Teasingly, she would dip her hands beneath the water, heading straight for that irresistible prize. Boldly she would encircle the shaft of his penis, running it through her fist. Up and down, up and down, stroking and squeezing until it grew larger, harder, hotter. She would make certain to manipulate the sensitive tip, just as he had taught her last night, brushing across that delicate part of his beautiful male anatomy until his hips were thrusting strenuously against her hand.
The surge of pleasure at this forbidden fantasy was so intense Meredith squirmed in her chair. Trevor lifted a puzzled brow and she nearly fainted from embarrassment. Though he certainly could not read her mind, it felt as though he were privy to her most secret thoughts.
“Do you have any special plans for the afternoon?” Trevor inquired.
“I was going to call on Harriet and Elizabeth and Mrs. Danvers if there was time, but have decided instead to write a note of regret for not visiting.” Meredith sighed daintily. “I find I am rather tired.”
“You should probably take a nap.”
“A nap?” Rose snorted with amazement. “ ’Tis well past noon, and her ladyship just got out of bed.”
In the mirror, Meredith saw Rose lower her head as the marquess gave the servant a censuring stare. “I believe I shall finish arranging my own hair. Thank you, Rose.”
“But I always do it for you,” the maid replied.
“Since I will remain in the house for the day, there is no need for your special skills.” Meredith patted the maid gently on the arm, then turned her back in a dismissive gesture.
With obvious reluctance, Rose put down the hairbrush. “As you wish, my lady.” She gave Meredith a brief curtsy, then turned and began to pick up the wet towels that had been left on the floor, the evening gown Meredith had worn the previous night, and several gowns that needed mending.
When Meredith saw the servant reaching for a second pile of garments, she spoke again. “Rose?”
The maid sighed audibly, gave a curt nod to indicate she understood, and then disappeared. Once she was alone with her husband, Meredith turned back to her mirror and attempted to finish arranging her hair.
Trevor watched her every move from a comfortable chair, his eyes reflecting such alert interest she blushed. Her hands were a bit clumsy as she groped for the pins, but they managed to do a respectable job of twisting and securing her blond tresses.
“I believe I prefer your hair unbound, falling over your shoulders and cascading down your back,” he said lightly.
“Now you tell me.” Meredith swiveled around to face him and smiled.
He returned her smile, and she felt that now familiar sensation of sexual desire begin to tingle along her nerve endings.
“You said you will stay at home for the remainder of the day, but what of this evening?”
“I have accepted an invitation from Mrs. Morten,” Meredith replied. “She is hosting a late supper and then a trip to Vauxhall Gardens for dancing and fireworks to support her favorite charity.”
Trevor grimaced. “How many are in the party?”
“I am not certain.” Meredith frowned. “I imagine fifty or so, including both of my brothers. Miss Elizabeth Sainthill has promised to be there, so naturally Jason will want to attend.”
“The gardens are a very public place. The gravel paths are numerous and secluded,” Trevor commented. “They can be especially dangerous at night if one encounters an unsavory character. Frankly, I am not comfortable with the notion of you going there.”
“Because of what happened last night?” she asked quietly.
They had not spoken again of the incident at the theater until this moment, but Meredith could tell by the flash of awareness in Trevor’s eyes that it was still very much on his mind.
The marquess grimaced. “I do not wish to unduly alarm you, but I believe it was more than a mere accident.” He leaned back in the chair and paused, seeming to choose his next words most carefully. “I think someone deliberately took advantage of the mayhem at the theater with the intent of doing you grievous harm. We were most fortunate I was close enough to prevent it. My greatest fear is that we shall not be as lucky the next time.”
It was a chilling, sobering thought. “What do you propose I do?”
“For the time being, I urge you to accept only a very limited number of invitations. But more importantly, you must not leave the house without me by your side.”
His solution surprised her. In one way it was reasonable, in another not so reasonable. She studied Trevor’s face. She could see the tension lining his brow as he awaited her response. He was her husband. By law he could command that she do any number of things, but they both knew she was not a woman who would ever blindly follow any man’s orders.
For this plan to work as Trevor intended, she must cooperate. Meredith weighed her decision carefully, considering all the positive and negative aspects, but in the end it was the hint of vulnerability in her husband’s eyes that tipped the scales.
Folding her hands in her lap, Meredith fixed him with an earnest look. “I am not certain I agree with your theory. There is no reason for anyone to want to harm me, and yet there have been several unexplained incidents of late that have disturbed and even frightened me. I respect your opinion, Trevor, so I will comply with your wishes, but I refuse to become a prisoner in my own home.”
“Of course.” The marquess let out a long breath. He seemed very relieved by her answer. “I would be honored to accompany you to any social event you feel you absolutely must attend.”
