“Yes, yes, goodnight,” Lord Kerr’s voice responded.
Had they only just entered the room or had they been in the meeting, as well?Mary wondered.
“Well, I had best be off to bed, as well,” that mysterious voice said.
Kerr grunted. “Be good to my wife, Boxton.”
Mary’s eyes widened as she turned her shocked gaze on Gabe.Boxton! She mouthed. Oh, this assignment certainly has been productive.
It was silent for several moments, but instinct told Mary to wait and listen longer.
A soft knock sounded against the open doorframe across the hall.
“Ah. Yes, yes, I know,” Lord Kerr grumbled.
“Everyone else is to bed, it is time that we were, as well.”
That must be Lady Marpol, Lord Kerr’s mistress.
“Or perhaps…” her voice turned sultry, and theswooshof skirts could be heard. “Perhaps you remained in your study because you wished for me to join you here?”
Oh dear, please no.
Rustling fabric and loud smacking sounds echoed through the study, the sound easily reaching the closet across the corridor. Mary cringed.
“Perhaps we should retire to my bedchamber,” Lord Kerr suggested.
Please, yes!
“Mmm, indeed.”
Mary listened anxiously as their footfalls moved across the study toward them and retreated down the hall.
She stood facing Gabriel for countless minutes, both of them waiting until the way was entirely clear before they made their withdrawal from hiding.
When the house was still and silent once more, Mary reached past Gabe to push open the closet door. With a wordless, enigmatic glance, Gabe exited their hidden spot first. Mary awkwardly followed, her long twisted skirts hindering her movement.
She hid her shaking fingers as she straightened her frock. Mary’s heart still raced with the startling force of her completion. She had never experienced a… What was it that the other actresses called it? Ah yes, thelittle death. But that had felt nothing like death. It felt like life, passion, excitement, and exhilaration. Is that what men felt when they reach their fulfillment?
Is that truly what it feels like foreveryone?
