexander gently pushed her forward. Thank God, the situation was becoming ridiculous. Isobel curtsied. “You must come and see your grandchild. I can promise you she’s the most beautiful baby in England.”
Alexander spoke from behind her. “I have estate business to attend to so I shall leave you in the capable hands of my wife. I look forward to renewing our acquaintance at dinner this evening.”
She glanced over her shoulder and he winked at her, he was still holding his coat-tails across his front. Stifling a giggle she turned back to escort her parents to the nursery where Lucinda was much admired. She then
