As the coach drew nearer to her street, her pulse hammered. Even though no words were spoken, she knew he was going to kiss her.
“Given the rain,” he murmured, “I won’t be able to give you a proper good-night kiss on your doorstep.” His lips found hers in the dark. His arms closed around her, drawing her close.
She was swamped by unexpected emotions. This was no quick peck. It was as if his lips were an extension of hers. As his hands traced sensuous circles on her back, she was lost to the overwhelming pleasure of melding into one with this man she adored. Her ragged breath ebbed and surged like a raging sea.
Had he ever breathed so huskily before? Or was she just more aware because they were so close?
Her arms came fully around him as her breasts flattened against his chest. She experienced the urge to be as close to him as skin, his delicious sandalwood-scented skin.
She was vaguely aware that he must be as satisfied as she with this intimacy for he made no effort to stop, no effort to cease his little grunts of pleasure.
When his coach stopped in front of her house, she could have wept with disappointment. His head lifted, and he pressed soft kisses on her forehead, her cheeks, and—to her complete astonishment—on the tops of her breasts as his hand cupped their plumpness. Her cheeks flushed.
She’d never felt more womanly.
He walked with her to the front door, though she had implored him not to in the rain. They stood briefly just before her footman swept open the door. Forrester gently ran a finger lovingly down her nose, bent and kissed her on the cheek, then said his farewells as—soaked—he returned to his coach.
In her blissful stupor, she could have wafted up the staircase without her feet touching the steps. Though the man she loved had never proclaimed a deep affection for her, tonight’s and last night’s passionate kisses gave her hope.
* * *
Back in the coach, Appleton let out a huge sigh. Kissing Dot had been most pleasurable. Thank God that aspect of their marriage would answer well. He found her intoxicatingly desirable.
He’d only paid lackluster attention to tonight’s play because he’d been so obsessed over Dot and the fact he was alone with her in the dark. Her low-cut gown had him throbbing with the desire to feel her, taste her, possess her.
The sooner they married, the sooner he could slake his hunger.
Still he could not dispel the notion that had come to him at the assembly, the notion that she might not be in love with him. He could not deny that her response to his greedy kiss tonight was warm enough. There was nothing cold about her. But, then, Dot was possessed of an affectionate nature.
He had only to remember the way she used to tote those damned cats about the city, to visualize the way she caressed the damned things to be reminded of her affectionate nature. Then, too, there was the way her heart had gone out to Ellie’s memory, even though she’d never met her.
Was her generous spirit the reason she kissed so satisfyingly? He wished he could believe she was in love with him—a selfish sentiment, given that he was not in love with her.
Chapter 14
“Sir Elvin told Ellie’s friend to expect us today,” Forrester said as the three of them strolled along the pavement in the direction of the city center. “Her lodgings are above a shop on Milsom Street.”
“What’s the lady’s name?” Annie asked.
“Maryann. I forgot to ask what her surname is,” Forrester said.
“Does Sir Elvin know why you wished to speak with Maryann?” Annie inquired.
He nodded. “Sir Elvin’s the only other person with whom I’ve shared that we’re making inquiries.”
“Because you needed his assistance.”
“Precisely.”
Dot’s stomach roiled when she thought of Forrester lying with his mistress after the play last night. “Did you go with Sir Elvin later last night?”
He shook his head.
So he was not going to tell her where he was. At least he wasn’t going to lie.
“What did you do when you got home?” he asked.
“Papa and I played chess, and of course, the kitties vied for places on my lap. It got rather lively. Lover Boy and Nellie got into an altercation.”
He quirked a brow. “Was either injured?”
Why was it the thought of violent actions aroused men’s interest? “There’s always a bit of blood drawn, and bits of fur go flying, but nothing serious. We’ve become accustomed to it with cats. They’re not as docile with one another as dogs.” She looked up at him. “I daresay like most men, you prefer dogs.”
“I do—but that’s not to say I have anything against cats.”
It did not escape Dot’s notice that Annie looked askance at him over that last comment.
When they reached Milsom the crowds on the pavement thickened. By walking closest to the street, Forrester’s body served to shield the ladies’ gowns from splatters.
“Who won the chess game?” he asked.
Dot’s brows shot up. “Would you care to guess?”
“If I were still a wagering man—which I’m not—my money would be on you.”
She wondered if he were telling her the truth about not gambling any more, or was it a ploy to get his hands on her fortune? After all, he was a noted profligate, according to the Bath Chronicle.
She eked out a smile. “You’d be right, sir.”
“Why so formal?”
“In case you haven’t noticed, there is a disparity in our stations.”
“Not after we’re wed. You’ll be the same rank as me, Lady Appleton-to-Be.”
It was difficult to remain out of charity with him. She had only to think of herself as his wife—she didn’t give a fig that he was a viscount—to forget to be wounded.
And she had only to remember being held in his powerful arms the night before, being thoroughly kissed by him. She could have sighed out loud.
Before a wedding could occur,
