“We found it.” Lissa’s whisper was filled with excitement as she grabbed on to his arm.
“I believe we did. Shall we check?”
Nodding excitedly, she let go of his arm and nudged him forward.
He turned the nob, expecting it to be locked, but it moved and the door opened inward to inky blackness. “We’ll need a lantern.”
“There must be one in here. Let’s—”
The sound of the ballroom door opening interrupted her, and he quietly shut the secret door.
Without a word, Lissa tiptoed back to him, and they moved the silent gun case back into position. Just as he steeled himself for the click, Lissa let out a moan.
“Oh, Anthony,mi amour.”
He pulled her into his arms as a shadow blocked the light into the room. “I must have you.” He lowered his head to her neck, undoing the tie at the back of her dress, waiting for the person to interrupt. When they didn’t, he kept going, lowering her dress a bit and kissing her chest.Ballocks. He forgot she wore no stays. What was the person waiting for?
“Wait.” Lissa’s voice sounded breathless as she grabbed his shoulders.
He stopped. “But I can’t.” He hoped he sounded desperate, though anger was riding him hard.
“Please, Anthony. Someone is here.”
He looked over his shoulder as if he hadn’t known they had company. “Lord Leighhall.” Quickly, he lifted Lissa’s dress to cover her bare chest. “I didn’t know you were there.”
The man took a couple steps into the room. “I’m not surprised. I can see you were otherwise occupied.” Though Leighhall spoke to Anthony, he continued to look at Lissa.
Quickly, Anthony tied the back of Lissa’s dress before stepping around her. “I apologize if you didn’t wish us in here.”
Leighhall finally moved his gaze. “Not at all. Any room is open to you except other bedrooms.” The man waved his finger. “I allow no orgies unless I’m invited.”
“We don’t participate in orgies.” Lissa’s voice was firm. “I do not allow another woman to touch my Anthony.”
Leighhall’s eyes fixed on her gloves. “No, I don’t suppose you do. Why are you wearing gloves? It is not required at my house parties.”
Lissa used her left hand to pull up her right glove. “As it happens, my Anthony likes the feel of silk on his—”
“Since you need this room, we shall continue our exploration of your beautiful home. You are indeed a most gracious host.” Anthony glanced at Lissa, who appeared completely innocent in what she’d been about to say.
“I just came in to retrieve a couple of guns. Pemberton and I were having a bit of a debate.”
Lissa visibly shivered. “Guns? I do not like them. They killed my family.”
Leighhall’s eyebrows rose. “My dear, if you had your eyes open, you would see there is an entire case of them.” He pointed behind her.
Lissa turned to look. “Oh.” Quickly, she turned back and pressed her forehead against his arm. “Take me away from here. I cannot bear it.”
Anthony held her close and gave Leighhall an apologetic shrug. “I think it best we find another room in which to play.” Leading Lissa past the man, he continued out the door before crooning to her, “I’m here. We shall find someplace else. Ipromise we won’t go in there again.” He continued until they had left the ballroom and headed for the stairs.
When he felt her shaking, he grew alarmed and stopped. “Lissa, what is it?”
She lifted her face, chuckling. “I don’t suppose we should tell our host that I’m a crack shot.”
Relieved, he shook his head. “There are many things we won’t be telling our host.”
“And there’s much he’s not telling us. We need to get back in that room.”
He continued to lead them to the stairs. “Yes, we do. Maybe tonight, after all are asleep.”
