Lady Henrietta’s mouth floundered for a second like a fish gasping for air; her mother’s fingers tightened over the fork in her hand, turning her knuckles.
“I think the evening’s entertainments have been settled; thank you for your concern, my dear. Perhaps the guests would all like to have their dinner now without any more interruptions,” the duchess intervened politely, giving her daughter a stern look as she attempted to redirect the conversation.
Charlotte felt thankful to have more than one ally at the table as Lady Thornton dropped her gaze, smiling into the bowl of soup before ladling a spoonful into her mouth.
“I hope you don’t mind my presumption in having composed a piece of music for you?” Jameson asked her in hushed tones.
“I must confess that I am rather flattered, My Lord. I wasn’t expecting so much effort,” she breathed honestly, feeling the heat that flooded her cheeks.
“How can I not have gone to so much effort when the subject in question is as breathtaking as a sunset itself,” he flattered her, his leg brushing against hers beneath the table in a sensual manner.
The rest of the dinner concluded in quiet conversation as Charlotte and Jameson discussed their love for poetry and art. The chemistry between them was palpable, obvious to all who paid them the slightest bit of attention.
Lady Henrietta, however, was less than pleased as she continued to sulk over her plate, picking at the food with a diminished appetite.
“I think we can all retire to the drawing room if everyone has finished their desert,” the duchess announced excitedly, glancing at her son with a knowing look.
“I hope you are ready to face the masses,” Jameson whispered in Charlotte’s ear as the scraping of wooden chair legs concluded the dinner.
“I hope you will protect me when Lady Henrietta decides to fling a glass at my head,” she whispered back as the lady in question sauntered past them both, her nose stuck in the air as if she were smelling something foul.
Jameson chuckled, delighting in the fact that Charlotte had ventured a joke at the cost of her own discomfort. “Do you suppose she allows birds to nest in her hair, or does she style her hair in that manner on purpose?” Jameson held back as the rest of the guests filed from the room, whispering under his breath.
“Perhaps it’s all her sour thoughts that creep out of her mind and perch on top of her head,” she said, venturing another joke, stifling her giggles when Lady Elizabeth shot them both a warning glare.
***
The evening’s entertainment had been a success with a fervent round of applause. The melody that Jameson had composed for her had been sweeter than anything she could have imagined. Their fingers had danced across the keys together, making a sweet harmony undeniable to all who had listened.
“I enjoyed this evening’s duet, Lady Charlotte; your musical talents are quite unmatched.” Jameson strolled beside her on the way to her carriage as the rest of the guests said their goodbyes and dispersed.
“I still can’t believe that you composed a piece of music with me in mind.” She felt her heart fluttering with the strange sensation again as she looked into his eyes.
“I hope in time that you will come to believe it. I haven’t been able to keep you out of my mind since the moment we met.” Jameson turned to her with an intensity in his eyes that took her off guard. Her very breath stilled in her lungs as she felt her pulse race.
The more time she spent with the marquess, the more she felt herself being swept away by his charm.
“I think your maid is still resting.” He lowered his voice and glanced around as no one paid them even the slightest bit of attention.
Glancing at the carriage, she realized that Anne must still have been fast asleep.
“Come with me,” he whispered hurriedly in her ear and took her hand, leading her away from the carriage and down a path of roses.
“What on earth are you up to?” she asked breathlessly as he pulled her along.
“This.” Jameson spun around as soon as they were out of view and took her in his arms, kissing her lips with a burning passion that ignited the fire in her chest.
“Mm,” she moaned softly, giving herself over to the surprise.
Drawing back slightly, Jameson looked into her eyes. “I hope you will forgive me for being presumptuous, Lady Charlotte. I couldn’t resist the temptation when the opportunity presented itself,” he said, his voice deep and husky as he held her close.
The sweet scent of roses enveloped them as Charlotte stared into his eyes, her gaze dropping to his lips. “The only thing I won’t forgive you is if you don’t stop talking and kiss me again.” Her heart pounded in her chest as a carnal need took over her body, her skin begging for his touch.
“You won’t have to ask me twice.” Jameson’s voice was urgent as he hungrily parted her lips with his tongue, searching her very soul with the intensity of his kiss. His hands slid over her body, exploring her curves and urging her on as she melted into his arms.
I want you.
She felt her heart calling to him in response to his urgency, her skin tingling from his touch as he drew her closer, kissing her harder and longer than he had done before.
