She did, however, feel the heat of Albert’s gaze burning down her spine as they made their way outside to the awaiting vehicle.
It seared her just as his touch had.
Chapter 17
They traveled a mile from the estate and stopped on the opposite side of the lake to Rosedale estate. Here they had a picturesque locality that ensured a better view of the Roman ruins that sat on the island on the lake.
Two footmen stood beside numerous blankets set out on the grass under the shade of an oak tree. The day was warm, with only the smallest bit of wind. As they made their way to the blankets, Victoria was thankful for the shade the old oak cloaked them in.
Albert and her brother talked incessantly about London, their estates, and improvements both of them wished to do over the coming months away from town. Not that Albert should have issues arranging repairs about his estate or on the tenant farms, for he rarely left Hampshire as it was. A gentleman was always accessible to his staff and farmers.
Victoria sat across from Albert, watching him, and knew that her mama watched her, but she no longer cared. The man intrigued her, and after his kissing and petting earlier today, she realized he quickened her blood like no other before him.
She turned her attention to the servant who opened the carriage door, helping her alight. They strolled to the blankets and sat, Victoria taking her time to set out her dress. Another odd thing for her to do. She'd never before wanted to impress any gentleman, but again, Lord Melvin made her preen.
It was utterly ridiculous since she had promised herself a future that included no husbands. No ties or children clinging about her skirts.
Paul had cured her of that absurdness, no matter how lovely Lord Melvin was turning out to be. Or how wicked his kisses.
She bit back a grin as Albert came and sat beside her, his warmth and presence making her stomach flutter. She cast him a look and found him watching her, his heated gaze warming her skin.
Her brother cleared his throat, passing her a glass of champagne before taking his seat with them all. The servants passed plates of food of cold meats and cheese, bread and tarts.
"There is a strawberry field just beyond, and also an olive grove that my mother planted during her first years of marriage. She had traveled to Italy as a child and enjoyed the little fruit. You're welcome to explore if you would like."
Her mother held out her hand to her brother. "Help me to stand, my dear. I should like to see the olive groves. I have heard of your mama speak of them at balls and parties and have long wanted to see what they were about."
Albert chuckled, the sound deep and gravelly. Had he always sounded so very handsome before? Could a voice be termed in such a way? After today, Victoria had to admit that it was possible.
"Would you care to join us?" Josh asked them.
Victoria shook her head, popping another lemon tart in her mouth. "No, I would prefer to stay here in the shade. You go on. We will watch you from here."
Josh glanced at Albert, his eyes narrowing a little before turning and escorting their mama toward the olive trees. Was that a warning that passed between her brother and Albert? Maybe Josh had suspected her in the smoking room earlier today after all. She started when she felt Albert's hand cover hers, linking their fingers.
"I'm sorry that we did not get to finish what we started." His dark-blue eyes held hers, and she was powerless to look away. However was she to deny herself him when he was so very desirable? This was a complication in her life she had not planned on. Widow she wished to remain, but never a wife and she knew Albert would not abide having her as his mistress. "I long to be alone with you," he whispered.
Victoria took a calming breath. The memory of his hands, of what he had been doing to her before being interrupted, taunted her needy self. There was something serious misplaced within her. She could not turn into a wanton. Only lightskirts acted so, but here she was, a duke's daughter who could think of nothing but having Lord Melvin's clever mouth on her breasts, kissing and petting her aching flesh.
"Tonight, where should we meet?" She moved his hand to hide under her skirts, glancing behind her to see where the footmen were, happy to see they were over near the carriage taking their luncheon repast.
His eyes darkened, the muscle in his jaw clenched as she slipped his hand over her leg to her aching core, pushing him against her. Her dress hid most of what they were doing, but it could not hide her face, nor Albert’s. Their ragged breathing, the need that shone in his eyes that she knew hers replicated.
He pushed against her, and she gasped, closing her eyes. Her body ached, thrummed, and she would do anything to be alone with him. Excited to see what else they would do when they were. She longed to be away from prying eyes so he could give her what she wanted.
"Oh," she gasped. He teased her in a circular motion. She longed to lie back upon the blankets, to open up to him, to let him have his way with her. So this was what she should have been doing with her hand in the bath…
How wonderfully wicked it would be when they could finish their interlude.
Albert could not stop, nor could he tear his hand from her cunny. Damn it. He was surely going to hell touching a lady in this way—his friend's sister. The duke would call him out, and rightfully so should he catch them. They were walking a fine line of both scandal and desire.
