“You truly do have respect for the aristocracy.”
He hadn’t meant to go on about it, but it was imperative she realized she was seeking to marry more than a title. While her siblings had married into the aristocracy, with the exception of Thornley, none of their spouses were active participants in it any longer. Granted, for the women, their choice of husband had created scandal, and the aristocracy was not a forgiving lot, but still they were seldom seen in the thick of things. Straightening, he set his glass aside and edged over until his hip was close to hers, with her facing one way, he the other so he had a better view of her. He cradled her face. “You will be responsible for tenants, farmers, laborers, servants. They’ll come to you when they have problems, when they are ill. You’ll manage a manor house, perhaps more than one. It depends on how many titles or estates he has. You’ll oversee his London residence. Wherever you go, you will represent him, people will associate you with him. I know you’re up to the task, but just take care in the choosing. He will be as much a reflection of you as you are of him.”
“I’m well aware. I’m not going to make a hasty decision. I fully understand the responsibilities I will take on as the wife of a lord. Managing my shop as much as anything has helped prepare me for them. I intend to be a great help to my husband, ensuring he never regrets taking a chance on me.”
“Any man who regrets having you at his side would be a fool. I think you’re too smart to marry a fool.”
“I’m not as smart as you think. I probably shouldn’t be here with you.”
“Why are you?”
“Because I like you a great deal. I enjoy your company. And while all my lessons have prepared me to oversee my duties and responsibilities, I’ve had no lessons whatsoever in how to entice a man into wanting me. As I’ve mentioned, my family has worked very hard to keep me pure and away from those with wicked intentions. As a result, I feel somewhat... unmoored when it comes to being alone with a man. I don’t know how to properly kiss—”
“I found no fault with your kiss, sweeting.”
“It seems to me, though, that perhaps I should practice a bit more, simply to ensure I’ve mastered the technique.”
He skimmed his thumb over her lower lip. “If you practice at balls or with other gentlemen, you’re going to gain a reputation that will not serve you well. I suggest you have but one tutor, one who will keep the lessons secret.”
“Have you someone in mind?” The hushed words came out slowly, seductively, and his body reacted as though she’d brushed them over his skin.
“You’re not quite as innocent as you seem, are you?”
“I’ve read some books banned under the Obscene Publications Act, so I know a few things, but reading is never as educational as doing. Does my boldness frighten you, Mr. Sommersby?”
Her eyes held a challenge that he intended to accept. “Not at all, Miss Trewlove.”
He’d begun slowly before. This time, he offered no preamble. He simply took possession of her mouth as though it belonged to him, and damned if at that particular moment, he didn’t feel as though it did. As though she belonged to him. Every facet of her. Her heart, her soul, her body. Ah, yes, especially her body as she twisted toward him, her breasts pressing up against his chest, her leg swinging up and over his thigh, trapping him within her skirts. Her hands glided over his shoulders, one resting at the nape of his neck, the other sliding along his arm and then ducking under it to splay across his back. Wrapping himself around her, he lowered her to the ground.
She tasted of rich wine and something more, something unique to her. Her soft sighs were sweeter than the trill of the birds in the trees or the rustle of the leaves in the breeze. As much as he longed to unbutton her bodice, strip her bare, he showed restraint because he was well aware that at any moment someone could happen upon them. This spot was popular among boaters. With luck, any intruders would be strangers and a kiss they could laugh off. To be caught doing more... he wouldn’t risk bringing that shame to her. No matter how his body ached to possess her fully.
He didn’t want her practicing with anyone else, exploring another’s mouth. She was daring as she stroked her tongue over his, as she drew his into her mouth and suckled. His low growl echoed between them as he dragged his hand down her back to her bottom and pressed her close so she could know the affect she had on him.
Tearing his mouth from hers, he trailed his lips along the underside of her jaw. She released a tiny mewl. “Do you like that?”
“Yes.”
He took her lobe between his teeth, nipped, then soothed with his tongue. Another mewl. “And that?”
“Yes. I thought only mouths were involved in kissing.”
“How boring would that be?” He made a sojourn along the column of her throat. “If no possibility existed for us to get caught, I’d kiss every inch of you.”
“Every inch?”
Raising up, he looked down on her and grinned. “Every inch.”
She blinked.“Every?”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Every.”
“Is that proper?”
“Probably not. But I would enjoy it and would ensure you did as well.”
“Would you want me to kiss every inch of you?”
“Only if you wanted.”
