And when he found her, when his hand reached her womanly places and firmly cupped the soft, wet folds—she cried out.
That was the moment James knew he must stop.
Because if they went any further it would be dangerous, both to the plan fermenting in the back of his mind, and to Letitia’s reputation.
It was agony, but it had to be done.
He released her breast and gave it a final kiss, just as he removed his hand from her sex and smoothed down her gown over her nakedness. Then he sat up, eased her into an upright position, and helped her adjust her clothing.
Finally, when he thought he might be able to speak real words, he lifted her chin with one finger and made her look at him.
“That, dear Letitia, is only the beginning…”
He could have sworn her eyes crossed slightly. “Really?” Her voice trembled a little. “There’s more?”
“So much more.”
A sound outside shattered the sensual connection and Letitia shivered and straightened, coming to her feet and shaking out her skirts.
James stood as well. “Don’t worry. They will not know.”
She nodded. “Will you teach me? Show me more?”
He gazed at her. There was no other answer, of course. “Yes.”
*~~*~~*
Harriet and Letitia stood on the steps of FitzArden Hall, bidding farewell to their host and his friend. The worst of the rain had stopped, but the day was still grey and damp, and both women were well protected in their heavy cloaks.
“Thank you again, gentlemen,” said Letitia with a smile. “A most enlightening afternoon, and very enjoyable.”
“Indeed,” echoed Harriet. “Thank you for your patience, Mr. DeVoreaux. I learned so much from you about paintings today.”
“My pleasure, Miss Harry. Letitia, it’s always a delight to share your company.”
“Ladies, you are always welcome.” James’s gaze seemed to linger on Letitia.
Harriet noted the slight blush that James’s words engendered. And wondered what had occurred during the hour they had been apart. She was determined to find out.
Their departure was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a traveling carriage approaching, bumping over the stony ground of the drive up to the front steps. It disgorged two footmen, strapping men of striking appearance who turned to assist a third passenger from the interior.
She was stunning; tall and elegantly gowned, her chestnut hair managing to glow beneath her bonnet despite the clouds and drizzle.
“James,darling…” She ignored the footmen, gathering her skirts and floating up the steps, past the two women without a blink and ending up with both arms around James. “London has been quite intolerable without you. I had to come and find out what keeps you in this desolate country hideaway, and of course to see if you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you.”
With that, she grabbed him by both ears and kissed him passionately.
While Harriet, Letitia and Paul stared at the tableau in stunned silence.
James seemed stunned as well, since for a few moments he couldn’t move, and remained stock still while the woman wrapped herself around him and prolonged their kiss.
Harriet turned to Letitia. “We should leave.”
Letitia, white as a sheet and with an expression that would have made marble look fragile, nodded. “You are correct. We should.” She spun on her heel, nodded at Paul and started off down the steps.
A tinkling laugh followed. “Oh, I do apologize. How rude of me.” She disengaged herself from James. “Do introduce me, darling. Or are these just country maids delivering sheep or something?”
James frowned. “Of course not. This is Miss Letitia Ridlington, from Ridlington Chase, and her companion, Miss Harry.”
“Ah, Ridlington. Yes, I believe I met a very handsome Baron by that name not too long ago. Splendid eyebrows, but completely resistant to my lures. Quite frustrating.” She rolled her eyes dramatically and sighed. Then noticed Paul. “Oh, but you’re not a Ridlington, are you? James,” she glanced over her shoulder. “Who is this delicious gentleman? He looks quite shocked. We must enlighten him.”
She offered her hand to Paul, ignoring the two women on the steps as if they didn’t exist. “Since James has lost his voice at the moment, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Augusta Pierpoint. Lady Augusta Pierpoint.” She smiled seductively. “I’m James’s mistress.”
