Prologue
The steel-rimmed wheels of the carriage clattered over the cobbles. Gerard pushed his beaver hat back off his face and leaned forward to raise the blind. Carriage lamps cast a feeble glow over the brick walls of the narrow lane, where scant moonlight penetrated. Minutes later, they’d reached their destination. He checked the pockets of his greatcoat and leapt down. “Return at one of the clock, John. See to the horses and have an ale on me.”
“Right you are, milord.”
He approached the townhouse at the end of the street. The door opened as soon as Gerard’s boots touched the step.
“Good evening, sir. Mrs. Green awaits you in her boudoir.”
Gerard handed his hat to the butler and climbed the stairs. As he entered the room, the lady rose to greet him in a black negligee, the thin fabric clinging to the curves of her body in the soft candlelight.
“Good evening, sir.”
A slight smile played upon her mouth,lips softly apartas though expecting his kiss. But he didn’t move, this was not their agreement, although his body hardened at the sight of her.
He removed his coat and fought to keep his voice light. “You look most attractive this evening, Mrs. Green.”
“I hope to persuade you to delay your departure.” She poured him a snifter of brandy, a trace of laughter in her voice.
They shared a smile as Gerard took the glass from her. “I regret I must refuse your enchanting offer, I like to take my time in matters of love, and my coachman returns at one.”
“And you will rise at cock’s crow, again, I gather,” she said raising her brows.
Gerard chuckled.
