Veronica visibly exhaled and briefly closed her eyes. “I would like to see him right away.”
Lady Margaret nodded. “I’ll take you both there now, if you wish,” she replied, smiling at Sebastian. “He’s been looking forward to seeing you. Both of you.”
Sebastian narrowed his eyes at Lady Margaret. He had not missed the emphasis she’d placed on the word ‘both.’ She had to know they were playacting. “Let’s go,” Sebastian said, managing a smile. “I’ve missed the old blighter.”
Placing his hand on the small of his wife’s back, Sebastian ushered her toward the grand staircase. He did not mistake the way Veronica’s spine stiffened at his touch, and she did not look at him. Instead, she merely lifted her skirts and followed her mother up the staircase and down the first landing toward the end of the corridor. Sebastian watched her. Her elegant chin arched at an angle but trembling slightly, signifying her apprehension at seeing her grandfather. No doubt she was worried he would be far gone. Sebastian was glad he would be with her when she saw the old duke. She may not relish her husband’s company, but she didn’t need to be alone at such a time. She loved her grandfather very much.
As they ascended the stairs, Sebastian’s mind flashed back to their conversation in the coach earlier. The image of lovely Veronica reading to a group of school children and teaching two of them to read captured his imagination. She’d wished for four children once upon a time. For the last two years, however, he’d assumed she’d rather go without children than bear his children. But now, hearing her talk about the village kids, he wondered…was her desire for children why she’d agreed to his condition so readily?
The idea of Veronica and Mrs. Leggett packing baskets and handing them out in the village was a novel one as well. Mrs. Leggett was a fine judge of character. To hear Veronica tell it, she’d become friendly with the housekeeper. He couldn’t quite envision Mrs. Leggett and Veronica together. Was it possible they’d become…friends?
Sebastian’s musings were interrupted when their little party arrived at the door to the duke’s bedchamber. Lady Margaret knocked once and at a maid’s reply, she said, “It’s Veronica and Sebastian, Papa. They’ve come for Christmastide.”
“Come in,” came the old man’s voice.
Lady Margaret pushed open the door and Veronica pulled away from Sebastian’s touch to rush directly toward her grandfather’s bed. Sebastian followed more slowly, folding his hands behind his back, and strolling toward the enormous bed on the dais, where the old duke lay.
“Grandpapa!” Veronica exclaimed, leaning down to hug the duke the moment she reached him.
“My darling V,” the duke said. He wore a burgundy silk dressing gown and sat braced against a veritable mountain of pillows atop the damask bed linens covering the ornate bed.
Sebastian eyed the old man carefully. The Duke of Holden had certainly aged since the last time Sebastian had seen him, but while Sebastian had expected gray skin, protruding bones, and a man who could barely speak, the gentleman before him looked fit with a ruddy, smiling face that was anything but gaunt or pallid.
“Ah, Edgefield,” the old duke said, reaching out to shake Sebastian’s hand.
Sebastian made his way to Holden’s beside and offered his hand. “Your Grace,” he said, bowing slightly. “It’s been too long.”
“Yes, why is that? Why haven’t you been coming to our holidays?” Holden asked, his white eyebrows slapped together over his bright blue eyes. “I didn’t marry you off to my granddaughter only to see less of you, son.”
“Oh, Grandpapa, there shall be time to discuss that sort of thing later,” Veronica interjected, waving a dismissive hand in the air, though Sebastian noticed she’d gone a shade paler. “Let’s just enjoy our time together right now.”
“I’m afraid I’m often called to town for Parliamentary purposes, Your Grace,” Sebastian lied with a wide smile on his face. “But I’m certainly happy to be here this Christmastide with you and Lady Whitmore, and my lovely wife.” And with that, he easily pulled Veronica into his arms and gave her a kiss intended to scorch off her boots.
Veronica’s entire body quaked. A shudder of pure lust swept through her. She clutched at his sleeves, her head tipping back while Sebastian’s tongue mastered her mouth, nearly smoking off her stockings. She clung to him, desperately wanting more, her mind completely blank.
Sebastian deepened the kiss until Veronica was certain she would melt into a puddle on the floor. His bold tongue stroked hers while his hand came up to cup the back of her head and hold her in place. His mouth moved over hers with a skill she had tried to forget, but was remembering now in ways that made heat suffuse her body and settle in the aching spot between her legs.
The sound of Mama clearing her throat made Sebastian break their contact. He left her standing next to the bed, her lips on fire. She tried to take a step but wobbled, feeling faint. Sebastian’s hand moved deftly to steady her elbow. Veronica was limp and speechless. Her breath came in small pants. She quickly glanced at Sebastian and didn’t mistake the flare in his eyes as he took a small step back. He was breathless, too. Good. He had been just as affected by their kiss.
She shook her head and reoriented herself to the surrounding scene. She was still standing in Grandpapa’s bedchamber and…and… Wait a moment. Sebastian had promised not to kiss her. And he’d just broken that promise…in front of her ailing grandfather, no less. Why, the man was despicable. That she’d clung to him and enjoyed it had nothing to do with it.
“Well now, young chap,” Grandpapa exclaimed with a hearty laugh. “I do hope you’ll continue that sort of behavior.” He winked at Sebastian. “We need an heir around here in the worst sort of way.”
“Grandpapa!” Veronica exclaimed, finding her voice again. She lifted a hand and pressed her finger to her burning lips.
“I quite agree,” Sebastian replied to her grandfather, a completely roguish, unrepentant grin on his face. “I shall see to it at my earliest opportunity.”
Stifling a gasp, Veronica swiveled sharply on her heel to give Sebastian a warning look outside of her grandfather’s sight. Oh, she’d have plenty to say to her scoundrel of a husband the moment they were alone together.
Replacing her narrowed-eyed glare for a warm smile, she turned back to her grandfather. “How are you feeling, Grandpapa?” she asked in a desperate bid to change the subject.
“I’m feeling especially fine today,” the older man replied, a bright smile on his face. “Now that my V is here, I feel even better.” He reached out and patted her hand.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Veronica replied, leaning down and pulling the covers over her grandfather’s chest. She placed a hand on his leathery cheek. “You’re certainly looking fit.” She shot a questioning glance at her mother, who merely shrugged.
“He’s having a good day. Aren’t you, Papa?” Mama interjected.
“Where is Grandmama?” Veronica asked next.
