Teddy followed happily, and they both wrapped their small arms around the woman. Henry was glad Lucy had found employment with Karrington after Amelia died. The woman had been loyal to his sister, and that loyalty had transferred to Livie and the children.
“Lucy, we weren’t expecting you back tonight.” Julia smoothed the lone curl back in place before she stood, clutching Frederick to her.
Lucy walked over to her and took the baby. “My mother grew tired of me, you see. Told me to get back to work and take care of the people that need a nursemaid.”
Julia tried to stifle a giggle. “We’re glad you’re back. We were just having a tea party.”
“How lovely.” Lucy turned toward the children, smiling while bouncing Frederick in her arms. “Come along, children. It’s time for dinner.”
“B-but I didn’t get to play!” Teddy wailed in a high pitch voice that Henry had become accustomed to during his stay.
Julia walked to him and knelt at his eye level. “We’ll play tomorrow with your mama. You know how excellent she is at soldiers.”
Teddy brightened up immediately at the prospect of playing with his mother. “She’s the best!”
Lucy led the children out of the room, leaving Henry and Julia alone. He rose, removed the small bonnet and flung the offensive article onto the small table.
“You didn’t like your bonnet?” Julia teased, tilting her head to the side to examine him. “Was it not the right fashion for you?
He had missed the easy banter and friendship they once shared. He didn’t only want her physically; he wanted all of her. He loved her impropriety, wit, charm, how she challenged him. It was the first time he had seen a glimpse of her former self, and he realized that he had missed this part of her.
“I am pleased that my unease at wearing a little girl’s bonnet amuses you.” He placed a hand on his hip, trying to look offended. “I’m convinced Karrington would never wear that.”
She leaned toward him as if she was sharing a great secret. “I hate to disappoint you, but I have seen Remington wear several bonnets proudly, including one of Livie’s.”
Henry was astonished at the difference in Julia. She seemed lighter, their past no longer an issue between them. He wanted to hold onto this version of her forever.
Taking her by the chin, he tilted her head back so that he could look her in the eyes. He could see the fear and hesitancy, but he also saw desire.
“You could never disappoint me.” His voice was low and husky, his passion for her evident.
“H-Henry,” Julia whispered, the warmth of her breath seducing his lips.
He wished that he could taste her on them. Pulling her into his arms, he slanted his mouth over hers, stealing her breath.
Julia gripped his jacket and pulled him closer while his hands tightened around her small waist. God, did he miss holding her in his arms. Two weeks without having her felt like an eternity. He had no idea how he had gone three damn years without her, but he would never let it happen again.
Julia let out a breathy moan that went straight to his cock, causing him to grow harder beneath his breeches. He wanted to do something mad like take her on the floor of the nursery, but he couldn’t risk the children running in on them.
He trailed hot kisses down the silky column of her neck. “Come to my room.” His voice was demanding, desperate, but he didn’t care one single bit. He would get on his knees and beg just to have one more night with her. He would do anything to make her his again.
He kissed the flesh of her bosom that peeked out from her day dress. Henry wanted to reveal the sweet treasures beneath the offending material.
“H-Henry, we can’t. Not here,” she moaned out breathily, pushing lightly at his shoulders.
“Come with me, now,” he demanded before his mouth descended on hers.
He let out an animalistic growl at the taste of her on his tongue. He grasped her by the derriere and pulled her closer. Her arms wrapped around his neck.
A loud crash sounded from outside the nursery, causing them to jump apart.
Henry tried to gather himself quickly before he rushed over to the door to see who caused such a commotion. He noticed the shards of a seventeenth-century Italian vase on the marbled floor. Taking a few steps into the hall, he surveyed his surroundings. He opened a few doors and peered in, trying to find whoever was spying on them, but there were no signs of anyone.
When he reached a guest room a few doors down, his hand on the knob, Julia came out of the nursery calling his name.
“Henry, who was it?” Julia’s voice shook, causing him to turn around.
She was visibly upset, worrying at her bottom lip, a trait he remembered fondly.
