“What?”
“I believe we both renewed our faith at the same moment.”
“Oh good grief.” She burst out laughing. “You’re quite right, but it’s not the thing to mention it, I believe.”
He laughed too, and they lay together, strangely comfortable in their nakedness, enjoying the exhaustion and the satiety of their bodies.
Finally, she moved, reaching out an arm for her mug. “Ugh. My tea’s cold.”
Reid sat bold upright. “Tea. Damnation.Tea.” He slipped away from her and off the bed, reaching for his discarded clothing, and looking distraught. “I have to leave you. Forgive me. I almost forgot that I have to be at home for guests to tea.”
“What a shame.” She watched him. “They must be quite important guests?”
“I suppose.” He fought with one boot. “M’mother’s crony, Lady Southwick. Not my favorite person, but when one’s mother says be there, I’ve learned ‘t’is easier to just be there rather than try and do anything else.”
“Lady Southwick. I believe I’ve heard that name. Let me see. She has a daughter, yes? Emma something? Emmeline? That’s it.”
He nodded, struggling into his jacket. “Yes her. Nice girl. Known her for years.”
“Of course. They’re your neighbors, I suppose.” She stretched. “And did I not hear a rumor that she was to be your Mistletoe Marchioness?”
Reid straightened. “It’s been discussed.” He found his gloves and turned to her. “But no decision has been finalized as yet.” His gaze met hers boldly. “And after today, I have even more reservations about confirming anything.”
“I’m flattered.” She let one bare leg rise beside the fur, knowing she was presenting a wanton image of sexual desire.
“By the way,” said Reid. “I forgot something.”
“I can’t imagine what,” she laughed.
“I forgot to ask your first name.”
She rose up on one arm, letting the fur drop to frame her breasts. “My name isPrudence.”
Reid gasped out a laugh, shook his head, and left.
