Albert was taking up too much time in her mind, but she could not help herself. Whenever she saw him, she wanted to be near him, even if only to converse and spend time. If that conversation and time led to pleasurable interludes, then all the better.
It was out of character and unhelpful to her plans.
She wrenched on her boots, tying them quickly before looking about for her riding jacket. She stilled, swallowing the need that coursed through her blood when she spotted Albert holding it aloft with one finger, a small smile playing about his lips.
He was a devil, and he knew it. He was also becoming quite the rogue. Well, what she assumed a rogue was like. Men of that ilk seduced ladies in hunting lodges during daylight hours.
Which reminded her, if she did not return to the house soon, she would be missed at breakfast, and her mama would be concerned or suspicious.
Victoria stepped over to him, taking the jacket, and slipped it on. "Thank you. I shall see you back at Rosedale."
"Is that all?" he queried, his brows raised.
Nerves fluttered in her stomach. "What else do you want?"
He growled, wrenching her close. He took her lips, and all thoughts of getting out of there, away from him, vanished. Victoria kissed him back, tasting the tart taste of herself on his lips. It was not displeasing. If anything, it made her long for more of what they had started with each other.
He broke the kiss, his eyes dark and stormy with need. "I want everything, Victoria."
Victoria chuckled, but her insides seized with panic. What did everything mean? Did he want a future, to marry her, for her to have his children, and a life together? She wanted none of those things, not after her disastrous first marriage. The idea of being anyone’s property, to be treated with no respect revolted her sensibilities. She shook her head, an impossibility she could never do again.
But a life with Albert would be different. You are different around him.
Victoria stepped out of his hold, striding to the door, and the freedom the outdoors beckoned. "I want lots of things too, but I do not always gain them. I shall see you back at the house," she called over her shoulder, shutting the door on his handsome, if not disappointed, face.
Their little tutoring game was getting out of hand. Emotions were becoming involved and awful and alarming as it was, Victoria was not sure that it was all Lord Melvin who was feeling them.
Chapter 23
Albert strode back into the foyer of Rosedale and directly into the path of the Duke of Penworth. Penworth greeted him warmly before they started for the parlor upstairs.
"I saw Victoria earlier at breakfast,” His Grace stated. “She mentioned you were hosting a card night this evening. Would you mind if I invited some local friends, gentry that I know in this area, and you too, I should imagine?"
Albert rang the bell for tea as they entered the room, warming himself before the fire since the day had turned cooler than expected. "You may invite whomever pleases you. Anyone in particular?"
“Lord and Lady Hammilyn are at home and are close enough to attend. They will, of course, wish to bring their daughter. I hope that it suitable."
"I give you leave to use my desk to write to them. Have a groom ride over and deliver it. I should think they will attend."
Penworth sat on a nearby chair, crossing his legs as a footman came in with tea and biscuits. "I will pour, thank you," Albert said to the servant, dismissing him.
He poured Penworth a cup before doing the same for himself before settling down on the chair opposite his friend. "I cannot help but wonder if your interest in Lord Hammilyn has anything to do with his daughter, which from what I hear is a beauty and one that many a young buck are looking forward to seeing next season in town."
Penworth shrugged, sipping his beverage. "I have never laid eyes on the chit, and I would never marry a woman so young."
"Ah, but remember, Lady Sophie is not so young. She spent several years abroad with her brother, who lives in Spain with his wife. They will return, of course, when he inherits, but until then, I believe they live in Cadiz."
Penworth frowned at this information, clearly confused. "How old is she?" he asked, unable to mask the curiosity in his words.
"I believe she is two and twenty."
"A perfect age for you, Lord Melvin. Maybe you will go into a contest with my brother and court Lady Sophie yourself."
Albert coughed, choking on his tea, having not known Victoria was listening to their conversation. She waltzed into the room. The scent of lavender soap and her usual perfume of jasmine wafted through the air. Albert fought not to take a noticeable breath, the memory of what they had done only hours before clear in his mind.
Penworth grinned but did not comment as his sister sat. "What else are you two gentlemen discussing other than the ladies you're going to court?"
"Nothing of interest, merely the card games to be played this evening. I thought to invite Lord and Lady Hammilyn and their daughter, who Melvin tells me is back from abroad. Do you know Lady Sophie, Victoria?" her brother asked.
She shook her head, leaning back on the settee, clasping a nearby pillow, and holding it on her lap. The scene was reminiscent of a domesticated family enjoying the morning together. Albert could imagine such a vision of Victoria joining him for tea, discussing future events at Rosedale with visitors such as her brother. He watched her, sipping his drink and wishing he could convince her that to be married
